SHORT-break operator Cresta has moved into the cruise market following the launch of a joint programme with Holland America Line.
The brochure features seven itineraries on two ships – the 1,266-capacity Maasdam and 1,214-capacity Noordam – with departures between May and November.
It will be distributed through 500 mainly independent agents with file copies going to other retailers. A mail and poster campaign will also be launched.
Cresta managing director Steve Kimber said:”We believe this will have strong appeal for our existing customer profile. Holland America has a high quality product in terms of food, entertainment, facilities and crew.”
Destinations include western and eastern Mediterranean and Baltics with ports of call in St Petersburg, Palma, Livorno, Athens, Mykonos, Palermo, Valletta and Gibraltar.
The programme will also build on Cresta’s expertise in the short-break market by offering city-stay options either before or at the end of a cruise.
Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Istanbul and Stockholm are featured city breaks.
Holland America UK sales and marketing director Lynn Narraway said: “This is an excellent opportunity for us to bring Holland America to a wider market. Working with a specialist operator enables us to promote the concept of cruise-and-stay holidays in Europe for the first time.”
Prices for a seven-night cruise lead in at £799 per person for the western Mediterranean itinerary which takes in Barcelona, La Goulette in Tunisia, Palermo, Rome, Monte Carlo and Marseille.