Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, an experienced global business offering first class ground handling and port agency services to the ocean and river cruise industry, has announced the acquisition of Top Class, a leading French cruise handling company based in Monaco. This consolidates Intercruises’ position in the Mediterranean, providing Turnaround, Port Agency, Shore Excursion and Hotel reservation services in seventeen countries in the region.

Top Class was established in 1993 and today is one of the leading companies in the French cruise handling industry, offering port agency, shore excursion and private yacht services in Monaco, all French ports and Corsica. Experienced teams operate from the French Riviera, delivering services to the world’s major cruise lines.

“As the fourth largest cruise destination in Europe and still growing, securing presence in France was crucial for our Mediterranean operations. We identified Top Class as a good strategic fit with Intercruises, providing presence throughout France and a strength in Port Agency that will enable us to offer a high quality, comprehensive service to clients.” Stated Mark Robinson, Managing Director Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services.

“We are very proud of what has been achieved by Top Class. Our people have delivered an excellent service over the last seventeen years, developing close relationships with clients, suppliers and local authorities that have seen us excel in the cruise industry. Intercruises will continue this tradition, while enabling our company to evolve to the next level as part of an international business.” Said Alessandro Dalmasso, President Top Class.  

The acquisition of Top Class is the latest in a line of international additions to the Intercruises business, the last being Select Tours Australia, acquired in October 2009. This strategy reflects an expansion plan that ensures clients receive the consistent levels of service provided by an international business, without sacrificing the crucial knowledge and insights possessed by regional management and local teams.