Press release -
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines crew receive award for clocking up more than 270 years of service
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ crew have been awarded Norwegian Ship Owners Association Medals for their long service at sea.
Eight members of crew have amassed more than 270 years’ worth of service on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ships.
The longest serving crew members Victor Magbanua and Carmelita Lao have racked up an incredible 37 years each.
Victor, an Oiler, who began his career with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in August 1986, wanting to work at sea and travel the world, has worked on board Black Prince, Black Watch, Borealis and Balmoral.
Victor said:
“My favourite ship to work on was the Black Prince and New York is my favourite destination.
“I’ll be retiring soon so I’m enjoying my remaining contracts and will really miss working on board the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet.”
Room Stewardess Carmelita joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in February 1987 after Mr Olsen visited the Philippines to hire crew for Black Prince.
Carmelita said:
“I was one of the lucky ones who was chosen and was so fortunate to be able to provide for my family.
“Black Prince – which I called Happy Ship – was my favourite, but I’ve also worked on Boudicca and Balmoral,and I’ve loved visiting a variety of new places and meeting people of all different nationalities.”
1st Engineer on Balmoral Jose Villalobos and Fitter Roberto Rebite have both served for 34 years each.
Jose embarked on his maritime career in October 1989, driven by his dream to support his family and explore the world.
Jose said:
“My role as 1st Engineer in the technical department ensures the smooth operation of the ship.
“I love the strong sense of camaraderie on board, it feels like I’m part of a larger, seafaring family.
“My time at sea with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been a wonderful journey, and with retirement approaching in a few years’ time, I have made countless memories and close-knit bonds.”
Roberto also joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in October 1989 on board Black Prince. His work spans various departments including deck fitting, engine fitting and welding.
Roberto said:
“I really enjoy working on small ships and my favourite is Black Prince.
“I love working for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and hope to do so for as long as possible.”
Assistant Housekeeper Ruth Manaog has been a member of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines family since December 1991.
Now, 32 years later, she has worked on Black Prince, Boudicca, Black Watch, Balmoral and Borealis.
She said the favourite part of her role is making her way around the ship’s decks and getting to know the guests.
The five crew members were presented with their long service awards during the Fleet in Funchal event in November.
Three further crew members have also been recognised for their service but were unable to attend the celebrations in Madeira – Tank Cleaner Roberto Cortez for 36 years, Deck Carpenter Noel Cuevas for 33 years and Chef de Partis Gimmie Macatangay for 31 years.
Pete Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Our crew are a vital part of everything that we stand for and they are central to the specialness of a Fred. Olsen cruise.
“We are incredibly proud of our wonderful team on board who, in turn, are proud to welcome our guests.
“To have so many crew members who have decided to spend more than 30 years of their career with us is truly special and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines would just not be the same without them.
“Congratulations to all of our long service award recipients.”
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines visit fredolsencruises.com. Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
