CruiseOne, a unit of World Travel Holdings, announced a global expansion initiative and the opening of its first-ever international franchise in Norway. The Norway franchise is the first of several new international locations to be announced by CruiseOne in the coming months as part of its strategic global expansion plan.
Gunnar E. Todal, a 25-year veteran of the cruise industry, will operate the new CruiseOne franchise from Kristiansund, Norway.
“Over the past 17 years, CruiseOne has emerged as a leader in the domestic-based cruise retail business,” said Dwain Wall, senior vice president and General Manager of CruiseOne and its sister company, Cruises Inc. “Today marks an especially poignant day in our company’s history, as we march forward in our quest to become a true international powerhouse. Norway is only the beginning.”
"The size of the international cruise market is unlimited as people in virtually every nation are seeking the ultimate travel experience,” said Todal. “I am so pleased that CruiseOne took notice of the phenomenal opportunity that exists to seize market share. Combining innovative technologies and a commitment to personal customer service, CruiseOne has emerged as the top cruise retailer in the United States. I look forward to being first to market internationally with their outstanding product.”
Todal has been associated with Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International vessels. His 18-year tenure with Royal Caribbean included the positions of First Officer, Chief Officer, Staff Captain and most recently, Captain.
Todal’s wife Adeline currently operates CruiseOne Allentown and will continue to do so as her husband launches the Norway location.
CruiseOne was founded in 1992 and currently has nearly 600 franchise locations. The company is part of World Travel Holdings (WTH), the nation’s largest cruise retailer.