Florida Group Buys Orient Lines Brand

Star Cruises sold its Orient Lines brand to Origin Cruise Group, an entity headed by Wayne Heller, founder of Orlando-based cruise retailer Cruises Only.

Heller said that in the coming weeks Orient, which has no fleet, would make an announcement about a new flagship, inaugural cruise itineraries and senior management.

Beyond that, the new owner said he plans to acquire 600- to 800-passenger vessels that are “rich in history and character” and offer an onboard product similar to what Orient Lines offered.