By
Rebecca Lambert |
Thomas Cook has opened 11 cruise concept stores in the UK. Five of the stores have opened in partnership with Carnival UK cruise lines, supporting brands such as P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises. The other six stores are partnered with Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Thomas Cook is one of the UK’s biggest cruise retailers. It has said that the stores mark the next phase in its travel retail transformation and underline its commitment to the cruise sector as well as its expertise in the market.
All 11 stores – located in Aberdeen, Harrogate, Gateshead, Merryhill, Liverpool, Maidstone, Darlington, Bolton, Newport, Plymouth and Fareham – have been refurbished to reflect the styling onboard ships today, and team members have undergone robust training to deliver expert cruise advice.
“Royal Caribbean is driving hard to bring new customers to the category and ultimately to our brands as we step up to the launch of the new Quantum Class Ships – Quantum of the Seas (Nov 14) and Anthem of the Seas (April 15),” said Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean International’s UK and Ireland sales director. “We absolutely recognise the role retail can play in helping us achieve this and hence will be working hand in hand with Thomas Cook to ensure this project is a success for cruise.”
Gerard Tempest, chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, added: “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.”