Cruisefusion shuts shop

CRUISEFUSION, the wholesale division of Cruise1st Australia, has announced it will no longer accept new bookings from travel agents due to current trading conditions and uncertainty around the ongoing impact of coronavirus (CW breaking news).

Cruise1st established Cruisefusion a few years ago when the business was partowned by Carl Frier, who continues to lead the company, which has since been taken over by German OTA giant Dreamlines (CW 17 May 2018).

Late on Fri afternoon Frier emailed Cruisefusion’s trade partners to advise that the wholesale operation had “decided to cease taking any new bookings effective immediately.

“This is a very regrettable decision, but based on the current situation necessary,” he said, noting that no existing bookings would be impacted.

“Be assured these will be processed and supported as they would have been without the change.”

Cruisefusion had been previously headed up by GM Geoff Hackett (CW 08 Nov 2016), who founded Worldwide Cruise Centres in 2003.

The company’s booking engine was based on the Odysseus platform, allowing agents to dynamically package together flights, cruises and accommodation.

Cruisefusion also promoted its own curated packages “at price points seen in the press that also earns you commission”.

Despite the decision, travel agents have praised the company for being up-front about the situation and continuing to support existing bookings.