In a major strategic move to dominate the lucrative cruise market, Australian travel giant Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has acquired the United Kingdom's leading online cruise agency, Iglu.
A Strategic Leap into High-Potential Waters
The acquisition, finalised in December 2025, is designed to rapidly accelerate FCTG's expansion within the cruise sector. Company insiders have labelled this area a "high-potential, higher margin" segment of the travel industry. By bringing Iglu into its portfolio, Flight Centre is not just expanding its reach; it is supercharging its growth trajectory in a highly competitive market.
Doubling Down on Cruise Growth
The financial impact of this deal is substantial and immediate. With Iglu now on board, FCTG's cruise-related total transaction value (TTV) is projected to almost double, surpassing $2 billion during the 2026 financial year. Remarkably, this milestone is set to be achieved a full two years ahead of the company's original schedule for such growth.
A Flight Centre spokesperson highlighted the robust market conditions driving this success, noting, "Sales at both FCTG and Iglu have increased 15 to 20 per cent year on year, driven by a resilient customer base and a supply chain that is investing heavily in new ships and partnerships."
Technology and Global Scale: The Winning Combination
James Kavanagh, the Global Leisure CEO of Flight Centre Travel Group, emphasised the strategic fit of the acquisition. "Iglu's integration into our global leisure network is a pivotal step in our strategy to lead in high-growth sectors," Kavanagh stated. "Their market-leading technology and strong UK presence complement our existing brands and give us the ability to scale rapidly across multiple geographies."
Kavanagh went further, suggesting the deal will transform the company's customer offering. "This acquisition and the technology it will give us access to will redefine how we deliver cruise experiences to customers worldwide," he added.
The purchase of Iglu represents a clear statement of intent from the Australian travel leader. By combining its extensive global network with Iglu's specialised online expertise and technological platform, Flight Centre Travel Group is positioning itself at the forefront of the booming international cruise market, setting a new course for accelerated growth and customer innovation.
