Fred Olsen launches ‘Plain Sailing Guarantee’
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new ‘Plain Sailing Guarantee’ to offer reassurance to guests with upcoming cruise bookings in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the terms of the guarantee, guests will only pay the balance of their holiday 28 days before departure, as opposed to 90-days ahead.
Guests who would like to transfer to another cruise will receive a future cruise voucher on top of any funds that have already been paid, which can be put towards another sailing. This voucher will be valid for 24 months, with all money to be automatically refunded, plus an additional 5%, if it is not used within this time.
In addition, any guest with a 2020 cruise booked can choose to transfer to any other cruise already on sale, even if their sailing has not been cancelled. All guests need to do is let Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines know at least two weeks before the scheduled departure date.
Marketing and sales director Jackie Martin said: "What our new Plain Sailing Guarantee does is set out clearly what options are available to guests. Of course, it goes without saying that all guests are entitled to a full refund on any monies paid when a cruise is cancelled. But we know that a number of our guests are keen to enjoy cruising with us again when they can, so we have made it easy for them to transfer their booking.
"We know that everything seems a little uncertain just now, and some people may want a little more time to decide where and when they may want to travel again, which is why our future cruise voucher will last for 24 months. If at the end of this time some guests have still not managed to find a cruise to suit, we will automatically refund everything they have already paid, plus an additional 5%, as a thank you for their support and to cover any interest they may otherwise have accrued during this time.
"This is a challenging time for us all, and I would like to thank all of our guests for their support as we sail these choppy seas, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests back on board with us as soon as it is safe to do so."
Fred. Olsen’s four ocean ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – are currently in in Scotland’s Firth of Forth, where they will remain until cruising continues. The company has currently cancelled all sailings indefinitely and guests will be contacted at least 30 days prior to their cruise to confirm if it is affected.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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