Regional carrier Flybe will launch an online cruise brand next week after agreeing a two-year deal with leading cruise retailer Voyana.
Flybe Cruise will offer sailings from Southampton with connecting flights from 33 UK airports.
The programme will include transatlantic cruises on the QE2, Oriana and Navigator of the Seas, along with sailings in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Baltic. Southampton is the UK’s largest cruise port and Flybe the biggest carrier serving its airport.
Flybe marketing director Simon Lilley said: “This is not a move to package holidays, it is a synergy in one region – 40% of cruise passengers out of Southampton live in a Flybe catchment area.”
Voyana, which also offers a range of long-haul holidays, is based in Stanmore, Middlesex.Its managing director Mark Van Straten added: “This is the first time we have sold cruises online through a travel partner.
“We anticipate it introducing us to a more widespread and mainstream audience.”
The programme will be commissionable to agents,as are Flybe flights, and be available from Monday onthe airline’s website atflybecruise.com.