I’m spending a weekend with Fred

This coming weekend I have been invited to spend 2 nights on board the Fred. Olsen ship Braemar for a 2 night mini cruise to Amsterdam. I really am excited as this will be my first ever experience of Fred. Olsen.

When I first started selling cruises I did very little with Fred. Olsen, the very few clientele that I did used to book with them was a lot older in age, seemed to like the small style of ship, typical British experience and looked forward to afternoon tea and dancing. So this gave me the impression that Fred. Olsen was more like God’s waiting room then the type of cruises and ships I sold to other guests on a more regular basis.

I must admit, I had this impression still until very recently.

I had the pleasure of having dinner with our regional sales manager for Fred. Olsen, a guy named Mike on our recent Christmas Conference. Since then I have been awaiting an opportunity to sample Fred. Olsen for myself. The feedback I have received from regular Fred. Olsen guests is that the food and service are second to none. After my recent experience on the smaller ship Marco Polo back in January, I have to say I am leaning more and more towards the smaller cruise line and ships that are really the Best of British with a real sense of personal service from the crew. Let’s just hope I am not eating my words in my next blog.

A while back (before meeting Mike) I had 2 female guests looking for a reasonable priced cruise to the Canary Islands to celebrate their joint 40th birthday. Now these clients had never cruised before and they liked the look of the itinerary Fred. Olsen offered. I can honestly say I was worried that after their planned trip they may not cruise again.  I did make it very clear that they would more than likely find the age group a lot older and that it might not be what they was looking for. How wrong I was. When they returned from their cruise, I called them on the standard Welcome Home call and with anticipation asked how their cruise went. They both had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed it. The age group was mixed, mostly 40 plus but they said the atmosphere, service, food and overall experience was excellent and they would certainly not hesitate to cruise with Fred. Olsen again in the future.

To say I was relieved was an understatement.

So Fred. Olsen may not be big and beautiful but they do have a very loyal clientele and lots of repeat guests and these guests always say how great they are. After this weekend I might become one of Fred’s groupies too.

Dawn

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