'Best for Solo Cruisers' accolade for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Cruise Critic's '2011 Editors' Picks Awards'
30 Nov 2011
Cruise experts at influential consumer website Cruise Critic have voted Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ‘Best for Solo Cruisers’ in the third annual Cruise Critic ‘2011 Editors' Picks Awards’.
Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic and one of the Awards judges, said:
“The UK cruise industry continues to grow year-on-year, despite the tough economy, due in part to the exceptional standard of service and hospitality provided by the cruise lines that keep customers coming back time and time again. With these awards, we aim to honour the cruise lines that deserve credit in specific areas, where we believe they truly excel.
“With more than 300 single cabins of varying size across its four-ship fleet, a Gentleman and Lady Dance Host programme for single dancers and singles’ events on board, Fred. Olsen remains the line most committed to keeping the solo traveller happy.”
Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to have received this recognition of its commitment to solo cruisers, coming as it does from such knowledgeable cruise experts as Cruise Critic. Solo cruisers form an important group amongst our guests, and we make every effort to welcome them on board, offering plenty of support and special activities to make them feel at home. The relatively small size of our four ships, and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere on board, makes our cruises especially attractive for those travelling alone.”
Each of Fred. Olsen’s four ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – has a number of single cabins, covering all grades, from inside and outside cabins, to balcony suites. Unusually amongst many cruise lines, Fred. Olsen offers prices for single accommodation which can be around the same as a ‘per person’ rate in a twin cabin – depending on the cruise, and type of accommodation. Early booking is recommended, as single cabins are always much in demand.
Alternatively, solo cruisers can request a cabin share in a twin cabin, and Fred. Olsen can match up those who are happy to share. For those seeking single occupancy of a twin cabin, prices are available on request and vary from cruise to cruise, depending on availability.
Once on board, solo cruisers will find exclusive gatherings where they can get to know each other, and the crew will ensure that they have plenty of opportunities to meet and mix with other like-minded guests. There is a singles’ get-together early in the cruise for new introductions, and solo cruisers will be grouped together for dinner, and companions can be arranged when going ashore on excursions, if required. Onboard activities – such as playing bridge or taking part in arts and crafts – are also ideal for making new friends. In addition, Fred. Olsen cruises feature Gentleman and Lady Hosts, to provide dance partners for solo cruisers.
The Cruise Critic award follows a string of accolades bestowed on Fred. Olsen during 2011:
- ‘Cruise Line of the Year’ by readers of Cruise International magazine
- ‘Best Educational Cruise’ by readers of Cruise International magazine, for its Vistas onboard enrichment programme
- ‘Best Live Performance’ for The OperaBabes by readers of Cruise International magazine, as part of its popular Music & Laughter programme of live entertainment
- ‘Cruise Company of the Year for Mainstream Cruise Holidays’ in the ‘Travel Agents’ Choice Awards’
- ‘Best Cruise Line for Groups’ by readers of Group Leisure magazine
- ‘Best Cruise Line for Groups’ by readers of Group Travel Organiser magazine
This is in addition to a number of overseas acknowledgments, including the recent ‘Triple A’ award from the Atlantic Alliance, which represents the major European cruise ports on the Atlantic west coast.
Find out more about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines by visiting www.fredolsencruises.com
