Stelios and eBay rock the boat
posted: Oct 23, 2006

On Monday 23 October, in a ground breaking deal, two of the biggest names on the web are coming together.  Stelios’ innovative new brand, easyCruise and eBay announced that - in the first partnership of its kind in the world of cruising - the public will be able to book their easyCruise holiday on eBay.
 
The deal will see eBay users being able to buy cruises on both an ‘auction’ and ‘buy it now’ basis.  The offer will be available to people all over the world via ‘local’ eBay sites based in the UK, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, India, USA and Australia.
 
easyCruise founder, Stelios Haji–Ioannou commented:  “easyCruise is a pioneering brand which consistently fights against the norm in the cruise industry both in terms of our offering and our prices, so to be the first to offer this service on eBay is a natural continuation of the brand for us.  Our primary business has always come via our internet site, www.easyCruise.com, so to link with the worlds online market place is obviously a perfect fit.  The deal will offer consumers a completely new way to book their holidays, and we are very excited about the prospects this brings.”
 
The easyCruise offering on eBay will mean that you can now buy online a cruise to any of easyCruise’s destinations, which currently include the French & Italian Riviera and Holland & Belgium.  A Caribbean itinerary will also be available within the next few weeks.  While auction prices will start at just £1 in the UK, buy it now prices start from £30 per person, for a two night break and £39 per person for a three night break, based on two people sharing a standard cabin.
 
easyCruise is unique in the cruise market.  It offers passengers the chance to see each destination by both day and night.  Staying in port till the early hours, easyCruise allows you to explore the sights, shops and restaurants and then the bars and nightclubs after dark in some of World’s top resorts and cities. 
 
Once back on board you can chill out on the sun decks, relax in one of the hot tubs, enjoy a cocktail in the bar or a meal in the restaurant then dance to the sounds of the resident dj or work off any indulgence in the gym. 
 
Karim Lankarany, Senior Category Manager, Travel at eBay said: "The cruise offers by easyCruise will make an excellent addition to the growing range of travel products on eBay."
 
The exclusive deal has been facilitated by Cultuzz, the only global technology company able to launch content live on multiple eBay market places simultaneously.  Michael Hughes, Global Director of Sales & Marketing commented: “This deal will see easyCruise available in local currencies and local languages simultaneously.  It is a very exciting concept and gives consumers a completely new way to book their holiday.”
 
Visit www.ebay.co.uk - Tickets and Travel – Ferries & Cruises, or www.easyCruise.com for further information.