Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Celebrates Record Sales Success And The ‘Best Cruise Line For Groups’ Trophy For A Record Seventh Time
(L-R) Maureen Quinn of ‘Just for Groups!’ presents Sophie Thomas, Sales Executive – Groups, Hayley Walker, Sales Assistant – Groups and Ellie Fulcher, Sales Manager – Groups with the trophy alongside special guest and co-host, Magician Ben Hanlin
Record demand for cruises in October, combined with last week’s bumper sales – 70% higher than the same week last year – has seen Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines smash its annual target for 2017, with ten weeks still to go.
Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“It is truly rewarding that, despite quite a lot of uncertainty in the economy, demand for our smaller, friendlier style of cruising is stronger than ever.
“Guests tell us they love our innovative itineraries, personal service and stylish ships, but actions speak louder than words: beating our sales targets to hit record revenues so early on is such a positive reflection on the hard work of every member of the Fred. Olsen team, on board and on shore, ensuring guests have memorable experiences whenever they travel with us.
“It’s very clear that guests value our brand and appreciate our excellent product, which leads them to book cruises with Fred. Olsen time after time.”
Top-sellers have been Fred. Olsen’s signature Norwegian fjords sailings for next year, along with Balmoral’s maiden ex-Edinburgh (Rosyth) cruise season in 2018. A number of more exotic itineraries have also been selling very well, including its epic ‘South America with Rio’ adventure.
On last 11th October, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has once again been crowned ‘Best Cruise Line for Groups’ by readers of leading travel title, Group Leisure & Travel magazine, for a record seventh time! This prestigious award recognises the very best groups cruise experience, from the initial booking process to onboard facilities, and the quality of excursions on offer.
Fred. Olsen was recognised at a special awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on 11th October 2017, and beat off stiff competition from other finalists: Cruise & Maritime Voyages, P & O Cruises, Thomson Cruises and Viking Cruises.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the awards, which are voted for by active group travel organisers from sports and social clubs, retired associations, special interest societies and other groups, on what they consider to be the best groups experience across 21 categories.
This ‘Group Leisure & Travel Awards’ follows hot on the heels of Fred. Olsen’s recent success in the 2017 Group Travel Awards, where it was crowned ‘Best Cruise Line Operator for Groups’, for the seventh consecutive year, as voted by readers of Group Travel Organiser magazine – an unprecedented ‘first’ for the magazine.
