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Fred. Olsen issues expanded 2009-10 brochure
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has published it most extensive cruise programme for 2OO9-1O despite admitting to facing challenging economic conditions.
The line, which appeals to older passengers through regional departures and an extensive fly/cruise programme, is expanding this year with an additional ship and another which is being extended.
It is also one of several cruise companies to have applied fuel supplements in the face of soaring oil costs.
Sales and marketing director Nigel Lingard, unveiling the 212-page brochure, said: “We are being challenged by economic factors at the moment but it’s a shared problem.”
Admitting that 2OO8 would be a difficult year, he pointed to a “tramendous” level of repeat passengers across the line’s five ships which he described as the envy of any cruise company.
Lingard said: “Ideally, we might not have increased capacity so dramatically in one year, but the opportunities for us to expand are scarce so we felt we had to seize the opportunity.
“In the event the total extra capacity brought to the UK market this year is well above all our expectations, so we find ourselves operating in a very challenging environment.”
However, the higher average age of passengers – 67 – fitted with an ageing population, giving the company “tremendous potential”.
“We are looking to weathering this year’s storm and to getting yields up,” added Lingard.
He added that despite the “obvious financial attractions of booking late in a discount-driven market” there was still a “significant proportion” of people who are keen to secure premium accommodation by booking cruises up to two years ahead.
He confirmed plans to sail Boudicca from Portsmouth in the autumn of 2OO9 with a short series of cruises to the Adriatic, Western Mediterranean, Spain and Cape Verde plus the addition of Aberdeen to the regional departure airports feeding fly/cruises next year.
Lingard said Portsmouth gave an alternative to neighbouring established cruise port of Southampton.
“It allows a new range of choices by taking the ships to the people,” he said.
The programme features 16O cruises covering 312 ports across 134 countries and islands.
Flights are offered from 19 airports in the UK and Ireland.
The duration of cruises in the brochure ranges from two to 1O6 nights.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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