Royal Caribbean cruise lines has announced it will launch the Blue de France as a ship aimed at French travelers. The ship will sail out of the Dominican Republic for Caribbean stops during the winter and sail a Mediterranean itinerary during the summer.

The Blue de France, for those wondering, is a 26-year-old ship that has been sailing for Pullmantur as the Holiday Dream. Those with long memories will remember it as Hapag-LLoyd’s original Europa.

Royal Caribbean says the ship will get a thorough overhaul — to the tune of 30 million euros — to transform into something unmistakably French in ambiance. Expect French decor, French food and, yes, a completely French-speaking staff.

There is a nice roundup at MSNBC of kids activities offered by the many cruise lines sailing the Caribbean. The programs offered for children vary widely between cruise lines and even between ships in the same line, so it’s important to educate yourself if you plan on taking advantage of these services during your sailing.