The first interactive cruise store in the United Kingdom opens its doors to the public on Tuesday, January 9. Deal specialists Cruise1st.co.uk utilise virtual reality and interactive maps, and hope to attract more new-to-cruise clients.
Opening at The Lowry Shopping Centre, Manchester, the store provides real-life experts, while utilising the latest technology to take 3D tours of resorts, hotels and ships, while multiple touch screen monitors provide key information where clients can research and plan a cruise.
Dan Townsley, Chief executive of Cruise1st, said that people still find choosing the right trip confusing, especially those new to cruising.
He added that the more intense cruise experiences, such as land tours around India, water falls in Venezuela, Terrocata Army and Great Wall China tours, are difficult to sell via the internet as cruisers feel more confident booking these extended destination voyages with the peace of mind they can sit in front of someone and ask any questions they may have prior to committing.