YEAR 2007

Google Earth goes to sea

June 24, 2007 - Fred Olsen has become the first cruise line to incorporate Google Earth into its website, allowing visitors to view selected long voyages via the global mapping tool.

Google Earth uses satellite imagery to three-dimensionally map the globe and provides a web search function, allowing users to search for businesses, areas of interest or get directions to their desired location.

Fred Olsen has incorporated this tool into its website to offer customers the possibility of experiencing a cruise long before they set foot on board ship.

Simple to use, the facility allows website visitors to track the course of a cruise across the globe, zooming in on separate ports of call for aerial views, or clicking on each to access a detailed description of the port with local information, history, climate and rainfall details and much more.

Says Shona Michell, Olsen's new media co-ordinator: "We are delighted to be breaking new ground with the launch of our Google earth facility. It is so easy to use and really delivers the sense that you are experiencing the cruise in advance of actually leaving home. I am convinced that it will enhance our customers' enjoyment of their cruise holidays and may well influence the decision to book in the first place."

Nathan Cook of Cheeze 2.0, who built and delivered the project which currently stands as one of the most sophisticated and content-rich Google Earth solutions available within the travel sector, adds: "This solution brings to life the emotional value of our clientÕs product, providing a key differential advantage to their online promotional activity."

Currently there are five long cruises that can be viewed on Google Earth, but Olsen plans to roll out the facility to include more cruises over the coming months.

To enjoy the Fred. Olsen Google Earth experience, CLICK HERE