Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the UK based operator of four medium sized cruise liners, has launched a new app for the iPhone and iPad to enable guests to discover the world and find their ideal cruise holiday experience, all at the touch of a screen, the company said in a statement.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Whatever your choice, we know that you will find a Fred. Olsen cruise destination to suit you, and the new Fred. Olsen app for the iPhone and iPad just makes it even easier to explore the world with us!

“There is an increasing demand amongst our ‘young-at-heart’ cruisers to embrace the latest technology when researching and booking a cruise holiday, and the use of mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads amongst the over 55s – our core demographic – is on the rise. For instance, in April 2011, just 1,484 guests accessed our website using an iPad, and 1,322 an iPhone, whereas in April 2012, the iPad figure reached 14,913 visitors, representing an incredible 900% increase, and the iPhone growth – at 5,628 users – was over 325% during this period.”

Mintel research* has found that, amongst a more mature demographic, the use of mobile phones – thereby enabling access to apps – is more prevalent than surfing the web: out of those interviewed between the ages of 55 and 74, 88.5% reported using a mobile phone, 68.5% were frequent internet visitors, and 66% used broadband (*Source: ‘Lifestyles of the Over-55s’, April 2012’).