Cruise Club UK has launched an exclusive world cruise charter following its acquisition by Ignite Travel Group.
Paul Edge, Cruise Club UK general manager, said the business was acquired by the Australian company last October with a 50/50 deal between founder Randall Deer and parent company Flight Centre Group.
Cruise Club UK was founded 40 years ago by Edge’s father, specialising in cruise 20 years ago, and has been operating from Prestwich ever since.
Two years ago, Edge and his father met Deer on board MSC World Europa which started the ball rolling on the deal.
Edge explained: “Ignite Travel Group were really happy with the team and decided they wanted to invest in the company and sign a long lease on the building we were in.
“They wanted to bring some new products to market and some exclusive deals that really helped us, so it looked like a really good fit.”
The exclusive world cruise charter, called Explorations by Norwegian, aims to combine the best of ocean, river, premium and expedition cruise.
The 348-cabin Oceania Regatta will sail a 371-night voyage from September 2026.
Edge highlighted the company had compiled itineraries specifically for the UK market, with flexible options, ranging from seven nights up to “half-world” and “full world”.
He predicted “the most excitement” would be around the 31-night options, with itineraries opening for sale in a staged process.
Edge added: “There is only a certain market for full-world and half-world, but when you see the pricing and inclusions, it’s about half the price of the competition.”
A full 371-night itinerary starts at £49,990 per person including business class fares to Rome, while an ex-UK 311-night sailing starts at £39,990 per person.
Highlights of shorter sections include a 13-night itinerary from Athens to Barcelona via the Greek Islands from £2,899 per person, a 25-night cruise around Asia for Christmas and New Year from £5,499 per person and a 43-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney from £6,299 per person.
Flights, drinks, hotel stays, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, excursion credits and transfers are included in the prices.
Edge added: “What we’re trying to do is make it more accessible for people wanting to do something like this, so it’s an opportunity that is more affordable without really making any sacrifices.”
He told Travel Weekly the deal with Ignite Travel Group would mean Cruise Club UK could bring more exclusive products like the world cruise charter to market in future.