Cruisingexcursions.com has launched to the UK trade and consumer offering pre-bookable, competitively priced shore excursions and activities across more than 240 popular cruise ports of call – believed to be a first in Europe on such a scale and across so many destinations.

Cruisers will now have an alternative to the excursions offered onboard by the cruise lines – shore activities with a difference, which can be booked in advance of the cruise by travel agents or the direct consumer. Agents looking to boost income with ancillary sales will benefit from up to 8% commission, with transparent pricing meaning they won’t be undercut by direct sell. majority of non-direct business originating from cruise retail specialists.

Initially the company sees the The Birmingham UK based operation is headed up by Sky Blue Transfers MD Simon Purchase with a team that includes Denise Joy looking after trade relations and Simonne Fairbanks as CruisingExcursions.com’s head of product and contracting.

Denise has a travel career spanning over ten years with positions at Lunn Poly, Airtours and Medinland on her CV before becoming beach commercial manager responsible for direct contracting at the Co-Operative Group. Simonne was with Apartments Abroad for many years and also worked at Seligo. A trade support and customer relations team will operate from Birmingham.

Simon Purchase said:”CruisingExcursions.com will offer excellent value for money and we won’t just be duplicating the standard cruise ship excursions – some of ours will even be a quirky! We will have choices including cultural experiences, walking, cycling, waterbus even helicopter tours. Fine dining is another choice – cruise passengers long for a change from the onboard offering but don’t have a clue where to go and how to get there – we will organise everything. We will also cater to the increasing family cruise market including excursions suitable for kids and adults alike.”

Purchase also said: “Our customers will have the opportunity to research, compare and book shore activities on-line rather than rely on the activities provided by the cruise line operator. Additionally the travel trade, many of whom have become cruise experts, who usually find the job stops after the cruise is sold will now have the chance to fully immerse themselves in the whole itinerary and earn valuable extra income.”

CruisingExcursions.com will also offer one-way or return transfers from airports and hotels to cruise ships and will tailor make itineraries for individuals and groups.

Fair trading practice will allow cancellations and changes within set periods and any excursions booked to scheduled ports not visited will be changeable or refundable.