Cruise lines are facing a challenge to their lucrative shore excursion income with new company Tripashore.

The company officially launched yesterday at an event in Southampton. Travel agent guests were then treatted to a day out in Winchester and a visit to the Bombay Distillery.

Tripashore is offering competitively-priced small group excursions for cruise passengers. It will initially offer 4,500 tours to must-see places in 107 ports in Europe but be rolled out across other destinations.

The brainchild of chief executive officer Lee Strongitharm, MSC Cruises’ former UK commercial director, it was launched after extensive research showed passengers are disillusioned with the tours offered by cruise lines.

Most of those questioned said they did not offer value for money and there were also moans about being herded around in large groups. Strongitharm said: “There are private tour but they are also very expensive. The alternative is small group tours.”

Each Tripashore tour will have an average 12 passengers and they will travel in 20-seater vehicles that are mostly equipped with wifi. The ‘competitive’ price will include bottled water and use of Whisper audio devices.

Eight cruise specialists have already signed up to work with Tripashore. Agents receive up to 18% commission whether they book for their clients or their customers book direct.

For further information visit: Tripashore.com

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