News

For Immediate Release

Cruises International & Just Cruises Join Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Industry Veterans First to Adopt New Program

January 29th, 2010

Expedia CruiseShipCenters has recently unveiled a new program for established travel agencies. The Stronger Together initiative gives existing retail agencies access to the company’s CruiseDesk technology, marketing and host agency model. Two of the largest cruise sellers in the country Cruises International and Just Cruises and Vacations have been the first agencies to take advantage of this opportunity.

Cruises International owner, Ines Turus, started her Chicago based cruise agency over 30 years ago and got her first taste of Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ Stronger.Together culture during the franchise’s annual National Conference held aboard Carnival Splendor this year. “I’ve been in this business a long time and I had no idea such incredible support existed in the travel industry,” she said. “I am amazed at how freely the other Franchise Partners share their knowledge, plans and keys to success with one another. I’m really looking forward to being a part of this organization.”

Matt Cervone, who also chose to convert his Detroit agency Just Cruises and Vacations to Expedia CruiseShipCenters, couldn’t agree more. “We have very ambitious plans for our team,” says Matt. “Becoming Expedia CruiseShipCenters not only increases my agency’s credibility and brand recognition, it also allows me to grow my business beyond the brick and mortar by giving my agents the technology (CruiseDesk) to provide outstanding customer service from anywhere in the world.”

The new locations bring the company’s North American total to 116 retail Centers who all benefit from the economies of scale that come with being a part of a franchise organization. Economical marketing programs, massive buying power and multi-million dollar technology are just a few of the perks that the two agencies will now enjoy as Expedia CruiseShipCenters locations. The host agency model will allow the cruise specialists to provide local support, training and marketing to both center-based and home-based agents in the Chicago and Detroit areas – and beyond.

In addition to the 950 new Cruise Consultants who joined the Expedia CruiseShipCenters team in 2009, several new retail locations are also scheduled to open shortly in Fort Lauderdale and other major cities as entrepreneurs continue to discover the benefits of the company’s franchise opportunity.