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Established in 1988, Fred. Olsen Travel is first and foremost a travel agency but also acts as a tour operator, general sales agent, preferred agent and corporate travel provider. We also operate a franchise business, GoCruise&Travel, which has helped well travel professionals to set up their own travel business.
Our staff are our biggest asset and they really make the difference when it comes to selling holidays. We invest in developing their knowledge and expertise by sending them all over the world to experience the products and destinations for themselves, enabling them to have first-hand knowledge when speaking to our customers. Coupled with the passion for travel that our staff have in abundance, this makes our service really hard to beat.
We recruit at all levels to ensure that we have the correct mix of talent and experience. Our excellent apprenticeship scheme enables candidates to train whilst they are working and we have a number of success stories that we’re really proud of. So, whether you’re looking for your first role within the travel sector or you already have some experience under your belt, we’re certain that Fred. Olsen Travel would be a great company for you to join. Why not take a look at our vacancies page to see how you could start your journey with us?
Employees based at our Head Office (Ipswich, Suffolk) you will also benefit from:
We are also enthusiastic to offer our staff educational trips and conferences to enable staff to experience fabulous destinations and resorts. The aim is to then use the knowledge and information in their day to day work, relaying their experiences and knowledge to our fantastic clientele.
I attended the Budapest CLIA Rivercruise conference in March 2022. Even though I am not new to travel, in my past job I never had a lot of experience booking river cruises and felt that attending the conference would help build my confidence and make me more knowledgeable.
From start to finish, it was a packed 3 days of walking around 10 different river cruise ships, learning about all the different types of cabin, what each company offer and what type of client each one would be suited to.
We stayed on 3 different ships over the 3 nights and that gave us a real insight as to what a customer would expect, the service they provide and all about the food!
These conferences are so beneficial, even if you have knowledge of working in the travel industry already, there is always something to learn, expand your knowledge and a great way to meet new people and to network. In FOT, we book so many types of holidays and cruises, you never know what’s going to walk through the door so even if you can inspire someone then that’s always a positive.
My knowledge on Madeira is pretty good, but was keen to take up the opportunity to visit the island again in April 2022 with EasyJet Holidays.
On arrival at Funchal we had a private transfer take us to the Hotel Vidamar. A detailed itinerary had been given before departure and there were a couple of excursions included which I had not seen or considered before. The first was a trip to a vineyard and although not a drinker turned out to be an excellent day. We learnt about the way the grapes were grown and how being closer to the ocean affected the taste. The second half day tour was a walking tour of the old town in Funchal to learn about the different local foods and tastings.
As in most educational trips a few hotel visits are required, but this really helps you gain knowledge for when you come back and you can recommend the right property to the right person. An educational in my eyes is invaluable for learning and knowledge, and is far more beneficial than any online training courses. My bookings for the island have increased again since I returned and I have also obtained a few more travel friends from the trip.
I was very privileged to be invited to take part in a Travelsphere Educational to the Canadian Rockies in May 2022. We visited Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise and Calgary all in 5 nights! As hectic as it was we saw and learnt so much, the Banff gondola, e biking, helicopter trip over Mount Assiniboine glacier, stunning Chateau Lake Louise, the Calgary tower and we also got a glimpse of the infamous Rocky Mountaineer. We were also so lucky to see a variety of wildlife including grizzly and black bears which for me was the highlight. Without the knowledge of the tour leader and driver we could have quite easily missed these special moments.
Back in the office I can now chat to our customers and help them plan their itinerary with confidence with all the knowledge I have acquired. Without this opportunity I would have to rely on tour operators’ recommendations and brochures to plan itineraries. I also have many pictures to show our customers which adds a little personal touch. We are so lucky to work for an organisation that encourages us to participate in these trips and grow our knowledge and business.
My long term goal is to pursue a PhD, and undertaking an apprenticeship equivalent to a Master’s degree is an important step towards achieving that ambition. I’ve always been motivated by learning and research, and this route allows me to continue developing academically while remaining fully engaged in practical, real world work.
Through my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to immerse myself in the fields of data science and data engineering, learning advanced concepts and applying them directly within my role. This has helped me understand not only how technologies work, but how they can be designed and used responsibly within a business environment.
From a professional perspective, the programme supports Fred. Olsen Travel in adopting AI in a fair and thoughtful way, helping to bridge the gap as the wider industry moves towards more data driven and AI led solutions. It encourages ethical decision making while ensuring technology delivers genuine value for the business.
On a personal level, the apprenticeship strongly aligns with my natural curiosity and drive to keep learning. It challenges me to think more deeply, explore new ideas, and build a strong foundation for my future in data, AI and research focused work.
As a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprentice, my apprenticeship has been a valuable and rewarding experience that has helped me grow both professionally and personally. From the outset, it allowed me to combine structured learning with practical, hands‑on experience in a real working environment.
One of the key benefits has been the confidence I’ve gained. Working directly with customers, handling enquiries and booking a wide range of travel products has strengthened my communication and customer service skills. I’ve also developed important skills such as time management, teamwork, and using industry systems and procedures that are essential for a career in travel. Being trusted with real responsibility has made me feel more capable and motivated in my role.
This apprenticeship has had a positive impact on my career goals by providing a clear pathway into the travel industry, while allowing me to gain first‑hand experience and earn a qualification. On a personal level, it has helped me become more organised, professional and confident when dealing with different situations and people.
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering this route. It offers the opportunity to learn on the job, gain real experience and develop valuable skills in a supportive and practical environment. As a qualified Travel Consultant, I continue to build on this foundation and widen my knowledge even further.
Since joining Fred. Olsen Travel’s apprenticeship scheme as a Digital Solutions Apprentice, I’ve gained valuable hands‑on experience across a wide range of automation and RPA projects alongside completing my Level 3 Digital Service Technician course. This experience has strengthened my confidence and expanded my technical knowledge, allowing me to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Fred. Olsen Travel and found it to be a welcoming, supportive and friendly environment.
As I come to the end of my Level 3 Marketing and Design apprenticeship, I can confidently say that choosing this route after finishing sixth form was the best decision for me. My apprenticeship at Fred. Olsen Travel has helped me grow in confidence both professionally and personally, while gaining valuable knowledge of the travel industry and marketing.
Apprenticeships are a great way to fully immerse yourself in a role, with the added benefit of earning while you learn. Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve been supported by my team and training provider, helping me develop my skills, build confidence and work towards my career goals. One of the things I’ve valued most is being part of a wider apprentice community at Fred. Olsen Travel, which has made it easy to connect with others, share experiences and build friendships.
Working here has also given me some incredible opportunities, including attending the River View Conference in Budapest, a marketing conference onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 to Bruges, and touring a range of cruise ships promoted by the marketing team. Looking back at how nervous I felt on my first day at head office, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I’d highly recommend it - it’s a valuable stepping stone into the world of work.
My journey at Fred. Olsen began in August 2022 when I started a Level 2 Accounts apprenticeship. Through this role, I achieved my AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and developed a wide range of skills as an Accounts Assistant, including becoming more proficient in Excel, accounting software and core accounting practices.
My apprenticeship provided a strong stepping-stone, allowing me to progress onto and complete my AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. I am now continuing my development by studying towards my AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. One of the key benefits of my apprenticeship has been the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while securing valuable on‑the‑job experience, which has supported my long‑term career progression.
Alongside the professional benefits, my apprenticeship has also helped me grow in confidence within a working environment, which has had a positive impact both in and outside of the office. I would encourage others to consider an apprenticeship, as it offers the chance to gain qualifications while developing hands‑on, job‑specific experience that truly supports career growth.
I completed a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship within the Ipswich Fred. Olsen Travel Agents branch, choosing this route so I could learn on the job while earning at the same time. During my apprenticeship, I built confidence and gained valuable customer experience, benefited from regular apprenticeship catch‑ups and learning from previous apprentices at Fred. Olsen Travel. I also had opportunities to attend cruise ship visits and training conferences, which helped grow both my knowledge of selling holidays, cruises and my passion for the industry.
I now work in a different department within Fred. Olsen Travel and continue to use the skills, knowledge and experience gained during my apprenticeship to succeed in my current role.
I completed a Level 3 Marketing Assistant apprenticeship, where my role initially focused on creating marketing assets such as window posters, flyers, and email marketing. This gave me a really solid foundation in both design and day-to-day marketing activity. Since then, my role has developed significantly. I’ve progressed within the company to become a Senior Marketing and Design Executive, where I now work as part of a wider team on full marketing campaigns. My responsibilities range from producing social media content and posters to working on larger projects like brochures, giving me a much broader and more strategic view of marketing as a whole.
My apprenticeship had a huge impact on me both personally and professionally. Starting as an apprentice allowed me to learn my role from the ground up, which helped build my confidence over time. I now see myself as a confident and valued colleague within my team, with the experience and skills to back that up. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to pursue a career I was genuinely passionate about. To anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship but feeling unsure, I’d say take the leap. It’s a great way to start a new role or career when you’re not quite sure where to begin, as you’re supported while learning from the very start. Especially at Fred. Olsen Travel, you’re surrounded by a team that genuinely wants to see you succeed — you just have to take that first step.
I started work as a Digital Marketing Apprentice here at Fred. Olsen Travel in 2017. I now have a full-time job in the eCommerce department after completing my course and learning the skills needed for the role.
Starting out, I didn’t really know what to expect, I had mostly thought of the generic tea and coffee making. When first meeting my team, I was quickly shown that this wasn’t the case, with the help of a mentor that would oversee my progress throughout and could help me stay on track, she has arguably been the main factor for my success while remaining at Fred. Olsen Travel and has even taught me a lot of life lessons that will stick with me forever.
During my apprenticeship I was able to tackle all aspects of the eCommerce department; from email marketing creation, graphic design, copywriting, webdesign and automation. My team encouraged me to find the path that I most enjoyed and best suited my skills.
I know many people may be looking at this with a big decision; whether to take on an apprenticeship or not. I can proudly say that it has been one of the hardest, but best things that I have done.
With our success since joining the franchise, we have been able to open up our own ‘GoCruise & Travel’ shop and have become multi award-winning travel agents along the way.
Being part of the well established brand like Fred. Olsen Travel and being ABTA & ATOL bonded is such a fab selling point for us to use.
My customers trust the brand (and me!) and love knowing they are financially protected.
The business development team have really helped us look deep into our figures to see where we can improve and grow our business. We are currently working together to secure some funding for our Cruise & Holiday Show coming up! We are looking at over 15 operators attend.
I can honestly say, even though I work alone, I have never felt that I am on my own! We talk all of the time on teams having general chit-chat about our day as well as helping each other out with quotes and advice, there is always someone there to talk to. I also love our monthly conference calls where we get a business updates as well as the occasional quiz!
I love that Colin sends us the weekly ‘support team contact’ emails so we always know who we can contact, where they will be and how we can reach them! I also think having the out of hours line for weekends is great for anything that crops up unexpectedly.
GoCruise & Travel feels like a full-blown family! The support and encouragement I receive is next to none. I especially love the gatherings we have throughout the year when we get to have a little dance and a glass of Prosecco.. or two!
The marketing team have been the driving force behind the success of my group departures. Throughout the year I organise many cruises and holidays for local groups in my area, and marketing make fantastic flyers for me, which has contributed to my groups overall popularity and success.
I joined with no travel background - but with a passion for travel and a desire to help others enjoy holidays. Critical to success and enjoyment of the business is the ongoing support across all parts of the business - including super help on marketing and working closely with cruise lines, a very knowledgeable (and gentle!) admin team, and ull franchise management support. I feel part of a wider family, always great to meet up and enjoy events together - and it’s fun!
GoCruise ticks all the boxes - ABTA bonding, flexibility to work any hours I want, to run my own business the way I want and a dedicated support team should I need any help.
