A SUFFOLK-based cruise firm has reported a flying start to the year as snow-bound Brits responded to the January's big freeze by booking a sunshine break.

A SUFFOLK-based cruise firm has reported a flying start to the year as snow-bound Brits responded to the January's big freeze by booking a sunshine break.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which is based in Ipswich, said today that business was well ahead of the same period in 2009.

At the end of January, sales were significantly compared with the same stage last year, with passenger bookings 17% up and revenue sales up by almost 20%.

Lol Nichols, general sales manager for Fred. Olsen, said: “January has proven to be a strong booking month, which is a tremendous start to the year, and with the majority of our bookings coming through the retail trade I would like to say how much we appreciate the support from our travel agents.

“It's interesting to see that on all ships, there has been much more demand for our suite and balcony accommodation, and this must be due in part to our newly launched 'Suite Dreams' package which gives passengers a large range of extras in their suites for no additional cost.”

Fred. Olsen operates four ships which cruise for most of the year from six different UK ports to world wide destinations.