easyCruise

Overview

Introduced in Europe with great fanfare in 2005 by Stelios (like many celebrities, he goes by one name), the business model for easyCruise was easily the quirkiest endeavor to hit the cruise industry. Stelios, known as a "serial" entrepreneur and the guiding force behind low-fare air carrier easyJet, has designed a cross between a traditional cruise ship and a ferry. Rather than book an entire voyage, independent-minded passengers are offered the flexibility to book as few as three nights, embarking and departing in any scheduled port along the way.

Aimed at youthful travelers interested in island-hopping and sampling the local nightlife, itineraries are scheduled to arrive in port mid-morning, stay until the partying winds down, and then move on to the next destination. However, a hint that easyCruise may be heading along a more traditional path is that fares are now available in packages consisting of 3, 4, and 7 nights. EasyCruise is still able to offer rock-bottom pricing by eliminating all onboard frills and nearly all necessities. Passengers are encouraged to dine ashore since no meals are included in the cruise fare and onboard meal service is limited. You'll also pay for all cabin services, including cleaning, fresh towels, and bed linens. Fellow passengers on easyCruise don't seem to mind making their own beds.

The Rotunda, 42/43 Gloucester Crescent, London, UK, NW1 7DL. 211/211-6211. www.easycruise.com. Cruise Style: Mainstream.