The appointment comes as the company aims to “double sales” over the next 12 months, building on its “double-digit” growth in 2025, according to Hussey, who joins from Not Just Travel where he was senior trade partnerships manager – cruise.
Hussey told TTG: “Creating tailored, cruise-centric packages is something Cruise2 has always done really well. We’re in a really good position to deliver those results, and my industry experience will help us on that journey of exponential growth.”
Hussey has 14 years' cruise industry experience, including various commercial roles with Carnival UK, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and most recently Not Just Travel.
“At NJT, I was using my skills to help franchisees grow. It was rewarding, but I wanted to be more consumer-focused," he said. "I feel I can make a greater impact, almost instantly, at Cruise2.”
Luxury and expedition cruises will be Cruise2’s key growth targets going forward, with those markets “essentially untouched” by the agency since it was founded in 2014, according to Hussey.
“Luxury is one of the fastest growing sectors in cruise, as is expedition,” Hussey added. “We’ve heavily invested in growing that client database going forward.”
Hussey also teased several “exciting new appointments” to be announced over the coming weeks, including Manny Callender-Bankes, who has been promoted from product manager to head of products and marketing.
'We want to expand our portfolio'
Hussey added that Cruise2 had already connected with luxury expedition partners to gauge potential business opportunities, with Japan, Asia and South America itineraries on the company's radar.
“Historically, Cruise2 has done well with a good handful of partners, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises,” he added. “The next step is expanding our portfolio, so we can create even more bespoke holidays, further afield.
“Our growth over the last 12 months has only really happened because of the great relationships we’ve had with our trade partners,” he said. “We want to continue that, and springboard into the new year with the help of agents."
