What our customers say...

I thought I should write a letter and thank you for your sterling work in ensuring our holiday for 2021.

You will know that we had our family holiday arranged for this forthcoming August which we wished to have transferred to the August of 2021. This was rather difficult for us as I have been engaged in a long-running guerrilla war with Myeloma and my treatment is time sensitive (83 pills and potions per week and two monthly sessions of chemotherapy). Fitting this treatment in with a holiday next year was tricky. I didn't inform you of this, nevertheless, you rose to the occasion and it ensured that we will have a family holiday during my wife 60th year as well as providing a token of thanks to her and our family for the superb support that they have given my wife and me.

It hasn't been easy for you either. Over a four day period you badgered TUi and eventually won through, calling me on a daily basis, assuring me that you were 'on the case'. This may be my last family holiday and so you will understand that I am doubly grateful.

Thank you once again. Good luck and STAY SAFE.

In these very difficult times I thought you might like a short note to cheer you up and hopefully make you smile.

You don't know it but we have been regular customers for sometime, first being looked after from the Lymington office and then Christchurch. During these times we have always been looked after by the same member of your staff, namely Alison MacCarty. To say that she always goes the extra mile to sort us out and goes above and beyond her line of duty would be an understatement.

I know things are very difficult for you at the present time but as soon as we know what we are doing we will be back asking Alison to sort us out again.

I would just say that Alison has no idea that I am writing this note to you, so I hope it will be a nice surprise as we all like to be appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Just a note to say thanks for all you've done and to remind that Pat & I are thinking of you & your families at this difficult time. Rest assured that when this is all over we will be banging on your door to arrange our next holiday as we think you are the best team we've ever dealt with. Please, all of you, keep safe and the best of luck from two very, very happy customers.

Love to you all from Pat Hopkin & Jim Grieve

Sue & I want to thank Kerrie & her staff at the Felixstowe branch, for all their exceptional help sorting out our return travel back from Thailand. We had a wonderful holiday, but in view of the ongoing Covid 19 virus situation, we realised that we needed to get home before the borders were locked down.

A quick email to Kerrie explaining our predicament & within 24 hrs we had a new schedule to fly home early. I have no doubt that without their amazing professionalism we would have been stuck in Thailand. I know it is easy to book holidays online for a little cheaper!, but believe me, when the chips are down it really helps to have a friendly Travel Agent (& friend)...Thank you so much...The Burties

The tour was amazing. Kuoni made us feel so safe and cared for.

Everything was taken care of - tour bus, driver and professional guide were all well-organised and the hotels were all lovely. The wedding was out of this world and the hotel made us feel like celebrities. Everything was taken care of; all we had to do was turn up. The candlelit dinner we enjoyed by the lagoon was also magical. We will never forget it.

Thank you so much for all your help, researching our endless questions and keeping us updated on everything. We are so happy.

I felt that I had to write to you regarding the Staff in the Norwich Office. They have arranged numerous holidays for my niece and myself and I am constantly impressed by their efficiency. They are quite the most charming and knowledgeable young ladies. When we were marooned at Amsterdam airport - the first people we contacted were the staff at Fred Olsen -they helped us, as always, and our problems were soon sorted out. These days it is refreshing to find such a company where all our holiday arrangements are made by such a pleasant staff. I hope they know how much we appreciate their abilities and I hope this will be added to their 'feedbacks'.

I am writing to record my appreciation and thanks for two recent successful consultations with Melanie who is not only thoroughly professional but also confident, patient, courteous and pleasantly customer focussed.

A real pleasure to deal with - I'll be back!

Yours very truly,

Brian T

Hi Mark

We wanted to give a you very big thank for your help and choosing Cox & Kings for us. The holiday was superb better than we imagined and just our thing. The guides were just so good,  knowledgeable, patient and fun, any small problems were sorted immediately. We would definitely use this company again,with your help of course.

The wedding was absolutely wonderful and was a huge success, held on a secluded beach a few miles from Playa Maya.

Many thanks again to you and your team for organising anamazing trip a real Mexican Adventure.

Very Best Wishes

John and Wendy

Thank you so much to Gemma and Linda at Fred. Olsen Felixstowe who recently tried to help us get flights to be with our family in their time of need. Gemma for instantly looking up so many flights to get us there and Linda for advice and assistance along the way.

 They didn’t even book the original holiday for my family to start with but they still helped us greatly with their caring and kindness.

 What a lovely team they have. We have always used you personally and will continue to come back (sorry 😂).

Hi Mark

Just a quick email to say MANY THANKS for all your help before and during our Celebrity cruise of Asia. We absolutely loved it. Now back to reality and the British winter weather.

Cheers, all the best

Hi Nicola

We have returned from our holiday with many happy memories and lots of photographs. It was everything I had hoped for and more. With your help it was a complete surprise for my wife right up to the day of the departure.

As you know it was a very special occasion for us so I wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible. I could not have asked for more. The Orient Express was what it says on the tin, a touch of refined elegance. The travel representatives who met us for the transfers to the hotel in Venice were on time friendly and helpful. The hotel was excellent. Just what I was hoping for. It was close to the centre of everything, but located in a lovely district just away from the main throng. It has the name of a palace and that was just what it felt like we were staying in. Kirker Travel did us proud with that one.

This is the first time I have booked a holiday with Fred Olsen. I explained what I wanted and you tailored a package for me to fit the bill. We had several phone calls between then and the holiday when I spoke to you or one of your colleagues with my many little queries. You were all very tolerant of me and without exception whoever I spoke to quickly and efficiently answered my questions. It did reassure me that everything was going to be fine. You are all a credit to the company you work for. Thank-you for arranging what was such a memorable holiday.

Gemma,

We have just returned from two weeks in Greece.

We would both like to thank you for organising the holiday.  The hotels were excellent and all the transfers were on time, it was a luxurious feeling being taken from door to door. In addition the Cyplon reps were very helpful and knowledgeable. We normally travel independently and we rather enjoyed having the itinerary planned for us.

Thanks once again.

Hi Nicola,

Quick note, we are back, brilliant holiday everything ran smoothly.

Thank you Nicola and all your staff for all your help in our holiday in Singapore, pity we couldn’t bring the hot weather & sun back with us.

Best regards

Hi Nicola

Best family holiday so far.

We knew Mauritius was good anyway but going on whale watching trip and seeing Dolphins, pilot whales and having two humpbacks under and beside the boat was nearly mind blowing.

South Africa, Madekwi and impodimo all top class and saw all the animals we wanted to see, plus learnt a lot and the children loved it.

Flights in and out of lodge were fun and well organised especially when we got back to Johannesburg airport and were helped all the way to departure lounge.

Great holiday and thanks again for all your help especially helping us choose Madekwi game reserve.

Regards

We wish to mention the outstanding service and help we received from Sam at Fred. Olsen Travel in Lymington for her expertise and friendly assistance we had when booking the cruise.  Thank you Sam, you’re a credit to the company! And the lovely touch a few days after our return home when we received a postcard from her on behalf of Fred. Olsen to say “we hope you had a good time”.  That was really a nice touch.

Hello Mark

Thank you for your Welcome Home Card.  Our Cruise was one of the best we have ever had with Fred. Olsen but this was only our first time on Boudicca - what a lovely ship.  We enjoyed it so much that we are thinking of doing the same cruise next year (25th April). Everyone we spoke to also said what a lovely cruise it had been. So can definitely recommend Amalfi, Tuscany & The Italian Riviera.  The downside is coming home to all the washing, ironing and getting the garden straight again!  All the more harder when you have been waited on hand and foot for three weeks.

Kind Regards

Dear Sir,

I am writing to say thank you to Lisa Robinson and your Colchester team with regards to a recent booking I made to the UAE.

In a day and age where the internet seems to be removing some of our service led industry, I was surprised that Lisa was able to find me the right holiday to Dubai with IF Only Travel that was better then what I would have paid online with the added bonus of a quality personal service.

I have found Lisa to be very professional and friendly and clearly leads her team by example.

Once again thank you and please pass on my thanks once again to the Colchester team.

Yours Sincerely

Having booked many cruises both ocean and one river cruise through Felixstowe branch, mainly through Linda, I can honestly say I have had excellent service. No problem or query is too much trouble, even if I think it’s a silly question Fred. Olsen Travel treat it positively and never fail to get me an answer.

Dear Mr Hardwick

We were on the recent Gardens Galore River Cruise, on the Amadeus Brilliant and your representative was Karen Jones.

We wish to express our thanks to her for her very professional attention throughout the cruise.

I was having problems with my back but Karen made sure that we were able to join in and be included in everything that was organised.

Karen also ensured that the group was able to sit and mix together at meal times by arranging an alteration to the table layout.  This made for a great atmosphere which everyone enjoyed.

Her ever cheerful and positive personality and her awareness made our holiday into a great success and we thank her for that.

Yours sincerely

We have book a number of holidays through Vicky over the past few years. Her professionalism, attention to detail and all-round customer service is second to none. Vicky is always our first port of call when we are looking to book our holidays. She understands how important they are and always comes up trumps... however demanding we are! We can't rate her high enough.

Hi Vicky and all the girls at Fred Olsen Travel

We are just back from our twelve day stay at the Hotel Berner in Zell am See.

As always, all your arrangements worked perfectly.  Very many thanks.

For us it is always a joy booking our holiday through yourselves.  It takes away all the hassle from us and, once we have made our decision, we can just sit back and wait for the relevant documentation to arrive.

Turning to the Hotel Berner, this is a hotel we recommend without hesitation.  We have stayed in many hotels in the Tirol, but this we rate the best.  As with all the hotels, the room was spotless and the food excellent.  What made it exceptional was the staff. It is only a small family run hotel, but we were made to feel hugely welcome.  From the welcome drink on arrival, to the regular chats with the girls on reception or those who waited at table, you were always made to feel important.

Many thanks again for looking after all the arrangements.  We are already looking forward to the next time.

Best wishes

Good Morning Mark!

I just wanted to say thank you!

I'm at the hotel, by the roof top pool,  on a glorious morning in Barcelona

This morning I was wished "Happy Birthday" and brought a waffle biscuit with strawberries, with a candle in and a glass of champagne for breakfast!

Service or what! I then remembered you popped a note on my booking about my birthday. So think I have you to thank for the wonderful service I've had.

I shall definitely be returning here..........

Have a lovely rest of the week and I'll catch up with you when I return.

Best wishes

Dear Thorpe Travel Team

We are now looking back on another excellent holiday organised through Thorpe Travel, a Caribbean cruise.

P&O Cruises Britannia was the biggest ship we’d cruised on. We’d read some reviews, but as always went with an open mind. Home commitments meant we were limited to a week, so we went for the biggest cabin we could afford and this was F731, a Ventura Suite over the stern. The cabin was impressive. A suite, with a balcony wrapping around the starboard side of the stern. On the butlers advice we took breakfasts in the Epicurian Restaurant, which was provided if you were lucky enough to have a suite. Without a doubt these were the best breakfasts we have had on any cruise, lasting us into the late afternoon, irrespective of how active the days turned out to be. Our evening meals were “Freedom Dining” in the Meridian. The food was pretty average although being gluten intolerant it was easy to navigate through the menu while there was also an option to pre-order the previous day. Having remarked to Lorna at Thorpe Travel that the main dining room food was not as good as on Celebrity ships, she answered that, “You get what you pay for” and this seems acceptable – if I want better than the basic fare, I need to pay more and I’m given the option to do so. We booked excursions well in advance. This is just our preference and there are lots of opportunities to hire taxis and to join tours on sale in and around the Cruise Terminals. We did a rainforest walk at St Kitts – brilliant, Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua – worth a look and Snorkeling with turtles – missed the turtles, enjoyed the swim. The trips were a little on the pricey side, we paid for convenience. Generally speaking the trips were managed well. The local mantra seems to be “make haste slowly”. If this is an issue, the Caribbean is not the place for you. If I had to pick a hole in something, it was the Safety Drill. In some ways it was comical. Six stations all called to one location. Half of the people being sent away to find their Cruise Card and a script read by a young crew member who may have left his glasses in his cabin. Great fun for his mates,who seemed to be giggling throughout. Finally five of the six groups were marched away to have a look at their stations. The whole ten minute process taking more like thirty five. Most people having tuned out well before the half way point. Something that was not P&O Cruises’ fault was Bridgetown Airport – nightmare. Well then if that’s all I had to moan about, I must have had a superb holiday and I look forward to spending more time on the Britannia in the future.

The arrangements made by Thorpe Travel were faultless as always.  Lorna or one of the girls are always on the end of a phone and what they can’t answer straight away they sort out without delay.

Hi Mark and the Fred. Olsen Travel team at Bury St Edmunds.

Thank you so much for everything you did sorting out my wonderful trip to Tokyo, Japan. It is a trip that I will always remember and have fond memories of. Tokyo is a very clean city and easy to get around with English signs on the roads and all menus in English. The people are so friendly. It is thanks to you and your team at Bury St Edmunds that this happened. This was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime, but I am now planning a return visit!

After a week of searching online for a half board holiday to the Costa Adeje for a reasonable price, Nicola was able to put together a trip that i was really happy with. She was determined to find the perfect trip, she listened, was friendly and patient. Overall I'm really glad I went to Fred Olsen (in store Coes). The experience compared to booking online and endless searching was far more relaxed and pleasant. I am really happy with the final outcome and cant wait to go on the holiday. I would definitely recommend Fred Olsen for there fantastic service.

I would just like to say how impressed I am by a member of your staff, Samantha O’Connor, at Fred Olsen Travel,  Lymington.

She has a very pleasant disposition, and is extremely efficient, giving great attention to detail when dealing with my holiday enquiries and bookings!

I just wanted to let you know what a great asset she is to your company.

With best wishes, from a very satisfied customer.

Yours sincerely

I have used Fred Olsen for all of my family travel plans since they opened a branch in Westbourne, Bournemouth. I transferred my allegiance to the Beales outlet when it opened in order I might have continuity with the young lady, Beth Pearce, who has been unstinting in her efforts to ensure my family and I have the correct product to perfectly suit our needs for a number of years. I, first, had the fortune to encounter Beth when she was employed by a, now defunct, travel agent and I have had nothing but high praise for her since that day. I have set Beth a few 'challenges' that she has always efficiently dealt with and her beaming smile of welcome makes one feel, more, a member of the family than a customer. In 2017 Beth has arranged three holidays for my family and I and we are looking ahead to 2018 when, all things permitting, we will continue to work with Beth. The location of this outlet is a bit out of the way and must suffer from a lack of passing footfall. However, this hurdle will be overcome as the high reputation of Beth and her colleagues spreads around Bournemouth. To summarise : a highly professional and efficient outlet that is a credit to the name of FRED OLSEN.

Dear Thorpe Travel Team

We have just returned from a brilliant Spring holiday in Madeira, all arranged for us by Lorna. We have booked holidays on the internet in the past, but the security of Lorna’s attention to detail and the knowledge that we have the support of a very professional team, has converted us to face to face booking with Thorpe Travel.

All the travel arrangements ran without a hitch and the Hotel Riu Palace in Canico was just as we had been led to expect. Our room and balcony looked out across gardens and a rocky sea shore, the all-inclusive package was exactly that (i.e. no surprises!), the pools had plenty of space to either plough up and down, or just splash about and there were always plenty of sunbeds and of course drinks waiters. The meals were organised as a buffet. It was of a good four star hotel quality and provided an enormous choice of dishes which seemed to suit the varied nationalities present.

Although the hotel provided everything you needed to “veg-out” for the week, the city of Funchal is just 15 minutes away by courtesy bus, which runs regularly. From here the various gardens, the famous toboggan ride, the old town and the market are easily accessible.

All this and we had a week of glorious sunshine – we believe Lorna laid this on for us too!

Thanks again

Dear Kerrie

Leonard and I would like to thank you most sincerely for making our cruise to the Mediterranean so perfect.

Your knowledge and attention to detail was second to none.

Your guidance as to which was the best cabin available in our price range proved to be correct.

The package for accommodation, car parking, and taxis to and from the port was excellent value for money.

Having discussed with you our wish to see as much as possible during our port call to Rome,  the private tour you arranged for us was way above our expectations, we were able to see all the sights that were open on the day, and as it was Palm Sunday our  driver managed to get us to St. Peter's square just as the pope was taking the service which was so atmospheric with the singing and music, an extra bonus. The cost of the tour was more than 50 per cent less than the same tour offered by the cruise line.

Having travelled with Thorpe Travel and your guidance over the past 7 or 8 years we are now planning our next cruise and will be in touch for your expertise before making the final decision

Our sincere thanks

My wife and I have used Thorpe Travel over a number of years for arranging and booking our cruising, and it has been done very efficiently every time.  They are prepared to spend time with you, to make sure that all your requirements for your cruise/holiday are covered, nothing is to much trouble for the very helpful staff, you will not get a better service for your holiday requirements than Thorpe Travel.

Dear Lisa and Team,

Thank you for your ‘Welcome Home’ letter! We had planned to write anyway on our return, as we want to thank you all so much for your part in making our recent trip to America and Canada so successful! Where to begin?!... Every aspect of the trip by you worked like clockwork. The hotels, the yours, the coach travel where all superb, and the staff were brilliant.

We began with British airways – exceptional – to San Diego where we spent 10 days with relatives and drove up the California coast to San Fran. From there to Victoria, Vancouver. The ferry from Vic to Vancouver was delightful. Then the wonderful Rocky Mountaineer excursion to Banff. 2 days of Gold Service – it really was – everything was wonderful including the 2 nights hotel accommodation. It showed:- Banff, which was amazing for our Gondola Tour – quite unique – inspiring!

Then from Calgary to Toronto on Air Canada (excellent) – followed by a 5 day stay with relatives in Toronto. BA brought us home on 18/5!! All in all a 1st class experience & holiday, in no small measure due to your assistance. We will certainly recommend you to family and friends- already have!

Thank you

To Claire,

Thank you for advising and assisting us on choosing an amazing holiday.

Everything about the holiday was perfect. We have some wonderful memories.

Love

Dear Nicola

We just wanted to say a very big ‘thank you’ for the help and advice you gave us in making the booking for our Canada holiday.  We really did have the most amazing time and enjoyed every minute of each day in this wonderful country!  Everything ran smoothly and all the arrangements you made for us worked perfectly, including the chauffeur service to and from the airport which enabled us to have a relaxed beginning and end to our holiday.

With our very best wishes

Dear Lisa and Team,

Thank you for all your help over the years.

Best wishes,

Hi Sam & Crew,

Thoroughly enjoying our holiday.

Good cabin and food on 'Braemar' which is in excellent condition.

First port of call, en route to Wales, Lakes of Scotland.

Thank you for organising all for us.

Sincerely,

To all the team at Fred Olsen’s Colchester,

Thank you so much for looking after us so well time and time again booking our holidays and meeting our requirements. We had a fantastic time in Austria and thank you for getting our camera back to us in a couple of hours, allowing us to enjoy our holiday without worrying! I’m sure you will see us again soon.

Best Wishes,