We mentioned the forthcoming FPS Fred Olsen Group cruise (8 nights to Spain and Bordeaux from 22 October 2019) in the last newsletter, which elicited a very positive response with over 30 members now signed up for it .
But a good few have also asked whether it is OK to come on your own. We put this to Fred Olsen who said the following…
”Fred. Olsen is renowned for its friendly, welcoming and attentive staff, who work hard to ensure that those travelling solo do not feel alone once on board.
We know that solo travel can be a daunting experience, particularly for those who have never travelled on their own before. With that in mind, we strive to deliver the best possible experience for solo travellers, ensuring that being single or unable to travel with a companion need not be a barrier to seeing the world, and celebrate the freedom that comes with solo travel.
Our fleet of smaller-sized ocean ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – is instrumental in helping us to achieve this. Their smaller size brings with them a more intimate and less intimidating atmosphere, providing a warm and sociable environment for solo guests to cruise to a number of fantastic destinations around the world and allowing them to meet new people and make friendships and memories to last a lifetime. This experience is also mirrored on board our new river cruise ship, Brabant.
Fred. Olsen offers one of the highest proportions of cabins dedicated to solo travellers in the industry, with 190 ‘solo’ cabins across our ocean fleet, including 11 Suites. These are a mix of Interior and Ocean View rooms, covering all grades and price ranges, to ensure that our solo travellers have the same room options available to them as those who travel with others.
At Fred. Olsen, we are renowned for our friendly, welcoming and attentive staff, who go ‘above and beyond’ to make sure that all of our guests have the best holiday possible. We know that this attention to detail is a comfort to solo guests, whether it is by our crew remembering their name, their favourite tipple or how they like their breakfast.
Our crew work hard to ensure that those travelling alone do not feel alone. Once on board, solo travellers will find events designed exclusively for them to help them get to know others also holidaying by themselves. This includes seating solo guests together in our restaurants and arranging companions for those wanting to venture ashore, so that our guests can get the most out of the destination they are visiting. This service even stretches into our entertainment offering. For those who enjoy a dance, for example, we provide dance partners for solo guests, as well as a number of activities such as Bridge and arts and crafts classes that can be enjoyed with other travellers or individually.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Solo Travellers’ category in the ‘Wave Awards 2019’ – a title that it won in last year’s Awards. Fred. Olsen was also voted ‘Best for Solo Travellers’ in Cruise Critic’s ‘UK Editors’ Picks Awards 2017′.”
