Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is crowned 'Best Affordable Cruise Line' at the 2012 'Cruise International Awards'

SUFFOLK, ENGLAND, November 02, 2012 (Press-News.org) Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was delighted to be crowned 'Best Affordable Cruise Line' at the 2012 'Cruise International Awards', as well as being voted 'Best for Learning', for the second year running, in recognition of its popular onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. Fred. Olsen also came runner-up in the 'Best Shore Excursion' and 'Best Cruise Line' categories, having been voted 'Cruise Line of the Year' in the inaugural 'Cruise International Awards' in 2011.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

"We are delighted that Fred. Olsen was the most successful ocean cruise line at this year's 'Cruise International Awards', where we are proud to have been named 'Best Affordable Cruise Line' and 'Best for Learning', for a second consecutive year.

"We are committed to listening to our guests to ensure that they benefit from the very best onboard cruise experience that we can possibly provide, at a consistently competitive price, and this valuable recognition goes to show that we are hitting the target with our Vistas onboard enrichment programme....and the fact that Vistas is free for guests to join is just another reason why a Fred. Olsen cruise offers such excellent value for money!"

Liz Jarvis, Editor of Cruise International magazine, said:

"Fred. Olsen offer an exceptional range of talks and experiences through the Vistas programme and their cruises offer fantastic value for money. We are thrilled to have been given this opportunity to recognise their achievements."

The 'Cruise International Awards', held at the Soho Hotel, London on 12th September 2012, are the only cruise industry accolades voted for by genuine cruisers, and this year attracted some 20,000 nominations from readers of Cruise International magazine and keen cruise customers, across 22 categories. The 'Best Affordable Cruise Line' and 'Best for Learning' awards were presented to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines by Liz Jarvis, Editor of Cruise International magazine, and Gyles Brandreth, author, broadcaster and former MP.

Fred. Olsen's award-winning Vistas programme allows guests on a Fred. Olsen cruise to participate in talks and hands-on experiences by a number of renowned experts, at no extra cost and entirely when it suits them. For its 2013/14 Vistas programme, Fred. Olsen will be welcoming some exciting experts and celebrity speakers on board its four traditional cruise ships - Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch - including Round-the-World Yachtswoman Tracy Edwards MBE, food critic and renowned oenophile Jilly Goolden, and Antiques Roadshow favourite Lars Tharp.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at http://www.fredolsencruises.com

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line operates in the UK with four intimately sized ships for a more personal cruising experience.