Manchester travel firm Cruise1st opens concept store with VR tech

Cruise-focused travel company Cruise1st has opened its first ever concept store in Salford.

The Manchester-based business set up shop within a 5,000 sq ft unit at the Lowry Outlet.

Located on the first floor of the shopping complex, the store features interactive technology to enhance the cruise shopping experience, including virtual reality goggles allowing customers to see what it feels like being on a cruise ship.

The concept store will offer deals from a number of the biggest operators, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Lines, P&O, Princess Cruises, Cunard Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines and others.

The Lowry Outlet unit will also house a team of 48 Cruise1st call centre staff.

Daniel Townsley, the firm’s managing director, said: “We’re thrilled to open our very first concept store at Lowry Outlet this week to cater for the North West’s large cruise demographic.

“Our new store is educational, comfortable and an environment where technology and virtual experiences will give our customers a richer experience that no other travel agent selling cruise can offer.”

He added: “The store complements our TV Cruise Channel, Online & Print media and will help increase our new to cruise customer portfolio.”

Lowry Outlet centre manager Kelly Hurst commented: “We’re delighted to start 2018 by announcing this great new experiential addition to Lowry Outlet.

“Cruise1st offers customers the ideal place to come and research and book their cruises, with expert help from the agents and a fun interactive experience in store.”