Member Article

Fred. Olsen increasing cruises from Liverpool

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed it is to increase its departures from Liverpool Cruise Terminal next year.

Recently voted Number One UK port in the prestigious ‘2013 Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Awards’, the panel of expert judges of the consumer website praised the friendly reception extended in Liverpool.

Their summary said: “Cruise passengers descending on the city will find a warm welcome from Liverpudlians who are enjoying renewed confidence. Nearly everything of interest to the visitor is within a 10- to 30-minute walk or a short train under or boat ride across the River Mersey.”

In 2013, Fred. Olsen’s ‘Boudicca’ operated the highest number of cruise departures from Liverpool’s world-famous Pier Head, with a total of ten calls.

This will increase to 11 in 2014, to a variety of exotic destinations, including an eight-night ‘Norwegian Fjords with Shetlands’ and a 16- night ‘Canary Islands & The Azores’.

Liverpool’s designation as the ‘European Capital of Culture 2008’ led to significant positive effects in terms of regeneration.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a long-standing supporter of the Merseyside region and we will be offering even more exciting and unique itineraries to Liverpool’s cruise guests for 2014.”

Liverpool City Council’s Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “It’s wonderful news that this popular cruise line is planning more departures from the city.

“Liverpool is building a reputation as one of the most popular ports in the UK, with a year on year increase in the number of ships coming to the city and our recent accolade of being named the UK’s best port of call by the world’s largest travel review website.

“It’s a real credit to the team at the cruise terminal who always go the extra mile to ensure each lines’ visit is seamless and enjoyable for visitors and crew alike – and as a result makes people want to return to Liverpool time and time again.”

Fred. Olsen was also delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value Cruise Line’ in the ‘2013 Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Awards’.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .