Welcome to The Bridge newsletter, your round-up of the news and highlights from another exciting week in the world of Fred. Olsen.
Greetings from Svalbard Some of Norway’s most scenic and isolated lands awaited Balmoral’s guests on her recent cruise, as our smaller ship navigated the waters of the Arctic Circle. Cruising by the impressive Templefjorden and Tuna Glacier were sights to behold. Plus, an overnight stop in Longyearbyen gave ample time for a taste of what life was once like in this abandoned mining town. See our highlights ▸
We’ve been nominated! At Fred. Olsen we put our guests at the heart of everything we do. So, we are thrilled to share that we have been nominated in the British Travel Awards – the largest poll of consumer opinion for leisure travel companies. We are so pleased to be put forward for ‘Best Cruise Line for No-Fly Cruise Holidays’ and would love your vote. Vote for us ▸
Crew Stories: Meet Lea This week we had the pleasure of catching up with Guest Services Officer, Leanora ‘Lea’ Santos. For Lea, Balmoral is her home, having been part of the crew since our smaller ship joined our fleet in 2009. In our video, Lea speaks about her long career with Fred. Olsen, how she sees her team as her family, and how rewarding it is to make a difference to our guests’ cruising experience. Watch here ▸
Celebrating a year of cruising From welcoming two new ships to our fleet to becoming the first UK-based cruise line to resume international sailings, it really has been an incredible twelve months for our team. To celebrate a year back in the water, our shoreside team came together to connect over a wellbeing lunch. A dress down day to help raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice added to the occasion too. Find out more▸
New Fred. Olsen destination We love to explore far-flung destinations with our guests, and next February we are journeying to the Antarctic for the first time ever. Balmoral’s voyage will give a rare chance to capture the rugged, icy landscapes and seek out the rich wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula. With so much intrigue surrounding this vast region, we’ve delved into what to expect from your time in Antarctica. Read blog ▸
To mark the first anniversary of our return to the seas, we’ve launched special savings on selected 2022 and early 2023 cruises. There’s a great choice of hand-crafted itineraries included that are perfect for enjoying an escape in the coming months. With No-Fly departures from six convenient UK ports and fares from as little as £399 per person, there’s sure to be a cruise to suit.