Travel industry colleagues have been paying tributes to Alan Godfrey, the former owner of Ocean World Travel, who has died at the age of 56.
Alan was the co-owner of the cruise specialist from 1995, before stepping away in 2022. He later launched the Hampshire-based agency New Era Travel.
Posting on Facebook, agents said they were shocked and devastated to hear of his passing.
Former Seabourn UK Sales Director Wendy Lahmich described the news as ‘horrifically sad’. She added: “What a truly lovely man Alan was. Genuine, kind, funny and always so thoughtful.
“An all round lovely bloke taken way too soon – thoughts with his family and friends.”
Oceania Cruises Sales Manager (South) Mark Godden said: “He was an absolute gent and one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Clare Dudley Adams, Managing Director of Ponders Cruise & Travel, said she was ‘simply gutted to lose a guy who simply was one of the kindest and most sincere men in travel.
“My heart goes out to his wife, the boys he adored and all his family. I know all of us (his travel family) will miss him dearly but will hold on tight to all our fond memories.”
Titan Travel UK Key Account Manager Sharon Angove said: “This is such a shock and so sad. Such a lovely, lovely guy.”
Carla Ball, who previously worked for Fred. Olsen Cruise Line, said she was ‘totally heartbroken’, adding that Alan was ‘one of the loveliest men I’ve had the pleasure to know’. The photograph above, of Alan with his wife Elena, was taken at Carla’s wedding 18 months ago. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” added Carla.
Sending ‘love and condolences’ to Alan’s family, Africa Collection Sales Manager Martin Bamford said: “It really is so sad, he was one of those rare people who you spend five minutes with and seem like you’ve been friends for ages.”
