20 years with Fred. Olsen and how group cruises have changed

How did it feel to be nominated for The Excellence Award?

Amazing. Just to be nominated was enough for me but to be shortlisted as well was incredible. I haven’t been nominated for an individual award before so it was really special.

What has the reaction been like from friends/family, colleagues and customers?

I have been completely overwhelmed by the reaction and recognition. The company sent me a huge bouquet of flowers and everybody had signed a massive card for me. It has been very lovely. 

I have travelled onboard as a group and you feel like one big family by the end of the cruise.

You’re celebrating 20 years with Fred. Olsen this year, what has been the highlight?

I don’t know where to start because there have been so many. Obviously being shortlisted for The Excellence Award is a real highlight for me. Another highlight is that I have been able to experience the product myself and have been lucky enough to go on so many cruises to destinations around the world that I never would have visited if I didn’t work for Fred. Olsen. 

Every time I go on board, it’s like a home from home and I love every minute of it. I feel very lucky to have the job that I do. 

What are you most proud of in your career there?

I am proud to be part of a company that I also consider a family because working for Fred. Olsen is like being part of a family, everyone looks out for each other.

Why do you especially love working with groups?

I love getting to know all the group travel organisers, especially those who come back to cruise with us year after year. I have built friendships with many of them and got to know them over the years and what they want - it’s great that they keep coming back. I also love working with new groups and welcoming them on board for the first time. 

I can’t take all the credit though, the onboard teams are absolutely fantastic and by far, the biggest amount of positive feedback we receive is about our crew which is lovely. 

Where’s your favourite FOCL cruise destination?

I do love the Norwegian Fjords but I’m going to say that my favourite port is Madeira because I have been there recently with a group and there is so much to see. There are botanical gardens, whale watching experiences, cable cars, toboggan rides and more! All the locals are so friendly, knowledgeable and make you feel very welcome. It’s such a beautiful island. 

What is it about cruises that particularly appeal to groups?

Being together on a ship sets it apart from other land-based holidays as you are always going to be together but still have the freedom to explore independently. I have travelled onboard as a group and you feel like one big family by the end of the cruise because you have enjoyed meals, dancing, entertainment and the friendly crew together. Every port is different which makes it more exciting and by travelling as a group you can all share your experiences with each other. 

We have a dedicated groups team to take the hassle away from the group leader too. 

Have you noticed a difference in what groups are looking for over the years?

I have noticed that more groups want to do Mediterranean cruises which is different because we have previously specialised in the Norwegian Fjords with having smaller ships that can navigate them better than others. We have also had quite a lot of interest in the Madeira cruises too as it’s somewhere a bit different. 

What’s your top tip for going on a cruise?

Take the time to enjoy the early morning sunrises and evening sunsets because there is something so peaceful about experiencing them on a ship. Also, enjoy taking the time to experience the scenic cruising. I remember being in Norway with my family and I took a few minutes out on deck alone, it’s so peaceful going through the fjords, you can’t hear a pin drop. 

What would you say to a GTO considering their first ever cruise? 

Do it! We make it as easy and stress free for group travel organisers and I can assure you that your group will want to do it again. You’ll be looked after from the moment you book, to the moment you disembark the ship with our dedicated group support team and obviously the on board team as well.