Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has acquired Cruise Club UK, a 30-year-old cruise specialist, marking its third UK leisure business and strengthening its position in the booming cruise sector.
This acquisition follows FCTG’s recent activity in the cruise market, including the revival of its Cruiseabout brand, with new stores launched in Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, and plans to expand further in Sydney and Melbourne by 2024.
Additionally, FCTG recently launched CruiseHQ, a wholesale cruise division in Australia, underscoring its commitment to the sector. Cruise Club UK will now integrate with FCTG’s Ignite brand, with Ignite Founder Randall Deer stepping in as Cruise Club UK’s Managing Director. Founder Paul Edge Sr. and his son, Paul Edge Jr., will remain active in the business during the transition.
James Kavanagh, FCTG’s Global Leisure CEO, highlighted that the acquisition aligns with FCTG’s strategic growth in the UK, building on the success of Ignite’s MyCruises model. “Cruise Club will join our current UK leisure brands, Flight Centre and Scott Dunn, allowing us to diversify our offerings and strengthen our global cruise presence,” he said.