Press release - 5 October 2015 16:39

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is crowned ‘Best for Itineraries’ by Cruise Critic experts

Experts at the world’s leading cruise reviews website Cruise Critic have voted Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ‘Best for Itineraries’ in the prestigious ‘UK Editors’ Picks Awards 2015’.The winners are selected by Cruise Critic’s team of knowledgeable cruise experts, based on the lines and ships that they feel ‘are at the top of their game’, and best represent excellence in each of the 25 categories.

For the 2016/17 cruise season, Fred. Olsen’s fleet of four smaller, more intimate ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will be setting sail from a total of ten convenient, regional UK departure ports: Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, Falmouth (a new addition), Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Greenock (for Glasgow) and Belfast.

Fred. Olsen will be visiting no fewer than 253 destinations in 84 countries around the globe in 2016/17 – more than ever before! Cruises range from a five-night ‘Norwegian Fjords’ getaway on Balmoral from Newcastle in May, the ideal ‘taster’ cruise for new guests, to two epic ‘Grand Voyages’ on Black Watch and Boudicca in January 2017: a 107-night ‘Around the World’ sailing and a 77-night ‘South American Adventure’ respectively, visiting a total of 67 ports in 38 countries between them.

Adam Coulter, UK Editor of Cruise Critic, said:

“The cruise industry offers a wealth of choice, and the Editors’ Picks Awards share our expert insight and provide guidance to British holidaymakers who are interested in a cruise.

“Not only do the four Fred. Olsen ships leave from more regional ports in the UK than any other cruise line; they also offer some unusual and wonderful itineraries, including mystery cruises, cruises up rivers like the Amazon and Guadalquivir, and even a cruise from Scotland to the Caribbean.”

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“It is very rewarding that the Cruise Critic experts have recognised the lengths that we go to at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to give our guests the convenience of ex-UK sailings ‘from right on their doorstep’ and the widest range of worldwide destinations of any cruise line, to appeal to all tastes and interests.

“We know that destination is the number one motivator to booking a cruise, and we are committed to providing a consistently high-quality cruise experience to our guests, so that they can explore, relax and enjoy all the variety that the planet has to offer!”

Fred. Olsen has also been awarded Cruise Critic’s ‘Best Value for Money’ accolade for the past three years, in recognition of the exceptional value that its cruise holidays continue to offer.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com To learn more about the ‘2015 Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Awards’, visit http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/editors-picks/

Topics

Ellis Orchard

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations ellis.orchard@fredolsen.co.uk 07557672265

Georgina May

Press contact Public Relations Executive Public Relations georgina.may@fredolsen.co.uk

Lauren Gardner

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations lauren.gardner@fredolsen.co.uk 07546807099

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines we are very proud of our smaller ships – Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral - and the imaginative and unusual itineraries they allow us to offer. Every cruise is hand-crafted from scratch by our team of in-house Journey Planners to make sure you are not only visiting the best destinations, but at the best time to experience them.

For us, it’s not just about where we go but how we take you there. We put as much time into planning scenic cruising as we do in choosing the destinations themselves. On board, our Signature Experiences showcase the history, culture, nature and flavours of the destinations you’ll visit – from Treats of the Region, where you can enjoy local delicacies, to our Sky at Sea star-gazing sessions where you can relax with a hot toddy out on deck while our astronomer talks you through the night sky.

Plus, with each ship carrying 1,300 guests or less, our ships are small enough for us to offer a warm, friendly and personal service where nothing is ever too much trouble, as we visit a host of exciting ports in every corner of the globe.