ITTN’s Shane Cullen attended the 17th annual CLIA Conference. Attendees were afforded the opportunity of exploring a selection of the cruise ships in Southampton. Geoff Ridgeton (Head of Sales – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines) hosted guests, including ITTN’s Shane Cullen, onboard the Balmoral, one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ three ships.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was one of the ship hosts at the CLIA “Beyond Expectations” Conference 2025. This is a UK-based, Norwegian-owned cruise line with three cruise ships, the Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. Each has a capacity of c. 1,400 guests. Fred. Olsen is one of the few smaller cruise lines that offer a more personal, laid-back experience, without being in the ultra-luxury category.
It offers a warm, personalised cruising experience aboard smaller, elegant ships that access lesser-known ports and scenic waterways. Their expertly planned, award-winning itineraries often coincide with special events or natural wonders, such as the Northern Lights or Norway’s hidden fjords. With a friendly crew and great value, each voyage is designed to be memorable, immersive, and inspiring. Known for a loyal customer base, this cruise line has a significant level of repeat customers.
The cabin decor is quite traditional and very comfortable. The outdoor areas were particularly spacious and recently refurbished. I would happily lounge by either of the two pools with a pīna colada in hand.
Geoff Ridgeon – Head of Sales, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Geoff Ridgeon (Head of Sales – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines) took to the stage to deliver a passionate speech about the cruise line. He mentioned that as they operate smaller vessels, their cruise ships can hug the coast, giving clients amazing vantage points of the spectacular coastline. This is especially true in the Nordic fjords.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: A Partner You Can Trust
Geoff Ridgeton shared a compelling message with delegates onboard the Balmoral, “Did you pick the right ship this morning?”. He explained why the answer should be a resounding yes – it is based on three core principles that he believes define the Fred. Olsen difference:
1. Easy to Work With
With a background as a travel agent himself, Ridgeton understands the daily challenges faced by those on the front lines of selling travel. He emphasised Fred. Olsen’s commitment to being the easiest cruise line to collaborate with. In an industry where not all cruise brands make life simple for agents, Fred. Olsen is actively working to stand out by streamlining processes, supporting partners, and truly listening to their needs.
2. Commercially Beneficial
Understanding that travel agents are running businesses whether from home or on the high street, Ridgeton stressed that Fred. Olsen doesn’t expect bookings without reason. The cruise line is focused on ensuring that selling their cruises is not just enjoyable, but also financially rewarding. From competitive commissions to strong conversion rates, Fred. Olsen wants to be a partner in travel agents’ success.
3. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Look After Your Customers
Perhaps most importantly, Geoff Ridgeton promised that agents can trust Fred. Olsen with their clients. The line is dedicated to delivering on its promises, ensuring guests have memorable and satisfying cruise experiences. That trust means happy customers who return, not only to the cruise line, but to the agent who booked them. Interestingly, while engaging with the staff in Southampton Port, several mentioned that Fred. Olsen was their favourite cruise line – high praise indeed.
Ridgeton closed with a challenge
Ridgeton closed with a challenge – should Fred. Olsen ever fall short on these promises, he encouraged delegates to speak up. The company is committed to improvement and wants honest feedback to continue to raise the bar.
For more from ITTN & the CLIA Conference 2025
For more from ITTN & the CLIA Conference 2025, check out:
