Gill’s expands with ‘new to cruise’ division
Leading independent cruise agency Gill’s Cruise Centre is expanding by opening a new sales office to cater specifically for ‘new to cruise’ holidaymakers.
The Cardiff-based company is to establish the new venture in London under the Baker Street Cruise Club brand name.
BSCC will be headed by Gills Cruise veteran Tom Macklin who will be supported by a team of experienced cruise sales staff.
Based in offices at 83 Baker Street, the new business will be operational from June 9.
The expansion by Gill’s, one of the UK’s most experienced specialist cruise agencies having been established more than 50 years, comes against a background of a buoyant cruise market.
The number of British cruise passengers grew by 11% last year to 1.3 million and is forecast to rise to 1.55 million in 2008, according to trade body the Passenger Shipping Association.
A growing proportion of these are holidaymakers who have never cruised before, according to Gill’s.
Gill’s Cruise Centre chairman Alistair Gill said: “Our main aim is to target the increasing ‘new to cruise’ market, providing an unrivalled expertise from a wealth of experience.
“Advising and directing clients who haven’t been on a cruise holiday before to the product and itinerary that suits them is our main objective with this new venture.â€
He added that Baker Street Cruise Club staff had been selected for their expert knowledge of all aspects of cruising.
“The sales team will be made up of consultants who have a vast knowledge and have considerable experience in selling cruises,†said Gill.
“Each member of the sales team will have a background in the industry previously working for top agents and/or with cruise operators directly.
“By having such a wealth of experience we will be able to service new to cruise clients effectively, steering them in the direction of the perfect cruise holiday.â€
*The web address is www.bakerstreetcruise.com and the telephone number is 020 7118 8000.
by Phil Davies
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