Port of Tyne fly the flag for international travel with cruise operator Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
On Thursday (26 May), representatives from countries around the world were welcomed aboard the Balmoral, flagship of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet, at the Port of Tyne.
The Honorary Consuls of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Luxemburg, Norway, and Sweden joined the Port of Tyne and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for a VIP visit and were given the opportunity to tour the ship and hear more about the wide range of cruise destinations available direct from the Port of Tyne.
Nigel Westwood, Royal Norwegian Consul, said: “Consuls regularly assist citizens of the Consulate’s own country, and an important part of that is facilitating trade and travel between different nations and tour operators.
“It was very refreshing to be able to hear how Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines plan to expand and grow their cruises through the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal. It is also of particular interest to me to learn more about the Norwegian history and heritage of this cruise line and its long-established links with the Tyneside region.”
Since affirming its commitment to guests in North East England – by making Port of Tyne the homeport for the elegant Balmoral in 2016 – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have also announced an exciting programme of 13 sailings from Tyneside in 2017, including a five-night ‘Norwegian Fjords’ cruise, an 11-night ‘Swedish Waterways’ holiday and a 15-night ‘Authentic Andalusia’ adventure, taking in seven sunshine ports in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar.
Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Welcoming the Honorary Consuls on board Balmoral provided the perfect opportunity to set out our vision for our flagship’s inaugural cruise season from the Port of Tyne. Fred. Olsen is renowned for giving our guests a very different kind of ‘experiential’ cruise holiday, and it has been very beneficial to be able to explain our concept of ‘Bringing the world closer to you!’ to such an influential international audience.”
Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive Officer for Port of Tyne, said: “Helping to create a vibrate Port of Tyne involves working closely with our customers and stakeholders.
“It was a great opportunity for the Consuls to discover more about the operation of our international gateway for cruise and ferries and how we are growing the tourism business through increased cruise calls.”
The Port of Tyne expects a record 42 cruise calls during 2016. For further information on the cruises available from the Port of Tyne, visit the Port’s website www.portoftyne.co.uk/cruise or contact your local travel agent. And to learn more about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com.