Cruiseabout has planted a new flag on Sydney’s North Shore. The Flight Centre Travel Group brand has opened a St Ives shopfront, its second in New South Wales and eighth since relaunching in late 2023. And according to Cruiseabout, it plans to open a further seven stores around Australia in 2026 alone.
“Sydneysiders love to cruise, so we’re really excited to have expanded our footprint in the city,” Cruiseabout General Manager Brad Kennedy said.
“We continue to seek out store locations that meet our customers where they are – almost 40 per cent of our online customers are in New South Wales and the average St Ives resident lines up with the average Cruiseabout customers, so it’s a move that made sense.
“We opened our first New South Wales store [in Narellan] in March last year after the state consistently led demand online, and so far it’s been an incredibly successful, and natural, progression having those customers able to physically enter a store and sit down with our consultants.”
With 18 years of experience at FCTG, Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA) Master Stephanie Brown will manage the new shopfront.
“I am so excited to be in this new role in Cruiseabout and in the beautiful St Ives community,” she said.
“I love cruising because I truly believe there is a cruise for everyone. You only have to unpack once; you can do as much or as little as you please and see the most incredible places while you’re completely looked after on board.
“I’m looking forward to being able to connect with Cruiseabout clients and match St Ives residents with their perfect cruise.”
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KARRYON UNPACKS: Cruiseabout’s bricks-and-mortar push is gaining momentum. For travel advisors, it’s a reminder that cruise expertise still sells well face to face, especially in affluent suburbs where demand, loyalty and repeat cruising run deep.
