Two midsize cruiseships owned by Carnival Corp have attracted the eye of well-established German cruise players.

Market observers in Germany this week said Phoenix Seereisen is believed to be in the process of buying the 38,800-gt, 835-passenger Prinsendam (built 1989) from Carnival subsidiary Holland America Line (HAL).

A Phoenix spokeswoman told TradeWinds that the company was aware of the rumours, but declined to confirm whether it was negotiating a deal for the ship.