New Meridian members visit Fred. Olsen Borealis ship at Southampton

Despite some inclement weather, a variety of New Meridian members had a great day when hosted on the Borealis cruise liner at Southampton docks to view the facilities and accommodation provided by this popular ship.

The group visit, organised by Sylvia Saxon of New Meridian in conjunction with Fred. Olsen, were joined by Graham Yandell MBE and Sharon Yandell of Group Leisure & Travel magazine.

Graham commented: “The day provided a welcome opportunity to visit a multiple award-winning cruise line that has a very high profile in the group travel market.

“Cruising becomes more and more popular each year and our visit to the Borealis at Southampton confirms why. Not only is it great value but the standard of accommodation, the facilities, the food, the activities and the range of destinations makes this a wonderful way for groups to holiday and have a relaxing and enjoyable experience.”

Seeing the ship first-hand and sampling the “Olsen Way”

The group toured the facilities and had the opportunity to inspect a diverse range of accommodation, from a luxury stateroom and suites down to entry level interior cabins.

The tour was completed by an excellent lunch and then a presentation to Meridian Group members by Ellie Fulcher.

Ellie commented: “It was wonderful to welcome Sylvia Saxon, the chair of the New Meridian Association, and many New Meridian members, both group travel organisers and associate members, on board our cruise ship Borealis along with having the privilege of hosting both Sharon and Graham Yandell from Group Leisure & Travel magazine, our long standing group media partner.

“Seeing our ships first-hand and having a chance to sample the “Olsen. Way” cruise experience in person, is invaluable for GTOs before recommending and promoting our cruises to their group members.

“We really value both the relationships that we have with the New Meridian and Group Leisure & Travel and our team have thoroughly enjoyed our day together meeting many existing and new group travel organisers. We had some great feedback and look forward to working with New Meridian GTOs in the near future”.

An eye-opener; putting cruises on the radar for groups

Sylvia Saxon added: “We have had a wonderful day visiting the Borealis and I would like to thank Fred. Olsen for its generous hospitality. Cruising is such a great thing to do and is increasingly popular in the groups market. The relationship we have with Fred. Olsen is a special one.”

A multiple winner of the Best Cruise Line for Groups category at the annual Group Leisure & Travel awards, Ellie Fulcher pointed out that cruising with Fred. Olsen means there’s no need to endure lengthy journeys across the country, or long queues at airports, to meet your ship and begin your holiday, as its cruises depart from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh (Rosyth).

One Meridian GTO member commented: “I was really pleased to have this opportunity to visit Borealis. I have not taken my group away on a cruise as yet, but the visit was an eye opener and it’s certainly on my radar to put to my members. I was very impressed.”