Hornblower Group Acquires ShoreTrips

Image: PHOTO: A group wearing face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (photo via PeopleImages/E+)
Image: PHOTO: A group wearing face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (photo via PeopleImages/E+)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Wed March 3, 2021

Hornblower Group announced that it has acquired the global shore excursions provider, ShoreTrips, a Milwaukee-based company with over 3,000 excursions in 400 different destinations.

With the acquisition, Hornblower Group broadens its global footprint to 111 countries and territories. It also owns Shore Excursions of America and Cruising Excursions.

"In our continued efforts to position Hornblower as a global leader in experiences and transportation, the acquisition of ShoreTrips will allow us to integrate both their products and offerings and build upon our core mission of delivering amazing experiences for our guests," said Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive officer, Hornblower Group.

Travel advisors Barry and Julie Karp created ShoreTrips in Milwaukee in 2001. It became one of the country's largest independent providers of commissionable land and sea tours.

"We were excited to hear that Hornblower Group acquired ShoreTrips and joins its portfolio of renowned brands, as we share the same values of delivering one-of-a-kind experiences," said Barry Karp, founder of ShoreTrips. "From the beginning, Julie and I have always aimed to offer our guests an authentic, unforgettable travel experience. We believe this is the best outcome for us, for the future of ShoreTrips, for our devoted team of core staff members and for our many loyal travel advisors and their clients. We look forward to being part of this next venture and we are excited to see ShoreTrips thrive with Hornblower Group in 2021 and beyond."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
I Am Israel: Rediscovering the World's Most Timeless DestinationFriday, September 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From new sites in the Old City of Jerusalem to culinary experiences to spiritual connections, join us...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises: A Year in Motion — Learn More, $ell MoreMonday, September 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
MSC Cruises just wrapped its first-ever Alaska season, and it's only the beginning. Join Erin Douglas...
Upcoming Webinar
Destination Weddings & HoneymoonsTuesday, September 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we showcase romantic hotels and resorts designed...
Upcoming Webinar
I Am Israel: Rediscovering the World's Most Timeless DestinationFriday, September 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From new sites in the Old City of Jerusalem to culinary experiences to spiritual connections, join us...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises: A Year in Motion — Learn More, $ell MoreMonday, September 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
MSC Cruises just wrapped its first-ever Alaska season, and it's only the beginning. Join Erin Douglas...
Upcoming Webinar
Destination Weddings & HoneymoonsTuesday, September 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we showcase romantic hotels and resorts designed...