Our Hotel Directors

Though he now calls Mexico’s gorgeous Riviera Maya home, Iain Gibson is still very much a proud Scot, having been born and raised amongst the beautiful islands of the Hebrides. Since a young age, Iain has been drawn to the water, growing up with the sea all around him, so it was almost an inevitability that he would end up embarking on a seafaring career someday.

Iain first went to sea at 17, working for Hebridean Island Cruises, and whilst he did take some time away to study Accountancy & Law at university, work in luxury hotels across the UK, and undertake his hotel management training aboard the iconic Orient Express train, he has since enjoyed many wonderful years on the water. Iain joined Fred. Olsen in early 2022 as Hotel Manager on board Borealis and loved being in a role that allowed him to connect with our wonderful guests and crew, on both a personal and professional level, and bring the magic of The Olsen Way to life.

In 2024, Iain was promoted to Deputy Hotel Operations Director and is relishing getting his teeth into his new role on board each of our ships, helping to evolve their hotel operations teams.

Having met his fiancé there, French Polynesia is Iain’s favourite place on earth, though he hopes to get to visit the islands of Japan – perhaps on a Fred. Olsen cruise – someday. Even in his spare time, Iain loves spending time on or in the water, diving, swimming, and snorkelling, though he does occasionally spend time on dry land with family and friends too!

Although Combe Martin in North Devon is now his home, Paul spent his early life in London. During his time in the capital, he began his career in hospitality at Cliveden Hotel, where he honed his skills and mastered his craft serving high-profile guests such as Sean Connery, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tim Curry, John Malkovich, Johnny Depp and Pierce Brosnan.

At the Cliveden, Paul worked with several colleagues who had experience of working on cruise ships, and in 2000 he finally succumbed to the urge to begin his own life at sea. Since then, his seafaring career has seen him work on ships for Renaissance, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises before joining Fred. Olsen. 

A part of our family since May 2021, Paul was an important part of Borealis' start-up team when the ship joined the fleet - something he is very proud of - and he feels very much part of the Fred Olsen 'fabric'. Paul is passionate about the welfare of guests and crew and take pride in ensuring everyone is happy on board, whilst getting to enjoy the friendly, family atmosphere himself. 

When Paul is at home in North Devon he enjoys exploring the North Devon coastal paths and spending time with his family.

A proud Scot, Lyndsey Milne grew up in Dunfermline but actually started her career in Greece, where she spent several years living and working within the hospitality industry at hotels and holiday resorts. When Lyndsey finally decided to take a career to the seas, she joined Saga as a Purser before moving on to Hebridean Island Cruises to become their Food and Beverage Manager.

Since joining Fred. Olsen in March 2004, Lyndsey has spent time working on board Boudicca, Black Watch, Braemar and former favourite Black Prince, travelling the world and getting to know thousands of loyal guests in her role as Hotel Manager. She loves the fact that every day is different on board a Fred. Olsen ship, and that our smaller size of our vessels allow her to build family-like relationships with guests and her fellow crew members alike.

Of the diverse, unforgettable experiences Lyndsey has enjoyed, her most memorable was being part of the ‘Four Ships’ events in Bergen and Cádiz, which saw the entire Fred. Olsen fleet dock together in the same port, on the same day, while her favourite destination is the Adriatic, due to the variety of ports in the region.