By
Rebecca Gibson |
Saga Holidays is to promote and sell cruise holidays for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Focusing on products that do not directly compete with Saga Cruises, the company will have allocations on a range of 2014-2015 Fred. Olsen itineraries across its fleet of four ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – from a number of the UK’s regional ports.
Saga will provide the cruise operator with an extensive sales distribution channel for early-to-mid-term business, which will help to reduce the volume of last-minute bookings and improve yields.
“This new agreement between Fred. Olsen and Saga Holidays will help to improve our yields significantly and our financial position overall,” said Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director at Fred. Olsen. “Both companies are keen for the venture to be successful; with Saga concentrating on selling regional departures early, we will be able to maintain sensible prices and maximise yields, which will benefit Saga, Fred. Olsen and our travel trade partners alike.”
This agreement marks the second time Fred. Olsen and Saga have worked as trading partners.
“This is an exciting time for Saga cruising and this venture allows us to reach out to more people,” said Robin Shaw, chief executive of Saga Cruises. “We will now be able to offer even greater choice to today’s over-50s. Customers will get all the added extras that those who book with Saga directly enjoy, as well as the security that we will offer a great experience at excellent value.”