Australian Website Launch for Cruise1st

UK cruise specialists, Cruise1st, are set to launch a brand new Australian Cruise website in July 2010, capitalising on the massive growth seen in this particular sector of travel over the past few years. Cruise1st is owned wholly by cruise giant, Royal Caribbean and they claim that the new website will be the first cruise site dedicated to Australia that lets customers book their holiday (including flights and any hotel stays) in a one step, simple transaction.

The new general manager of the Australian branch, Sandy Greenwood, has previously managed Bentours and MyPlanet. Greenwood has said that around 15 staff will be working in the new office in Sydney, spread out between sales, administration and management. She added that she hoped the site would bring something different to the Australian cruise industry, offering a massive selection of cruise itineraries from both local and global partners.

"With the growth of online travel agents, and specialists, high street agents increasingly have to lower their prices in order to compete with our cruise deals. We therefore feel that now is the right time to expand in Australia, offering competitive prices in what is an extremely 'cruise positive' market", Greenwood said.

The new offices for the Australian branch will be based in North Sydney, on Blue Street. As well as being able to book online, customers can book by telephone or in person, by popping into the new office. The new site will be launched in mid-July, accompanied by an online and in print marketing campaign.