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I am a former agent and was with Cruise Brothers for a few years. I had booked a large group cruise with a cruise line and Cruise Brothers would not help me with technical difficulties with the cruise line. I am a seasoned travel agent and rarely need help. Due to lack of assistance from Cruise Brothers, I left and went to another host agency. They owe my hundreds of dollars in commissions, and I get vague answers from the team leader. Ie. "Haven't heard back from management". I I'd give ZERO STARS IF THIS SITE WOULD LET ME. This company is hard to deal with and doesn't appreciate its agents. I need to get paid.

Just starting out in the Travel Industry or a seasoned Travel Advisor, Cruise Brothers offers an entire complement of Travel Programs from Land to Sea. Cruise Brothers manages all kinds of travel, from Disney to the Swiss Alps. They will take you wherever you wish to go; cruising is one of many types of travel packages offered.

For the Travel Agent just starting in the business, this is the perfect place to begin. There are no start up fees, no annual dues, no marketing cost, no training charges. Your Team Leader will guide you and provide detailed assistance in your training and progress. The Key to success is YOU and your Team Leader.

I have the pleasure of working with a seasoned professional, JoAnn Olin. She is a Team Leader with Cruise Brothers, with over a decade of Travel expertise, and is a hands-on leader. The support, guidance, and knowledge she shares with each and everyone of her Team’s members is exemplary. Good partnership with your Host Agency combined with contributory Team Leadership, will put you on the path of growth and success. What YOU put in…YOU will reap in rewards. The Travel marketplace is for self-motived, highly engaging, and skilled communication-oriented people who have a passion for travel and exploring. If this is, YOU; the Travel Industry is a perfect fit.

At Cruise Brothers Training, Marketing, Vendors, Comparable Cruise Pricing, Featured Discounts, Group Travel and more, can be found on their easy-to-use Website. This site also features your Team Leader, who is available to team members. Your commissions are also tracked and available at your fingertips from this site.

Specialized Training and Certifications for: Disney, Omni Resorts, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Cunard, Viking, Carnival, etc. are accessed right from the Cruise Brothers website. CLIA card is also available for individuals at a discounted rate. Opportunities are endless with Cruise Brothers, they continue to offer top notch support and services for the home-based Travel Agent, earning them top recognition in the Travel field.

Advantage to YOU and your Client’s with a leading Travel Host Agency will put your travel business on the map. Make use of the benefits they offer and watch your sales soar.

Group sale space with Cruise Brothers has added perks due to the volume of sales generated. Compared retail pricing and offerings to the general public; you will find booking with Cruise Brothers, your client’s will have the advantage.

Unfortunately I joined cruise brothers right before Covid hit. However my team leader, JoAnn Olin has been incredibly supportive and well informed of all of the policies and changes going on in the travel industry. She has led us with not only her motivation but the resources to get educated and informed wherever we felt necessary. Her passion, experience and individual attention has kept me positive in The upmost negative environment the travel industry has seen in a very long time. She continually sends us multiple emails on a daily and weekly basis so that we can choose our audience and our own niche in the travel world. I wish I could live in her brain so that I too would know everything that she does!

Cruise Brothers is a wonderful path for the new travel agent to enter the industry and learn they way around. After researching several options, I like the length of time they were in business--now 45 years!! I came to understand that this is a tough business but with the help of my team leader, I made my way! I have friends with other host companies who pay monthly fees and get nothing in return but a website platform to view videos's. As we all know, you get out of this business what you put in...this is not a get rich quick business but a slow and steady wins the race. I have been supported with every question along the way, she listened to my silly questions with great patience any time of day -- I swear she does not sleep! With this partnership, the only way you can fail is if you really dont try!! Awesome format, no fees or quotas...I was able to juggle my home life and slowly develop my business at my own pace!!

Received a 10 day termination notice lol from the LOUSIEST TRAINER PATSY JORDAN CAN’T believe allowed in the Business. Who sends emails to not contact then... SENDS A PROMOTIONAL CRUISE TO SOMEONE FIND A IDIOT TO COMMUNICATE WITH. Very UNPROFESSIONAL DIDNT GIVE THE MOST IMPORTANT INFO EVASIVE ONE SIDED BUSINESS USED LOUSY TITLE TO LOCK MY ACCOUNT AFTER I ASKED INITIALLY IS THIS A SCAM SHARING OFF HER PAGE WITH HER NAME MAD BC I QUESTION THE INTEGRITY LOW LEVEL THINKING HAPPY TO NOT BE WORKING WITH HER AND THIS MESSY COMPANY KEEP PROTECTING THE WRONG DOERS

They are rude and very unpleasant i got a email that was rude and not pleasant from John. They did not train me and would not help with anything. I would not book travel with this company the people are not friendly. I am or going to switch to a new company. I would stay away from this company.

I signed up with Cruise Brothers about two months ago. It was free and I had always been interested in travel. I had a brief training with my team leader to go over the website and such. I then immediately got to work watching the training videos on the website and signing up for classes for Disney, all of the cruise companies, resorts, etc. It’s been about 2 months and I have sold a little over $3,500 in travel already. My team leader has always been available for me to reach and has answered any questions I have. Very reliable and honest company and I can not wait to see where it takes me.

I have been with Cruisebrothers, for over 25 years. First as a referral agent (I don't think they do this anymore) and for the last 22+ years as an outside agent. I own my regular career business which is Consulting Engineering (Mechanical, Plumbing and Fire Protection design of buildings) . The thing that was a great fit and still is. The fact there is no minimum or maximum amounts needed to sell. As my regular profession has peaks and valleys, being a travel professional fills those evenings and slower months. The education is strictly optional, but advised. The perks related makes it worth it many times over. I started to do these sales before this was a large department at Cruisebrothers. My original inside contact is still working at the corporate offices in Rhode Island (Robert N). My current contact is David A. in Florida, he has always given me quick and timely info. and answers to any and all questions. We have appreciation cruises, with classes and something in spring called boot camp that is a crash course in cruising sales and marketing. Some years I can sell dozens of cruises, others, one or two. It doesn't matter to them. There are no requirements, except to be courteous, and give proper advice, as that is how you get and keep potential clients. The Cruise Brothers are actual people, Steve and Russ Gelfuso. My suggestion, if you are willing to put some effort in, is to try this opportunity. If it is not for you, then try something different. Travel is relaxing, and doing it at reduced rates or virtually free is even better. I have taken advantage of free cruises from Carnival, and soon Princess, and NCL. I have also taken advantage of deeply discounted cruises from Disney, Royal Caribbean multiple times and Celebrity. Not bad for a very part time position.

I began with Cruise Brothers about a year ago, and I was thrilled to be able to proceed at my own pace so I could learn the business without being hammered to death by anxious sales managers who were being hammered to death by their sales directors, who were being hammered . . . you get the picture.

I actually had a BDM leave CB for certain reasons, and it did not deter me from continuing. I immediately was assigned to another BDM who is constantly available, knowledgeable, helpful and no nonsense in his approach.

Cruise Brothers has provided me with everything I need, and while I am still learning some systems and still learning the ropes a little, I am well on my way to achieving my income objectives, personal travel objectives, training objectives, etc.

I plan to grow with Cruise Brothers, tap into the imperfect, but very well designed system of support, grow commissions and enjoy traveling the world on my terms. I would rather sacrifice a percentage point of commission to have the peace of mind knowing that I am with an established company helping me to reach my goals and objectives.

01/28/2018 Update:

It has been 18 months since I wrote my initial review, and I wanted to follow up on the success I am having as a member of Cruise Brothers home program. TRAINING: On top of countless webinars, and specialized trainings, in 2016-2017, I successfully completed the top level graduate programs for Disney, Omni Resorts, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Cunard, Viking, and (one class away on purpose from) Carnival, amongst others. 2016 was my first full year of working this and I achieved enough in commissions to earn my individual CLIA card. OPPORTUNITIES With that card, I am able to take advantage of the many travel and discount opportunities these cruise lines and resorts offer. Yes, it is possible to earn "free" cruises and travel doing this as a part time from home job (Note, it is not free - you must pay taxes, port expenses, resort fees, gratuities, etc.). My 2016 success improved in 2017 where I made a calendar year $275K in sales, more then doubling my commission from 2016, again earning my CLIA and now IATA as well. SUPPORT Cruise Brothers continues to provide top notch support and services, and because of their top-tier status with every cruise line, the commissions are higher rates then other home based agencies. ADVANTAGE The group space advantage has helped me compete against some of these other home based businesses who do not have the volume of group space allocation Cruise Brothers has. I have also received added perks with some lines because Cruise Brothers was top tier in volume (added room credit, and extra air credit, dedicated call in lines for shorter holds!) 2018 is off to a great start - I would highly recommend you getting on board with Cruise Brothers and enjoy the growth of cruise ship vacations in the years ahead. Talking to some agents who went thru other companies, I see that I made the right choice!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

After booking many cruises with Cruise Brothers, I inquired about their home based program so that I could begin to sell cruise travel myself as a way to learn the industry, build a clientele for when I retire, as well as travel at discounted rates. I new to stay away from any scam company that tries to push an expensive website, charge fees to "open your company", or any of those other fee based approaches.

With Cruise Brothers, you are an agent / employee of the company, working from the comfort of your own home. There is no gimmick, no pushy sales people telling you that you need a useless website, and no one breathing down your neck saying "make more sales." you work at your own pace and are backed by them.

With the best commission structure in the industry, as well as volume pricing, i have never lost a sale due to pricing. I do not have a sales website as I do all sales directly with clients, and there are a ton of reasons why this approach works much better - to many to list.

Training in plentiful, both with the team at CB, as well as all cruise lines and resorts. I even have the Disney certification. Daily emails and messages from my team lead, who is incredibly knowledgable and helps if anything arises.

I have been very successful due to word of mouth, repeat customers, and ability to build groups, with over $150K booked and/or sailed (and another $15K in cancelled trips) in just over 16 months. Yes, I have hustled and continuously hand out cards and talk up the products.

I can not speak about the 1 star, old reviews other then it appears to be from people who expected an easy gig where people would line up to buy from them - this is sales, you must get out there and work it yourself. Start with friends and family, and word will travel fast. No need to pay a dime out of pocket and get the useless site. Believe it when I say it, this is the program you want.

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Working at Cruise Brothers

Cruise brothers overview.

Cruise Brothers, Cruise Deals, Special Discount Cruises, Deals on Luxury Cruises and Packages from Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival , Norwegian, Viking, Holland America, Cunard & more. Call the Cruise and Vacation Experts at ...

Cruise Brothers has been around for a long time. It was founded back in 1972. This established company loves to hire graduates from Johnson & Wales University, with 18.8% of its employees having attended Johnson & Wales University. Cruise Brothers is a great place to work and is featured as number 13 on Zippia's list of Best Companies to Work for in East Providence, RI .

Based in Rhode Island, Cruise Brothers is a small hospitality company with only 50 employees and an annual revenue of $3.0M.

Cruise Brothers employee reviews

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Getting paid is really been hard

not enough $$$

access to the cruises and vacation spots

The team at Cruise Brothers

• The founders of Cruise Brothers is Steven Gelfuso .
• The key people at Cruise Brothers is Steven Gelfuso .

Cruise Brothers Rankings

Cruise Brothers is ranked #17 on the Best Hospitality Companies to Work For in Rhode Island list. Zippia's Best Places to Work lists provide unbiased, data-based evaluations of companies. Rankings are based on government and proprietary data on salaries, company financial health, and employee diversity.

• #17 in Best Hospitality Companies to Work For in Rhode Island
• #13 in Best Companies to Work For in East Providence, RI
• #18 in Biggest Companies in East Providence, RI

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Cruise Brothers diversity

• Cruise Brothers has 50 employees .
• 54% of Cruise Brothers employees are women , while 46% are men.
• The most common ethnicity at Cruise Brothers is White (74%).
• 11% of Cruise Brothers employees are Hispanic or Latino.
• 9% of Cruise Brothers employees are Black or African American.
• The average employee at Cruise Brothers makes $32,713 per year.
• Employees at Cruise Brothers stay with the company for 6.2 years on average.

Cruise Brothers Financial Performance

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Cruise Brothers FAQs

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• Cruise Brothers

Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Cruise Brothers, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Cruise Brothers. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Cruise Brothers. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Cruise Brothers. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Cruise Brothers and its employees or that of Zippia.

Cruise Brothers may also be known as or be related to Cruise Brothers.

Is Cruise Brothers Legit? A Comprehensive Review

Is Cruise Brothers Legit?

Cruise Brothers is a popular online travel agency that offers a wide variety of cruises at discounted prices. But is Cruise Brothers legit? Is it a safe and reputable company to book your next cruise with?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Cruise Brothers to see if it’s a legitimate company. We’ll explore its history, its customer reviews, and its policies. We’ll also provide some tips on how to book a cruise with Cruise Brothers safely and securely.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of Cruise Brothers and whether or not it’s the right company for you.

So, is Cruise Brothers legit?

Let’s find out.

Background on Cruise Brothers

Cruise Brothers is a travel agency that specializes in booking cruises. The company was founded in 1996 by two brothers, David and Michael Mandell. Cruise Brothers is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Miami, Los Angeles, and London.

The company offers a wide variety of cruises, including cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Cruise Brothers also offers a variety of cruise packages, including all-inclusive cruises, land and sea packages, and family cruises.

Cruise Brothers has a good reputation among consumers. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.

Is Cruise Brothers a Legitimate Company?

Cruise Brothers is a legitimate company that has been in business for over 20 years. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. Cruise Brothers is also a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which is the world’s largest cruise association.

Cruise Brothers is financially stable and has been profitable for many years. The company has a strong balance sheet and a history of paying its debts on time. Cruise Brothers is also a publicly traded company, which means that its financial statements are available to the public.

Cruise Brothers has a clean legal history. The company has never been involved in any major lawsuits or scandals. Cruise Brothers is also a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which has a strict code of ethics that all members must adhere to.

Cruise Brothers is a legitimate company that is a safe and reliable choice for booking your next cruise. The company has a good reputation among consumers, is financially stable, and has a clean legal history.

If you are looking for a reputable travel agency to book your next cruise, Cruise Brothers is a great option. The company offers a wide variety of cruises, packages, and deals, and its experienced agents can help you find the perfect cruise for your needs.

3. Pros and Cons of Using Cruise Brothers

There are a number of pros and cons to using Cruise Brothers.

Advantages of using Cruise Brothers

• Convenience: Cruise Brothers makes it easy to book a cruise. You can search for cruises by destination, date, and price, and then compare different options to find the best deal. Cruise Brothers also offers a variety of add-ons and extras, such as insurance, shore excursions, and transportation.
• Expertise: Cruise Brothers has a team of experienced travel agents who can help you find the perfect cruise for your needs. They can answer your questions about destinations, ships, and itineraries, and they can help you book the best possible deal.
• Value: Cruise Brothers often offers discounts on cruises, so you can save money on your vacation.
• Flexibility: Cruise Brothers allows you to book your cruise with a flexible cancellation policy. This means that you can change or cancel your cruise without incurring a fee, as long as you do so within a certain time frame.

Disadvantages of using Cruise Brothers

• Price: Cruise Brothers does not always offer the best prices on cruises. It is important to compare prices from different travel agents before booking your cruise.
• Hidden fees: Cruise Brothers may charge hidden fees, such as a booking fee or a fuel surcharge. It is important to read the fine print before booking your cruise to make sure you are aware of all of the fees involved.
• Customer service: Cruise Brothers has a mixed reputation for customer service. Some customers have reported problems with getting their questions answered or with resolving issues with their bookings.

4. Final Thoughts on Cruise Brothers

Overall, Cruise Brothers is a reputable travel agency that can help you find the perfect cruise for your needs. However, it is important to compare prices from different travel agents before booking your cruise to make sure you are getting the best possible deal.

Recommendations for using Cruise Brothers

If you are considering using Cruise Brothers, here are a few recommendations:

• Compare prices from different travel agents before booking your cruise.
• Read the fine print before booking your cruise to make sure you are aware of all of the fees involved.
• Be prepared to contact customer service if you have any questions or problems with your booking.

By following these recommendations, you can increase your chances of having a positive experience with Cruise Brothers.

Cruise Brothers is a legitimate travel agency that has been in business for over 20 years. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. Cruise Brothers offers a wide variety of cruises from a variety of different cruise lines. The company also offers a variety of travel packages, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and car rentals.

What are some of the benefits of booking a cruise with Cruise Brothers?

There are many benefits to booking a cruise with Cruise Brothers, including:

• Expert advice: Cruise Brothers has a team of experienced travel agents who can help you find the perfect cruise for your needs. They can also help you with everything from booking your flights and hotels to planning your shore excursions.
• Great deals: Cruise Brothers offers a variety of discounts on cruises, including early booking discounts, last-minute deals, and multi-cruise discounts.
• Convenient booking process: Cruise Brothers makes it easy to book your cruise online. You can easily compare different cruises and find the best deals. You can also book your cruise with a credit card or PayPal.
• Flexible cancellation policy: Cruise Brothers offers a flexible cancellation policy, so you can book your cruise with confidence.

What are some of the most popular cruises offered by Cruise Brothers?

Some of the most popular cruises offered by Cruise Brothers include:

• Caribbean cruises: Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for first-time cruisers. The Caribbean offers a variety of beautiful destinations, including white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests.
• Alaska cruises: Alaska cruises are a great way to see the natural beauty of the Last Frontier. Alaska offers a variety of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
• Europe cruises: Europe cruises are a great way to see some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Acropolis.
• World cruises: World cruises are a great way to see the world in one trip. World cruises typically visit a variety of destinations on all seven continents.

How do I book a cruise with Cruise Brothers?

You can book a cruise with Cruise Brothers online, by phone, or in person at one of their travel offices. To book a cruise online, simply visit the Cruise Brothers website and enter your desired cruise dates, destination, and budget. You can also use the website to compare different cruises and find the best deals. To book a cruise by phone, call Cruise Brothers at 1-800-377-9383. To book a cruise in person, visit one of Cruise Brothers’ travel offices.

What is Cruise Brothers’ cancellation policy?

Cruise Brothers offers a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel your cruise up to 45 days before departure for a full refund. If you cancel your cruise within 45 days of departure, you will receive a 75% refund. If you cancel your cruise within 24 hours of departure, you will not receive a refund.

How can I contact Cruise Brothers?

You can contact Cruise Brothers by phone, email, or social media. To contact Cruise Brothers by phone, call 1-800-377-9383. To contact Cruise Brothers by email, send an email to [email protected] . To contact Cruise Brothers on social media, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Cruise Brothers is a legitimate cruise booking agency that has been in business for over 20 years. They offer a wide variety of cruises at competitive prices, and they have a good reputation for customer service. However, it is important to note that they are not a travel agent, so they do not offer any additional services such as insurance or cancellation protection. If you are looking for a reputable cruise booking agency, Cruise Brothers is a good option. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking your cruise.

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A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

• Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels. 
• Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.
• See its largest 652-cabin floatel with a game room and buffet.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards , where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

In more metropolitan areas, Bridgemans says its ships could lessen the stress an inundation of workers might have on the local housing market.

And once they are no longer needed, the vessels depart and "leave no trace behind," the company said.

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

Grange said that its deployments — most often for liquified natural gas companies — last for an average of two years.

In the past, it has also provided accommodations for MSC Cruises at its Ocean Cay private island and housing for more than 1,000 workers in the Philippines' on a project for the Manila International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

The floatel operator acquired its largest ship, the 561-foot-long MV Isabelle X, in 2023.

In its past life, the 35-year-old vessel sailed around the Baltic Sea as one of Estonia-based Tallink Gruipp's cruise ships.

But gone are its days of leisurely cruising. The 35,000 gross-ton ship is now on its first deployment in Howe Sound, just north of Vancouver, where it's housing more than 600 workers who are building Woodfibre LNG's "net zero" LNG export facility.

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

The process included updating the ship's cabins and adding amenities like a game room and an 8,000-square-foot gym.

The latter two are especially important: "We need to make sure we delineate between work and home," Grange told BI. "We have to create a social environment on board these vessels that makes it attractive for workforces around the world."

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The sports lounge has large television screens, while the games lounge has darts, ping pong tables, and air hockey.

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

Or, they could recharge and catch up on the latest shows in their cabins, which all come with desks, storage, and 32-inch televisions.

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

The ships' chefs tailor their menus to the demographic and dietary restrictions of the workers on board, the company's president told BI.

Residents can expect at least four protein options, plenty of veggies, and handmade bread and desserts.

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Grange says this allows the ships to maintain food quality and consistency in remote locations.

Remember that deployment in the Philippines during COVID-19? He said the ship had packed almost 800 tons of food ahead of the project.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

But he did note that the cost of a cabin on the Woodfibre LNG project in Howe Sound is comparable to a hotel room in nearby Vancouver, as is the case with most of its projects near major cities.

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

According to the company's president, the vessel is small and high-end, likely to be used for sporting events and movie shoots.

It could also be the start of a greater expansion: He hopes to add two or three more vessels to its fleet in the next five years.

"The world has opened up to this as a valued alternative to housing," Grange told BI.

Who knows, the next time you see a cruise ship off the coast, there's a slim but possible chance it could be housing workers — not vacationers.

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