Business as usual for Australian operations.
German online cruise specialist Dreamlines has just confirmed the 100% acquisition of UK-based Cruise1st, which also has significant operations in Australia.
Dreamlines said the deal signals its entry into the UK cruise market, alongside its existing operations in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Russia, Brazil and the USA as well as Australia.
In Australia both businesses will continue to operate as normal, as CruiseAway by Dreamlines on the Gold Coast and Cruise1st in Sydney.
“The managing directors Alastair Fernie (CruiseAway by Dreamlines) and Carl Frier (Cruise1st) are aligned on the joint goal to grow the Australian cruise market,” a statement noted.
The TTV of the combined brands was more than 320 million Euros last year, which is expected to grow to more than 400 million Euros in 2018 making the business the largest cruise OTA outside of the US market.
More details in tomorrow’s Travel Daily and Cruise Weekly next week.