Cruise Express Acquires Cruise Connection

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Cruise Express Bus

LARGO, FL (09/10/2024) (readMedia)-- For Immediate Release

Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Headline Media for Cruise Express, 518-222-8073

September 10, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Cruise Express Acquires Cruise Connection

Legacy of Cruise Connection to Continue for Florida Travelers

New Travel Agency Partners Excited for Service

(Largo, FL) – Cruise Express, a women-owned leader in transportation services, is proud to announce the acquisition of Cruise Connection. This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion for Cruise Express, enhancing its offerings with no-hassle shuttle services to cruise terminals along the Florida coastline. Cruise Express currently operates the same services in areas in New York.

Cruise Connection, which ceased operations this past March, will see its legacy continue through the new Cruise Express buses. The transition will be seamless for passengers, and will feature parking and pick up locations for cruise travelers leaving from the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami ports.

The Cruise Express has its roots in New York, transporting travelers to the Manhattan and New Jersey Cruise Piers starting in 2007. Nearly 15 years ago, The Cruise Express grew and began the same service on the East Coast of Florida, servicing The Villages Florida market to Tampa, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. This new growth, with the acquisition of Cruise Connection, will enable The Cruise Express to transport patrons to and from the West coast of Florida, like the Fort Lauderdale and Miami Cruise Piers. This includes all major cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise, Holland America Cruise Line, and more.

The Cruise Express is an all-in-one service that provides transportation for Cruisers from a safe parking location to the port of departure. This service includes perks such as leather reclining seats, cup holders, WIFI, USB ports, overhead baggage compartments, lavatories, free parking in St. Petersburg and Sarasota, and baggage handling to the cruise ship.

"We are excited to bring Cruise Connection's trusted service under the Cruise Express umbrella," said Erin Duckett, Co-owner of Cruise Express. "Our commitment to providing reliable and convenient transportation solutions is unwavering, and this acquisition allows us to extend that promise to more travelers in Florida."

A number of travel agency partners are already anticipating an influx of bookings as a result of Cruise Express's growth. Jennifer Brink, the Manager of Gulf Coast Travel World will be among the growing team of experts helping travelers book their getaways. "I am thrilled that The Cruise Express will be continuing Cruise Connection's service. It's a fast and reliable way to get our customers to the pier–and the passengers love the hassle-free luxury of the trip."

Cruise Express, known for its dedication to customer satisfaction and quality service, will ensure that the high standards set by Cruise Connection are not only met but exceeded. As a women-owned business, Cruise Express takes pride in its leadership and the innovative approach Duckett brings to the industry.

Travelers can look forward to the same exceptional service and convenience that they have come to expect from Cruise Connection, now with the added benefits and resources of Cruise Express. The acquisition underscores Cruise Express's commitment to growth and excellence in the transportation sector. Parking services are being provided by the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, The Mall at University Town Center, Pilot Travel Center in Punta Gorda, and the McDonald's off of i75 in Fort Myers.

For more information about the new services and schedules, visit www.thecruiseexpress.com.

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About Cruise Express. Cruise Express is a premier transportation service provider, dedicated to offering seamless travel experiences to cruise terminals and other destinations. The Cruise Express has transported over 100,000 passengers to and from various ports safely for over 20 years.