Cruisebound, a leading digital-first cruise booking platform, has announced the closing of a $13 million financing round led by Thayer Ventures, with participation from a diverse group of investors, including Link Ventures, former Booking Holdings Chairman and CEO Jeff Boyd, PAR Capital Ventures, Tripadvisor cofounder and former CEO Steve Kaufer, Flybridge, and Plug & Play Ventures.
The company, founded in 2022, has experienced triple-digit revenue growth over the past two years, positioning it as one of the world’s fastest-growing national cruise agencies. Cruisebound’s comprehensive inventory includes over 27,000 global itineraries from 19 of the top cruise lines, catering to a wide range of vacation needs, from multigenerational family trips to anniversary celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Cruisebound’s innovative approach to the cruise industry has resonated with customers, with 92% of reviewers on Trustpilot rating the platform 5 out of 5 stars. The company’s focus on simplifying the booking process, offering flexible payment options, and providing a team of world-class support agents has set it apart from competitors.
“We’re thrilled about the progress we’ve made over the past 2 years, and these funds will allow us to fuel our growth,” said Cruisebound Cofounder and CEO Pierre-Olivier Lepage in an interview with AlleyWatch. “Our goal is to continue innovating and delivering a seamless, digital-first cruise booking experience that meets the evolving needs of today’s travelers.”
The cruise industry is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with significant penetration into younger demographic segments, comprehensive multi-destination itineraries, competitive price points, and diversified onboard experiences. Cruisebound’s platform addresses the complexity of booking a cruise by aggregating offerings across all major cruise lines and providing a streamlined digital solution that delivers agency-level service through both web and mobile interfaces.
The fresh capital will accelerate Cruisebound’s growth, allowing the company to further enhance its innovative features, such as multi-cabin booking, 24-hour cabin holds, and AI-powered customer service. With a focus on sustainable growth and improved unit economics, Cruisebound is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for seamless, digital-first cruise booking experiences.
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