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Port of Tyne flies the flag for international travel with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Port of Tyne flies the flag for international travel with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Representatives from several European countries were welcomed aboard Fred Olsen's Balmoral at the Port of Tyne on Thursday.

The Honorary Consuls of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Luxemburg, Norway, and Sweden joined the Port of Tyne and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for a VIP visit and were given the opportunity to tour the ship and hear more about the wide range of cruise destinations available direct from the Port of Tyne.

Nigel Westwood, Royal Norwegian Consul, said: 'Consuls regularly assist citizens of the Consulate’s own country, and an important part of that is facilitating trade and travel between different nations and tour operators. It was very refreshing to be able to hear how Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines plan to expand and grow their cruises through the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal.'

Since affirming its commitment to guests in North East England - by making Port of Tyne the homeport for Balmoral in 2016 - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has also announced a programme of 13 sailings from Tyneside in 2017.

Andrew Moffat, ceo for Port of Tyne, said: 'It was a great opportunity for the Consuls to discover more about the operation of our international gateway for cruise and ferries and how we are growing the tourism business through increased cruise calls.'

The Port of Tyne expects a record 42 cruise calls during 2016.