Ice Travel Group, the parent company of TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com, has partnered with the world’s largest online cruise planning resource, Cruise Critic, to launch a dedicated cruise hub.
As part of a new cruise vertical, loyal icelolly.com and TravelSupermarket customers will be able to compare millions of cruise deals in a fast, simple and user friendly search.
The new hub will appear on both websites and provide customers with informative content, advice and tips, curated cruise deals, and amazing savings.
Stuart Barrett, commercial director of Ice Travel Group, said: “The team at Ice Travel Group are delighted to be launching our Cruise Hub in time for the peaks and wave season.
“This has been an ambition of ours and while we have always sold cruise holidays, as part of the package holiday product mix, this new solution provides customers with a dedicated cruise hub perfect for both those new to cruise and cruise fans to find the perfect holiday.
“A cruise holiday is the ultimate package holiday when considering what can be included: flights, cruise, drinks, entertainment, gratuities and even excursions,” he said.
“With Ice Travel Group being the home of package holiday travel comparison, it made complete sense and we are perfectly placed to offer this holiday type to our customers.
“This opportunity provides a huge opportunity for both cruise lines and agents. In 2024, we will have delivered in excess of 42 million package holiday searches to our partners.
“I really believe we can be a very important distribution channel for our cruise partners.
“Partnering with such a trusted and established consumer facing cruise brand like Cruise Critic was a natural fit as our platforms are aligned.”
He added: “Initial conversations with our cruise partners have been well received, so I’m looking forward to growing the UK cruise passenger numbers together in 2025.”
Stuart Hoare, global director of sales at Cruise Critic, said: “We are excited to join forces with Ice Travel Group, bringing together two of the biggest and most innovative travel and cruise comparison brands. We believe this partnership will open doors for the British public to consider cruising when looking for their perfect holiday. Together, we are set to redefine and deliver a high-quality cruise search experience for the extensive network of users already using TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com.
Mark Patscher – General Manager of Cruise Critic – commented: “This is a win-win partnership all around. For Cruise Critic, it offers the chance to reach and serve a brand new audience of qualified travellers, which is a fantastic opportunity for both Cruise Critic and our partners.
“For Ice Travel Group, it provides the ability to scale their cruise business with one of the most trusted cruise partners in the industry,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to working together to expand cruising’s footprint in the U.K, and help travellers find and book their next great cruise holiday.”
