The expansion, effectively immediately, comes amid increasing demand from consumers and also agents wanting access to Cruise.co.uk products.
The new distribution channel will initially just run through Not Just Travel, the specialist homeworking network which is part of Hays Independence Group.
Cruise.co.uk, whose parent company Victoria Travel Group was acquired by Hays Travel last summer, revealed cruise-and-stay packages would open up to the wider travel trade at a later stage.
The OTA's cruise and stay proposition offers three holiday styles within one programme. Customers can choose "Tailor Made" packages combining cruises with flights and hotels; curated "Bucket List" journeys to iconic destinations around the world; or "Hosted European" holidays featuring exclusive hosted sailings, added destination experiences and onboard events.
Cruise.co.uk managing director Tony Andrews said: “We’re thrilled to be opening up our cruise-and-stay programme to the trade for the first time. We’ve spent years refining these packages, which are designed to offer flexibility, incredible value and unforgettable itineraries, and working with Not Just Travel gives us the perfect platform to bring them to an even wider audience.
"Their expert consultant network, passion for travel and alignment with our customer-first approach make them an ideal launch partner. We know there is strong demand among agents for tailor-made cruise holiday options, and this is just the start.”
Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, said: “We are proud one of the UK’s largest suppliers in cruise has chosen Not Just Travel to launch this pioneering initiative, positioning us firmly at the forefront of the industry.
"This unique partnership brings a whole raft of unique packages and value to our network of travel consultants. Cruise.co.uk complements our current market-leading cruise offering, yet elevates it with exclusive packages such as theme park and cruise and escorted tour packages that you simply can’t source anywhere else.”
