Simplycruises.com is run by cruise blogger Chris Hughes and will focus solely on MSC. It will be a Managed Service Travel Partner (MSTP) of Brilliant Travel, part of the Barrhead Group.

Hughes has more than a decade of experience working with cruise brands on promotional and marketing activities and currently manages a portfolio of Facebook forums dedicated to MSC Cruises. They include MSC Virtuosa Forum and MSC Cruises UK Forum, which collectively have more than 150,000 members. Hughes also owns and operates BeyondCruise.com, a blog integrated with his Facebook communities. 

Hughes launched the venture on MSC’s Preziosa. He said: “My proposition is very niche; I’m committed to solely selling MSC Cruises. People ask me why and the reason is simple: I believe in offering a service that is genuinely based on authentic expertise with in-depth knowledge on one subject.”

“Having a niche is powerful: ask me anything about MSC ships, packages or itineraries, and I’ll know the answer. I can’t say the same for other cruise lines, which means the same level of service wouldn’t be guaranteed.”

The Simplycruises.com website will include custom-built drinks calculators, 360-video footage of cabins and first-looks at new ship launches or features.

Linda Pyle, Brilliant Travel director, said: “We’re very pleased to have Chris on board as part of the Brilliant Travel team.

He’s a disruptor in the market but completely laser-focused on client service which is essential for any cruise business.

“Chris has a global presence with a highly engaged and evolving audience. We’re excited to be supporting Chris in his venture and wish him the best of luck with the brand launch.”