SixStarCruises creates standalone luxury expedition brand

SixStarCruises, part of World Travel Holdings UK, has created a dedicated expedition brand to tap into “a rapidly growing sector”.

The luxury specialist claims its cruise concierges have spent more time on board “the world’s most luxurious expedition ships” than any other UK luxury cruise agency, giving them the expertise to offer extensive first-hand advice.

The new expedition offering features a website complete with video guides, reviews, and a curated portfolio of global destinations.

Launch partners for the new platform include ultra-luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn.

Customers will be able to tailor their trips to include airport lounge access, valet parking, luxury hotel extensions and bespoke shore experiences, all backed by full Atol and Abta protection.

To mark the launch, SixStarCruises will host an event in partnership with the Expedition Cruise Network on July 21 focused on “the expedition experience”.

Lisa McAuley, managing director for World Travel Holdings UK, said: “As expedition cruising gains momentum and expands into new corners of the globe, we are delighted to introduce these expert-led expeditions through SixStarCruises’ new platform.

“Our relationships with the world’s finest cruise lines go from strength to strength. This dedicated branding investment underscores SixStarCruises’ absolute commitment to our cruise line partners and to leading the luxury expedition sector.”

Speaking at the Clia Conference earlier this year, McAuley noted that the launch of the expedition brand had been delayed from May to wait for a time when the sector was not being dominated by negative press due to challenges surrounding hantavirus outbreaks. 

However, she revealed that six-figure bookings from the sector were still coming in throughout that period.