Last few cabins available for Black Watch mystery cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just a few cabins remaining on its Mystery Cruise, which departs from Tilbury on board Black Watch on 15 November for 14 nights.

Whilst the company is keeping the itinerary of this cruise tightly under wraps, guests will have the opportunity to visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, spend eight days in port, explore four exciting countries and discover one capital city.

Other highlights of the cruise include a late-evening sailing,  two ‘murder mystery’ dinners as well as prominent authors, speakers and entertainers on board to enhance the guests’ experience

The remaining cabins on this start from just £1,299 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board – including special ‘mystery’ themed activities – plus port dues.

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Experience Christmas with a difference with Fred Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new Christmas mini-brochure for December. ‘Fred’s Festive Cruising’, features 13 cruises, including winter sun escapes, Christmas market city breaks and four brand-new festive sailings from Liverpool. There is also the chance to see the  Northern Lights  on a winter sailing to Norway aboard Black Watch.

The newly-launched cruises on Boudicca are two two-night Dublin mini-breaks, departing on either 10 December 2014 or 12 December 2014, a four-night Irish Christmas Markets’cruise, departing on 14 December, and the chance to attend a Christmas party with a difference on 18 December.

In addition, Fred. Olsen is offering guests the opportunity to upgrade to its all-inclusive drinks package for £10 per person per night. Solo travellers can also take advantage of no single supplements on a selected range of cabins across the fleet.

Each of Fred. Olsen’s ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will be decked out in Christmas decorations, and guests can look forward to a traditional Christmas dinner during their cruise. There will also be Christmas-themed shows from the entertainments team on board, a carol concert, Christmas arts and crafts classes and a seasonal quiz.

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Afternoon tea in the North Sea, 20 miles off Hull, with Fred Olsen

Well our last bit of luxury on Black Watch was afternoon tea in the Observatory Lounge. As you can see it was 'spiffing' with the waiting staff being dressed in traditional white glove style whilst yours truly (below) went for the Country House look.

The tea costs £6.50 per person and is avaiable daily at 3 pm. I have to say it is worth every penny with a choice of quality teas from Gunpowder to Earl Grey and finishing off with hot scones.

A word of caution here. Although I enjoyed the walks put on by Ramblers Worldwide I would suggest you look at the grades of walks being offered before booking to ensure your chosen holiday will suit you. The staff in the Ramblers Worldwide offices can guide you through this. Apart from that it's a great idea and I'm sure it will be very popular. 

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Day three on Fred Olsen's Black Watch with Ramblers Worldwide

Another lovely sunrise  and you can tell we’re getting nearer to Spain as there is warm southerly wind blowing which probably explains why the birders were on the bow of Black Watch this morning.

Our Ramblers Worldwide group leader Pam took quite a few people on a mile walk around the deck at 8 which considering that some of them were still boogying away in the disco into the early hours of  the morning is pretty good going!

Two fascinating talks today on our destinations and walks and some of our group have tried their hands at line dancing and painting.  I have discovered the chocolate café where they serve the most delicious choccies and you can make a selection to go with the wonderful choice of coffees. It’s right next to the library so I can see me changing my book more often!

We arrive at La Coruna tomorrow with temperatures estimated  at 22(C) and 71 (F) and I am looking forward to our walk. It's an Indian night in the Garden Restaurant and we've booked our seats for a curry or two.

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New ‘Cruise and Walk’ holidays from Ramblers Worldwide and Fred. Olsen

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, experts in guided walking adventures combining land and sea – and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – continue their successful partnership with the launch of a new wide-ranging choice of Cruise & Walk voyages including a river cruise for the first time.  For 8 years the two companies have been offering holidays to destinations near and far and discovering the world on foot.

All of the prices include all meals, an exclusive welcome party on one evening and a traditional afternoon tea with waiter service on a sea day, walking tours, shore visits, sightseeing programmes and the services of a dedicated tour leader.  Plus up to £40 off for bookings made six months in advance.

A range of extra benefits such as early booking cabin upgrades and drinks inclusive packages are also available on selected sailings. 

New additions to the programme include:

Rivers of the French Atlantic Coast – an 8 night guided walking holiday sailing the Loire and Garonne Rivers and La Rochelle aboard Braemar. 

The Mediterranean and The Adriatic – a 25 night holiday aboard Black Watch embracing some of the most fascinating sights along these coast steeped in a rich and diverse history.

Iberia and North Africa – a choice of 10 and 14 night holidays aboard Braemar, Boudicca and Balmoral, exploring Europe’s Atlantic Coast and the Mediterranean.

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You'll Enjoy A Cruise With Fred - It's A Promise!

                               

We know our readers like a good cruise bargain, and Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines seem to have one that should appeal to a wide range of cruisers. We'll be featuring the line in the January edition of World of Cruising, but, in the meantime, here is their latest news.

Today sees the launch of ‘Fred.’s Enjoyment Promise,’ under which people who have never cruised with Fred. Olsen before will be able to try a cruise, and, if they do not enjoy it, they will be flown home and have their cruise fare refunded. The new promise is valid for bookings made between today (December 2) and February 28 only, for departures of more than 14 weeks ahead, and does not apply to cruises of six nights or less, or with a duration greater than 35 nights.

If guests find a Fred. Olsen cruise is not for them within 48 hours of stepping on board, they just need to let Guest Relations know on board and the company promises to arrange and pay for their flight back to the UK and repay the cost of their cruise. Furthermore, to encourage new bookings by February 28, there is a 10% saving off its great-value brochure fares as well.

More info (and full terms and conditions): call 0800 0355 242 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Explore The Ancient Med With Fred!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests can escape the chill of the autumn and head for sunnier climates and warmer waters on Black Watch’s 28-night ‘Ancient Monuments of the Mediterranean’ voyage, departing from Dover on October 19. A history-lover and sightseer’s dream, this cruise uncovers ancient lands and some of the best-known architectural wonders in the world.

The first port of call is Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital. Here, guests can expand their knowledge of the Alcobaca Cistercian Monastery, or discover the history of Alcobaca and its connection to medieval Portugal at this World Heritage Site, before exploring the charming little town.

Black Watch then visits La Goulette (for Tunis) in Tunisia; the medina is its historic heart, with a network of alleys, souks and the Eighth Century Al-Zaytuna Mosque, a direct contrast to the palm trees and café terraces of the new town. Close-by are the ruins of Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, quite possibly Tunisia’s most beautiful village.

Next stop is Izmir, in Turkey, before reaching iconic Istanbul. Ornately-decorated buildings rub shoulders with art galleries, museums, restaurants and boutiques. Guests can visit the Topkapi Palace, or take a tour of the Byzantine heritage of the city, taking in some of the impressive monuments and mosques; a highlight is the Basilica Cistern, a huge underground reservoir built in 532 AD.

After calling at Canakkale, where guests can join a tour to the fabled city of Troy, Black Watch makes its first call in Greece at Volos, which boasts many exquisite finds from the early 20th Century and modern archaeological excavations at the Volos Archaeological Museum and Makrinitsa. The voyage then heads to Greece’s main commercial port of Piraeus, which has practically melded with Athens. The awe-inspiring Parthenon, sitting atop the Acropolis, Cape Sounion, Corinth and Delphi – with its impressive Temple of Apollo – make this one of the most historically-significant destinations on this cruise.

Next up are Kalamata and Itea, before reaching Corfu. Here, guests can relax on a tour to the Achilleion and Corfu Old Town, where the beautiful Greek countryside teems with orange, lemon, cypress and olive groves.

Black Watch then continues to Valletta, the cosmopolitan capital of Malta, known for its fortifications, architectural appeal and Grand Harbour. Guests can also gain a better understanding of the vital role Malta played in the two World Wars by visiting the Malta at War and National War Museums.

The final destination is Gibraltar, with a tour to the must-see World War II tunnels, which were excavated between 1939 and 1944, as an extension to the Great Siege Tunnels of 1779 to 1783. In total, these stretch for more than 30 miles. Black Watch then sets sail on her return voyage to Dover.

Guests on this cruise can take advantage of Fred. Olsen’s great-value ‘all-inclusive’ drinks upgrade package at just £10 per person, per night, and enjoy their holiday in style without any budget worries. Prices for this cultural cruise start from £1,372 per person (subject to availability), based on two adults sharing an inside, twin-bedded cabin, and include all accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800 0355 150 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm).

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Warm Up This Winter With Fred Olsen!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new ‘Warmer Cruising’ brochure, offering a selection of tempting cruises, departing between September 2013 and February 2014. These cruises are ideal getaways for the winter and offer some excellent savings, with prices starting from just £49 per person per night, with the opportunity for guests to upgrade to Fred. Olsen's ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person per night (£39 per person, per night for mini-cruises, £29 per person, per night for ‘festive’ sailings).

Examples of the excellent prices available in the new ‘Warmer Cruising’ brochure include:
 
Black Watch’s 8-night ‘Strictly Spain & Portugal’ cruise, dep Dover Nov 16

This cruise visits Lisbon, Leixoes (for tours to Oporto) and Vigo and La Coruna before returning to Dover. Prices start from £49 per person, per night. A bonus for guests on this cruise will be former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant and ex-MP, Edwina Currie, who will be joining as guest speaker on the theme of ‘Ballroom Dancing’, through Fred. Olsen’s award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas.
 
Balmoral’s 8-night ‘Christmas Markets of N Europe’ cruise, dep Southampton Dec 13

Take in the best of the best Christmas markets in Northern Europe, in preparation for the festive season. Balmoral calls at Zeebrugge, Copenhagen, Hamburg and Bremen before returning to Southampton. Prices start from £49 per person, per night. All prices are based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, and include all meals and entertainment onboard and port taxes.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Fred Olsen's Worldwide Focus

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has brought together its superb offering of world cruises and longer voyages for 2014/15 in a single brochure of ‘once in a lifetime’ cruises. 

The ‘Grand Voyages 2014/15’ brochure features Balmoral’s epic 104-night ‘Around the World with Burma, Japan, Hawaii & Latin America’ cruise in 2014, and Black Watch’s 114-night ‘South America and Australasia World Voyage’, visiting Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East – Fred. Olsen’s longest-ever cruise. Also featured are itineraries for 2015, with each ship cruising in a different direction, to some of the world’s most exciting destinations. 

Balmoral's ‘Far East Explorer’ is a sailing of 119 nights – beating the 2014 record as the longest-ever cruise! – departing from Southampton on January 4, 2015. This voyage takes in Malaysia, Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand. It visits a total of 51 different ports, including Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Nagasaki (Japan), Beijing (China), Utheemu (Maldives) and Athens (Greece).

Black Watch sets sail on her ‘South American Discoverer’ cruise of 69 nights from Southampton on January 6, 2015, visiting 25 ports, including Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay), Callao (Peru) and Cartagena de Indias (Colombia.)

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's cruising specialists.

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Extra ‘Solar Eclipse’ Cruise with Fred Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ recently launched Solar Eclipse cruise aboard Boudicca for 2015 has proved so popular it is now fully booked and, due to the enormous interest in this amazing phenomenon, the line is pleased to announce a second cruise aboard Black Watch to allow more of its guests this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

A total solar eclipse is one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles, and one of the most difficult to view; it occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun, entirely obscuring the Sun and blocking all direct sunlight, turning daylight into complete darkness.   

The newly launched cruise will depart from Southampton on March 16, 2015, for 14 nights and will be positioned off the coast of the Faroe Islands on March 20, when the longest duration of totality – the best opportunity to view the eclipse – occurs.  The cruise operates a similar itinerary to the Boudicca cruise, visiting Runavik (Faroe Islands), Leknes (Lofoten islands), Tromsø, Alta, Trondheim and Ǻlesund (all Norway) and returning to Southampton.

Prices for this fascinating ex-UK cruise start from £1,799 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin Grade ‘I’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's cruise-agent specialists.

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Fred. Olsen Highlights Newcastle Cruises

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has put the spotlight on its new summer cruise series from the port of Newcastle, with a series of special offers for those looking for an ex-UK voyage from the north of England.

Guests taking advantage of these Summer deals from Newcastle can also choose to upgrade with the popular ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, for a special price of just £10 per person per night, which includes selected wines, spirits beers and soft drinks. What is more, premium branded drinks and cocktails are also available at half price.

The choice aboard their classic cruiser Black Watch is as follows:

July 9: 13-night Estonia & St Petersburg cruise

This voyage calls first at Ålborg, one of Denmark’s busiest trading centres, and home to Ålborghus Castle. Next, Black Watch heads for Warnemünde, the perfect base from which to explore Berlin and Rostock. After stopping at Saaremaa Island, Estonia’s largest island, the cruise continues to Tallinn, where the city’s spires, cobbled streets, castles and medieval and baroque architecture give it a real ‘fairytale’ feel. St. Petersburg is a highlight of any cruise, and guests can enjoy an overnight stop to take in the many sights, such as the Hermitage, Catherine's Palace and the impressive Peterhof grand palaces and fountains. After stopping at Karlskrona in Sweden, Black Watch reaches her final port, the Danish capital, Copenhagen, before returning to Newcastle. Prices start from £767pp.

July 22: 8-night ‘Fjords & Towns of Norway’ cruise

The first port of call is Ålesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, surrounding fjords and towering peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. The next stop is Olden, from where guests can visit the mighty Briksdal Glacier, before Black Watch heads for Skjolden and Flåm. The latter is a historic town bursting with natural attractions, from coastal landscape to steep mountains and crashing waterfalls. The final stop is Bergen, with its historic wharf, famous fish market and surrounding fjords and mountains, ideal for exploring Hardangerfjord, Lysøen Island and Ulriken Mountain. Prices start from £632 per person.

July 30: 15-night Canary Islands Cruise

This cruise calls first at charming La Coruna, whose streets and squares house many medieval churches, museums and restaurants. Black Watch then makes her way to the greenest of the Canary Islands, La Palma, which also displays the characteristic lunar-like landscape associated with this volcanic archipelago. Santa Cruz, the island’s capital, is famous for its wooden balconies, cobbled streets, ancient buildings and gorgeous beaches. After stopping at Santa Cruz in Tenerife, the ship moves onto Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, a bustling port with an historic old quarter, Vegueta. Arrecife in Tenerife is the next stop, before Black Watch makes its way to the colourful Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and then makes the return journey to Newcastle.

All prices based on two adults sharing an inside, twin-bedded cabin, Grade ‘I’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Celebrate At Sea With Fred Olsen

Many guests on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ worldwide cruises have something to celebrate, and a cruise is the perfect way to mark a birthday, an anniversary, or perhaps a retirement. Mindful of these many special occasions, Fred. Olsen offers a choice of packages for guests with something extra to celebrate.

Special add-ons include:

Birthday Celebration package

Champagne breakfast for two in their cabin, a celebration cake at dinner, a birthday gift, card and a souvenir photograph, priced from £65 per package.

Wedding Anniversary Celebration package

Flowers or chocolates in the cabin upon arrival, champagne and canapés on the special day, plus a gift and a celebration cake, priced from £90 per couple.

Retirement package

Champagne, canapés, a congratulatory card and celebratory cake, priced from £45 per person.

Welcome Aboard package

This special add-on includes a floral bouquet upon arrival on board, sparkling wine and canapés, hand-made chocolates and a fruit basket, priced from £60 per package.

Spa package

To enhance the cruise experience further, why not take the opportunity to treat yourself and indulge in a luxurious spa treatment? There are two packages on offer, one for women and the other for men. At just £50 each, guests will save £29 on the combined cost of all the therapies included. 

This year in particular, all Fred. Olsen guests have something to celebrate with the new ‘all-inclusive’ upgrade. If guests book by September 30 for all departures on or after April 6, and featured in its current ‘2013/14 Worldwide Cruises’ brochure (excluding the 2014 Balmoral and Black Watch ‘Grand Voyages’ and their sectors, and full-charter Boudicca cruise), they will automatically qualify for a free upgrade to an ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, including beers, wine, spirits and soft drinks. 

This deal will be added to all applicable bookings retrospectively, but future guests will need to be quick to secure their place, as this offer is limited to the first 100 bookings per sailing taken between now and the end of September.  

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's cruise-agent specialists.

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Fred Olsen's New Brochure For 2013/14

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched its new brochure of ‘Worldwide Cruises’ for 2013/14, on sale from today. The brochure features a comprehensive programme of ex-UK cruises, from early 2013 to Spring 2014, aboard the line’s fleet of four smaller, traditional style ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. 

The itineraries are truly international, with cruises visiting a total of 240 different ports, in 77 countries and islands worldwide. Of these ports, there are no fewer than 12 brand new or ‘maiden’ ports over the cruise season.

The programme also includes an enormous choice of voyages, ranging from a mini-cruise of just two nights to an epic world ‘Grand Voyage’, the longest-ever undertaken by the line, of 114 nights on Black Watch in 2014.  

Prices start from £199 per person, for a two-night mini-cruise on Boudicca, from Belfast on October 15, 2013, visiting Liverpool and returning to Belfast. The price is based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin Grade ‘I’. 

The lead-in price for the longest cruise, Black Watch’s 114-night ‘Australia & South America World Cruise’ (departing Southampton on January 14, 2014), is £9,399 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin Grade ‘I’.
 

Cruise prices include ensuite accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.



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Fred. Olsen To Sail From Belfast In 2013

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will commence cruises from Belfast next year, with 880-guest Boudicca making two turnaround visits in October 2013 - a 12-night Iberian titinerary and a 2-night mini cruise to Liverpool.

The traditionally British cruise line will also be adding Harwich to its list of regional departure ports in 2013, with Boudicca’s sister ship Black Watch operating four fascinating itineraries from the port in May and June, meaning guests living in the local area can take advantage of Harwich International Port’s excellent road and rail connections, and state-of-the-art facilities.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Fred. Olsen Celebrates Burns Night!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is proud to celebrate Burns Night aboard each of its four ships - Balmoral (above), Braemar, Black Watch and Boudicca. As the ships' names suggest, the cruise line has strong ties with Scotland, and Burns Night - January 25 - is always marked in style.

Details may vary from ship to ship, but the occasion is always a 'Formal Night' on board, so guests will be in full evening dress for dinner and are encouraged to add a "Hint of Tartan" to their outfits. Of course, many Scottish guests will wear the full Scottish formal dress, complete with kilt and sporran.

The evening begins with a themed cocktail party then, at dinner, there is the 'Parade of the Haggis', and 'Address of the Haggis' by a Scottish team member or guest on board. A special flyer on the history of Robert Burns is provided to all guests, and a themed quiz held after dinner.

Marketing Director Nigel Lingard says: "Many of our guests enjoy traditional celebrations and Burns Night is always popular. The Olsen family has long-established ties with Scotland and we are pleased to welcome many Scottish guests on our ships throughout the year - and, of course, we cruise from two Scottish ports, Greenock and Rosyth, regularly."

Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the UK's leading specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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All Aboard with the Archers.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Fans of the BBC's classic long-running radio soap opera The Archers will get a treat in 2011, when Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines hosts two Archers-themed voyages as part of its popular programme of special-interest cruises, The ArtsClub. Archers aficionados will get the chance to mingle with their favourite cast members from the long-running show, whilst cruising around the beautiful Mediterranean.

Various Archers cast members will be on board both cruises. They will be available to chat to at the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and will perform a 'mock' recording whilst on board - complete with all the rural sound effects fans have come to associate with this much-loved show!
Balmoral departs from Southampton on a 10-night Easter cruise on April 23, 2011, calling at La Coruna, Casablanca, Gibraltar and Portimao (where she anchors), before returning to Southampton. Prices for this cruise start at £1,014pp, based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

The Balmoral cruise also offers the supporting ArtsClub theme of Wine, where guests can learn more about wines from around the world, and discover the onboard expert’s recommendations.

Black Watch departs from Dover on September 12, 2011 for a 13-night cruise around the Western Mediterranean, taking in Cadiz, Almeria, Ibiza, Mahon, Palma and Lisbon, before returning to Dover. Prices for this cruise start at £1,392pp, based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

The Black Watch cruise also offers keen golfers a dedicated package, Flagship Golf, providing the ideal opportunity to play on some of the finest courses in the region whilst relaxing in the comfort of Fred. Olsen's classic liner. The cost for this package is £375 per golfer.

Find out more at http://www.fredolsencruises.co.uk/ or through specialist cruise travel agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Fred Olsen - Road Show Cruise

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The Danish-born historian, lecturer and broadcaster, Lars Tharp – who is also one of the longest running experts on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’ – will be one of the special guest speakers aboard Fred Olsen’s 23-night Black Watch cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean in May 2011.

A regular with Fred Olsen, Lars speaks on antiques-collecting, as part of the cruise line’s onboard programme of special interests, The ArtsClub. Originally trained as an archaeologist, Lars was a Director of Sotheby’s, where he specialised in European ceramics and oriental works of art. In 2008, he was appointed the Director of the Foundling Museum in London, and Visiting Professor at De Montfort University, Leicester. On this cruise, Lars will give some highly entertaining and informative talks, and will also offer to value small items brought on board by guests, in true ‘Antiques Roadshow’ style.

Lars will be on board as far as Istanbul, where he will disembark, and the ship will be joined by his ‘Antiques Roadshow’ colleague Will Farmer. Will specialises in 20th Century decorative arts, covering ceramics, glass and furniture. He studied at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, undertaking a combined BA Hons in Silversmithing and Fine Art History. Will has featured as an expert on the BBC’s ‘20th Century Roadshow’, and is now in his fourth season as an expert with the Roadshow.

This cruise also offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the Ancient World, as it visits some of the great classical cities of Greece, Turkey and Tunisia. Black Watch departs from Dover on May 18 and ports of call include Cagliari in Sicily, Kalamata (anchor port) and Piraeus (the port for Athens) in Greece, Canakkale in Turkey, with tours to the fabled city of Troy, as well as Istanbul, Valletta – capital of Malta – and La Goulette for Tunisia’s capital, Tunis.

Highlights of this cruise include the chance to explore the remains of ancient Troy, a full day to take in the sights of historic Athens, and another day in Tunis, where French colonial architecture sits cheek-by-jowl with ancient Moorish buildings.

This classical cruise is a history-lover’s dream, and the additional ArtsClub ‘Antiques’ theme, hosted by Tharp and Farmer, is especially well-suited to this itinerary.

Prices start from £2,279 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

If you would like to join Tharp, Farmer and other history-lovers on this cruise, find out more by visiting www.fredolsencruises.co.uk or call specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Cruising the Planet

By guest blogger Steve Newman

For those seeking the ultimate in cruising, a world cruise is hard to beat. So if you are thinking along those lines, or maybe considering just sampling one of these grand voyages in sections over a period of time, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a mini-brochure featuring its longer cruises for 2012.

Their Black Watch undertakes a 106-night World Cruise departing from Southampton on 11th January 2012. This cruise travels in an easterly direction, visiting Egypt and the Suez Canal, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Borneo, Australia – including the Great Barrier Reef – the South Pacific - including Vanuatu, Fiji, Bora Bora and Tahiti - South America and the Caribbean.

Prices for this all-encompassing cruise start from £9,499 per person (based on two sharing an inside twin cabin) and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. The world cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors – Southampton to Singapore; Singapore to Sydney; Sydney to Callao (Peru); and Callao to Southampton.

Balmoral (above) has an epic voyage around South America, departing 5th January 2012 for 89 nights, also from Southampton. She travels via the Canary Islands and Caribbean and takes in some of North America, visiting Key West, New Orleans and Galveston (for Houston) as well as Cozumel in Mexico and transits the Panama Canal before travelling all round the coast of South America.

This itinerary is something of a departure for a South America cruise and combines a wonderful variety of ports. It can also be booked in four shorter sectors – Southampton to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Montego Bay to Valparaiso, Chile; Valparaiso to Rio (Brazil); and Rio to Southampton.
Prices for the full cruise start from £7,999 per person.

You can find out more at Fredolsen.co.uk

Fred Olsen will also be exhibiting at the big Cruise Show at Birmingham in October.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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Castanets and Calypsos

By guest blogger Steve Newman

As we are only posting for a three days a week at the moment due to much travel, staff holidays, etc, we thought we would pop on two cruises today. Fred Olsen lines have a nine-night cruise to Iberia departing from and ending in Southampton on 27th September 2011.

This cruise first visits Lisbon, the elegant and picturesque Portuguese capital, then La Coruna in Spain, a fascinating mixture of architectural styles, with its quality medieval quarter and contrasting modern buildings. Next port is Bilbao, a vibrant and cosmopolitan town in the north of Spain – and home to the futuristic Guggenheim Museum. Last port, where the ship is at anchor, is Hendaye in France, situated on the frontier with Spain, and hemmed in by the Atlantic and the Pyrenees.

Their second cruise is a grand 28-night Caribbean voyage on Black Watch (above), departing from Southampton on 12th November 2010 and including visits to Tenerife, Barbados, St Georges, St Kitts, Tortola, Antigua and St Maarten before finally arriving back at Southampton via The Azores.

The company will also have a team of experts on hand at this autumn’s Daily Telegraph CRUISE Show in Birmingham, ready to inspire and inform visitors on the right kind of cruise for them. Visitors can take advantage of a variety of Fred. Olsen deals – exclusive to the Show – on selected sailings around the world. Fred. Olsen will be exhibiting on stand E20, with experts available to provide visitors with useful, informed advice on the wide range of cruises and itineraries. As well as a range of special exclusive show offers on many cruises, visitors booking on the day can save up to an additional £325 per person off brochure fares and special offers.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.