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19 July, 2024

Flight Centre’s Cruiseabout set to open more stores across the country

Edited by Travel Weekly

Cruiseabout, Flight Centre Travel Group’s revived flagship cruise brand, is preparing to open more stores across the country following a buoyant first few months of operation.

The brand is also looking for recruits for new Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane offices to help customers set sail after the successful opening of two stores, Perth and the Gold Coast, in May.

Cruiseabout general manager Brad Kennedy said customer enquiry and conversion has been strong, reaffirming that cruise-goers see the value in booking with specialised advisors.

“Cruiseabout was relaunched because we knew there was untapped potential in the Australian cruise market, and we’ve been overwhelmed with bookings and positive feedback from our customers,” Kennedy said.

Cruiseabout will be adding to its crew – and opening more stores.

“Cruising is a unique type of holiday, and customers feel more confident when they’re booking with advisors who genuinely have the product knowledge, and passion, for this type of travel.

“With record cruising numbers globally, Cruising is cementing itself as a preferred holiday choice in Australia and beyond, with a strong growth pipeline.

“Our Cruiseabout advisors have an incredible opportunity to not only play a key role in the brand’s progression journey from the very beginning, but work in a thriving, growing global industry and we’d love to welcome more people to the family.”

Cruiseabout Whitford City team leader Sarah Smith has been working at FCTG for 24 years and said opening the brand’s first store was a career highlight.

“I spent four years with the previous Cruiseabout brand and absolutely loved it, so to come back for its relaunch was a no-brainer,” Smith said. “Interest and bookings have well exceeded my expectations…we’ve been super busy; I’ve been really enjoying having great conversations with customers who are planning their next big cruise holiday.

“We focus on selling flexible, fly-cruise packages that generally yield a high transaction value, so there’s plenty of opportunity to see steady growth in commission as an advisor.

“Because we are a smaller cohort, I’ve been able to build strong relationships with my coworkers and customers and even personally connect with leaders in the broader business… it’s pretty special.”

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 73 per cent of cruise travellers said that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise. The report also showed continued demand for cruise holidays, noting intent to cruise at 82 per cent.

Cruiseabout Perth opening in May with Sarah Smith (fourth from left).

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