Former Cunard partnership development manager Richard Cross will oversee the Southampton Cruise Centre brand’s development as a stand alone business.

Southampton Cruise Centre now has its own Abta number but remains within the Travel Village group. Group chief executive Phil Nuttall said: “I am delighted to be working with Richard once again and he is the perfect fit for our family business. 

“He is very highly regarded in the cruise industry and his knowledge and passion for cruising from Southampton is a huge benefit to us all. Richard is the second person from the industry who has been made redundant that we have taken under our wings.” 

The agency has been running for 10 years and focuses on no-fly cruises. It now offers multiple search options, including a month-by-month cruise view.

Cross said: “We see Southampton as the perfect springboard for growth in 2021 and beyond and our “can do” attitude and personal service is what customers are looking for, even more so now than ever before. 

“Yes it is a tough market and it has been a year to forget for many reasons, but Phil and his team are so positive and great supporters of the UK cruise industry through Clia and other distribution channels.”