Pioneers of casual cruising, Island Cruises, a joint venture from First Choice and Royal Caribbean International, offers an original approach that is relaxed, friendly, informal and very affordable.

Ad-lib dining, a relaxed dress code, a wide array of entertainment and innovative shore excursions characterise this cruise line, which was launched in 2002.

The company was launched with the 3-star Island Escape, and in March 2006 the Island Star, pictured, formerly Celebrity Cruises' Horizon, was added to the fleet.

The 47,000-ton ship received a new look in a substantial refit, before she headed for Brazil for her first winter season with Island Cruises.

With a capacity of 1,700 guests, the Horizon boasts excellent facilities over nine passenger decks, including two pools, an impressive two-storey theatre, coffee shop, health spa and an elegant club-bar and library.

Enhancements include an increase in dining options from the existing three to five restaurants. These will incorporate the popular concepts present on the Island Escape - the a la carte Oasis Restaurant, the Island Restaurant and the 24-hour Beachcomber Restaurant, together with an Italian Pizzeria and Al Fresco Grill.

UK customers are likely to be drawn to the new British Pub, while families will be well catered for with the addition of a children's pool and new Kids' Zone. Island will also be introducing new balcony suites and increasing the number of premium cabins, while refreshing much of the interior to appeal to modern British and Brazilian guests.

Both Island Escape and Island Star make Palma, Majorca, their homeport for the Summer from where they cruise the Mediterranean's most popular cities. In the winter months Santos, in Brazil ,is their homeport with the whole Atlantic coast of Brazil on offer to Brazilian passengers.