About us

 

Cruiseabout is an award-winning travel business that specialises in a diverse and enormously popular area of travel, the cruise market.

Our business provides a one-stop international and domestic cruise booking service, in addition to providing the very best advice through our network of specialist cruise consultants.

Our expert consultants have been handpicked for their extensive cruise knowledge and passion for travel, plus their dedication to providing uncompromising service.

In addition, the Cruiseabout team has long-term relationships with the major cruise companies. This ensures our people are fully informed of the latest and greatest products and have access to those special deals that are not always publicised.

Cruiseabout was launched in Australia in August of 1996 after husband and wife Ross and Denise Blackmore, of Turramurra Travel, decided to build a specialist cruise business.

The Blackmores’ then set about creating a dedicated cruise centre staffed by focused and highly trained people who were experts in this sector of the industry.

In the ensuing years, Cruiseabout became the second founding member of the International Cruise Council of Australasia (ICCA) and has claimed a string of high-profile awards from Cunard (Gold Inner Circle status), NCL, P&O/Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.

The business continues to enjoy great success and is now part of fast-growing travel group Flight Centre Limited.

As a Cruiseabout customer you will also have access to a 24-hour Customer Care Hotline from anywhere in the world.

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Media Release

8 February 2010

THE CRUISE ADVANTAGE - WHY KIWIS CAN’T GET ENOUGH

With the cruise market in New Zealand continuing to grow at a 27 per cent year-on-year rate, Cruiseabout, New Zealand’s newest dedicated cruise retailer, announces the opening of its second store in Parnell, Auckland.

Cruiseabout's specialist brand leader, James Brooker, said there was significant demand in New Zealand for cruising and the opening of another Cruiseabout is testament to this.

“With greater industry competition and all-inclusive prices, cruises are now one of the most affordable ways of travelling.

“All onboard meals and entertainment, transport and comfortable accommodation for the one price, cruising is not only fantastic value but also makes it easy to plan financially for your holiday as you only require spending money for drinks onboard and day excursions.

“The all inclusive nature makes it easy, especially when travelling to long haul destinations such as Mexico or the Mediterranean where travel time is longer and you want to spend more time in the destination. You can wake up each morning in a new port,” Mr Brooker said.

Compare the cost of a cruise and a standard holiday package, and the difference is obvious.

“We’ve been able to deliver South Pacific cruises recently for as little as $100 per day. This means people receive their accommodation, transport, all onboard meals and entertainment for a single price,” Mr Brooker said.

“If you were to book a standard holiday package including flights and accommodation at a four-star location in the South Pacific, more than likely travellers would be looking at paying more than $250 per day and generally this price would only reflect the cost of accommodation, airfare and one daily meal.”

For families there is also the added incentive of onboard activities that are especially tailored for children of all age groups, all of which are included in the cost of a cruise. Some cruiselines such as P&O offer free kids clubs that provide supervised group activities for younger children, older kids and teenagers. The free onboard clubs are supervised by professional child and youth co-ordinators who run activities designed to keep kids busy and active throughout the day and night. Babysitting services on many cruiselines are also available for younger children in the evening.

Cruising is also ideal for solo travellers as it provides a range of activities and entertainment, giving the opportunity to meet new people. Some cruises companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, offer studio cabins that are designed for the solo traveller at a single occupancy price point.
While value for money is one of the most important aspects of a holiday, there are many advantages to cruising. Travellers only have to unpack once and can visit different destinations without living out of a suitcase.

They can also experience some of the world’s most exotic places without sacrificing any of the conveniences of modern life - cruising doesn’t just mean on a cruiseliner in the South Pacific.

“The options for cruising are almost endless! From River cruising through out Europe, small ship cruising to sailing in Croatia, cruising Africa or exploring the Antarctic, there really is a cruise option for every Kiwi,” Mr Brooker said.

Cruiseabout Parnell opens on Monday 8 February at 177 Parnell Road, Parnell.

For bookings and further information phone Cruiseabout on 0800 22 11 00

For more information contact:
Marie Pilkington
Ph: 021 753 767