Expedia Makes Investment in Canadian Cruise Seller

Online travel company Expedia made an offline investment Friday, announcing a financial venture and long-term partnership with CruiseShipCenters International, which has 100 retail locations spread throughout Canada. Expedia spokeswoman Katie Deines did not disclose the financial particulars of the deal, but said the company is looking to expand in the United States. "Cruise is the fastest-growing segment of vacation travel," Deines said. "Ultimately it broadens our exposure to offline distribution channels." With the deal, CruiseShipCenters will gain access to Expedia's air, hotel and car rental deals.