United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Fred Olsen warns of job losses as it streamlines business
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed that it is conducting a restructure of its head office functions in Ipswich, Suffolk, as the company looks ahead to post-Covid operations.
Managing director Peter Deer said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the cruise industry particularly hard. As a company we need to reinvent ourselves to ensure we come out of this stronger, and that our operations are run as efficiently as possible.
"Unfortunately, this does mean that there will be some redundancies as part of this process, because the way in which we will be working will be different.
"We are already seeing a good number of guests transferring to next year, as well as new bookings for 2021, which shows there is confidence and demand for cruise.
"In order to evolve we are looking at every aspect of our business, and through the use of technology and streamlined operations expect to make savings of over a third on how we are working currently. It is so important to us that these savings bring efficiency without affecting our renowned guest experience, our relationship with our trade partners and customer service.
"Almost every business will have to evolve following the impact of Covid-19. We are a family-run company, and that is something that is felt across all elements of our business, from our head office in Suffolk to on board our ships. We have got ambitious plans for our future as a company, but in order to realise those ambitions we need to ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible.
"We will continue to support any of our team members who are affected by ensuring that every opportunity is open to them in the future, including support with CV writing and interview skills. We will also be looking at alternatives to redundancy as part of the consultation process.
"We are confident in the future of our business, but we do need to make some changes to safeguard our company for many more generations to come."
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines employs around 220 people as part of its shoreside operations at its head office in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel