Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has revealed that sales in January returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The “strong start” to 2022 was reflected in new bookings across its 2022 and 2023 programme, with “last minute bookings for late winter and early spring proving particularly popular”, the line said.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines managing director Peter Deer said: “The new year has brought with it a fresh wave of optimism for overseas travel.

“The success of our cruise sale shows that people are looking ahead to their next holiday now more than ever – there is real confidence in the market again, and this is being reflected in our bookings.

“We have had great feedback on our Travel Ready Service, which provides additional peace of mind for those looking to explore again in 2022, and teamed with a relaxation of restrictions by our UK government has really helped to stimulate new bookings.

“This is a really great start to the year, and we are looking forward to a successful season of cruising as we sail into the summer months and beyond.”

Travel ready with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred Olsen recently launched its Travel Ready Service to reassure guests regarding future cruises with the line.

As part of this, the line will take care of guest paperwork such as passenger locator forms and NHS vaccination letters. The cruise line will also order any tests that will be required.

Speaking to Cruise Trade News in his regular column, Fred Olsen head of sales Geoff Ridgeon explained how the line was intending to offer a mix of closer-to-home itineraries while “venturing further afield”.

Popular itineraries for 2022 include the 14-night Winter Warmth in the Canaries voyage on Borealis, and the seven-night Norwegian Fjords & Mighty Waterfalls cruise, departing on Balmoral in June.