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See photos of Thomas Cook’s new cruise concept stores
Thomas Cook has opened 11 ‘concept stores’ dedicated to cruise holidays.
The stores – in Aberdeen, Harrogate, Gateshead, Merryhill, Liverpool, Maidstone, Darlington, Bolton (pictured here), Newport, Plymouth, Fareham – have been fitted with furniture that ‘brings the cruise experience to life’ and are staffed by specially trained agents. 
The tour operator has worked closely with two of the major cruise companies to develop the stores, which also sell non-cruise holidays.
Five of the stores have been specially partnered with Carnival UK Cruise lines, supporting brands such as P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises.
The other six stores have been partnered with Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Ben Bouldin, sales director UK and Ireland for Royal Caribbean International, said: "When the opportunity to work with Thomas Cook on the introduction of dedicated Cruise Stores arose Royal Caribbean jumped at the chance to be involved, with both parties very much aligned on our collective goals for 2015 and beyond."
Gerard Tempest, chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, said: "We have had a relationship with Thomas Cook dating back to the 19th century and we know our customers appreciate the face-to-face expert service Thomas Cook provide. These new dedicated cruise stores will play an important role opening up the wonderful world of cruising to even more UK holidaymakers."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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