The Launch of Culture Cruises … a new approach

Culture Cruises … more than just a cruise

Culture Cruises Limited is pleased to announce the arrival of a new company dealing exclusively with small ship cruising, river cruises and expedition voyages. The new firm will specialise in special interest cruises.

CULTURE CRUISES LIMITED

A new UK-based niche cruise marketing organisation opened last week when Culture Cruises Limited launched its website in London.

Culture Cruises logo

The new company has been formed by Kevin Griffin and Suzy Cooper, two enthusiastic culture-loving travel entrepreneurs who aim to provide cruises with special interests: the sort of cruises that they would like to go on themselves. Their cruises will be designed for people who prefer to combine the superb relaxation of sea travel with interesting themes, fascinating lectures and superb shore visits.

This sense of purpose, in splendid combination with the unique “R&R” that a cruise can provide, makes the whole experience more exciting and rewarding for those who want more than “just a cruise.”

The new company was formed as a joint venture in September 2018 and is managed by two directors, Kevin Griffin, and Suzy Cooper, its managing director.

Among others, Culture Cruises is working with Ponant, who are expanding from five ships to a dozen, all newbuildings. Above is Le Lapérouse of 2018 (Photo credit Philip Plisson, Ponant)

Culture Cruises will offer cruises that are equally enjoyable for individuals, couples and groups, and the company will work with only a few carefully-selected cruise operators who provide elegant ships with extremely high standards, and exhilarating itineraries.

Kevin founded The Cruise People Ltd in London in 1992, when the UK cruise market was just beginning to grow (numbering only 229,000 then compared to more than 2 million now).

He was twice chairman of the Leading Cruise Agents of the UK and now holds a minority interest in a US river cruise project, whose vessel is presently operating under charter.

Suzy was a founder member and director of online travel agency Singular Travel, which she formed in 2004. Suzy has worked as an independent tour guide, tour manager for a wine tour operating company, as cabin crew for BOAC/British Airways and is also an Art Historian.

The Singular Travel website campaigned for and provided better deals for single travellers. Still championing that cause, Suzy has now formed Culture Cruises with Kevin in order to help single travellers pay fair prices and also to enjoy the company of like-minded folk … on special interest cruises.

On the river side, Culture Cruises is working with Ama Waterways, whose AmaKristina is seen here at Vilshofen, on the Danube in Germany

Kevin and Suzy describe themselves as “entrepreneurs with a mission.” Their ultimate goal at Culture Cruises is to differentiate themselves from the rest of the cruise market by introducing cruise tours that focus mainly on cultural themes: Art and Architecture and Food and Wine, as examples.

In order to create a reputation for quality and exclusivity, they have developed a small portfolio of selected partners that operate refined ships that carry only between 100 and 540 guests each. They have agreements with Ponant, Ama Waterways and One Ocean Expeditions and are also now working with Crystal River Cruises and Hurtigruten.

Culture Cruises’ first booking was a Northwest Passage transit with One Ocean Expeditions (left, One Ocean’s 146-berth RCGS Resolute)

Culture Cruises has opened as a niche cruise agent, and although its programme has been kept under wraps until now, it has already made its first booking, a transit of the Northwest Passage with One Ocean Expeditions in August.

Now operating as agents for Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) holders, by 2020-21, the new company’s owners intend to turn the it into a fully-fledged tour operator, with its own programmes, lecturers, tour guides, etc. The company is already researching and recruiting suitable lecturers and guides.

Culture Cruises’ new website has just opened and can be found at www.culture-cruises.com while a dedicated blog is being developed at www.culture-cruises.blog.  Or feel free to Email us at info@culture-cruises.com.

For more information please call Kevin Griffin on 020 7660 1450 or 07842 576270