Ramblers Worldwide Holidays and Fred.Olsen launch their first river cruise and walk trip

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have launched their first River Cruise & Walk voyage. 

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.

Rivers of the French Atlantic Coast – an eight-night guided walking holiday sailing the Loire and Garonne Rivers and La Rochelle aboard ‘Braemar’.  Highlights include, Nantes with a tour of its medieval centre and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (above).   Price from £1,125 per person the cruise departs from Dover on 1 August 2015.

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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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At Honfleur with Fred Olsen and Newcastle beckons.

This morning we arrived at Honfleur.  A short walk from the ship found us in this lovely old town (above). Some five hours later after panoramic views from the hills above the town and a walk along the beach back to the breakwater I came back to check my emails and write this post whilst the others explored the town.

Our Ramblers Worldwide team lost the quiz by only two points last night so we are hoping for better results this evening after the show. I have to say I am not one for entertainment on cruise ships but Fred Olsen has produced some excellent shows on board in the Neptune Lounge. Plus this comfortable arena has also held not only the fascinating lectures but an immensely enjoyable classical guitar recital.

Tonight’s meeting is for members and ex-members of the Armed Forces. As with all the meetings of societies and groups Fred Olsen can arrange a cocktail party with all proceeds being donated to the R.N.L.I.

Regular readers of World of Cruising magazine will know I prefer the smaller ships of less than 300 people on board but I have to say have been pleasantly surprised by Black Watch. Fred Olsen are making a range of updates to her and she goes into dry dock in November. She may be an old lady now and this can only help improve what is an essentially British product.

As we prepare to sail away to Newcastle the hot autumn sun is still beating down. I fear it will not be like this when we get home, so many people are taking advantage by strolling around the promenade deck (below) or simply reading in the sunshine. See you tomorrow!

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Hidden gems and and a cool breakfast in Lisbon with Fred Olsen

Another enjoyable day of walking with the Ramblers Worldwide group, this time in and around Lisbon (above) one of the world’s most compact cities. A long walk but well worth it as our local guide showed us sights not seen by most tourists. Mind you they were in some wonderful places, such as underground toilets, but we finished up on a high hill above the city with a great view.

Back on the ship quite a few decided to take a dip into the pool or just enjoy a lazy hour under the sun. Tonight Lions, Rotarians, Inner Wheel and other charitable organizations are meeting in the Morning Light Pub carrying on Fred Olsen’s ethos of supporting those that help others.

We had breakfast this morning at the third of Black Watch’s improved public areas, The Grill (below). Situated by the swimming pool and formally a self service buffet area that has been totally stripped out and now replaced with a full kitchen it offers “Premium Food” (lobster, T-bone steaks) at dinner.

The poolside has now become an elegant fine dining al fresco area. It has 80 covers and is popular with guests for breakfast and lunch.  Reservations for dinner cost £20 as the menu is totally different from that a served in other areas. Grilled foods and barbecues are also on offer but as the ship often sales in cooler climates of the world the opening times are dependent on the weather.

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Day Seven on Black Watch with Double Mint Coffee, Belgian chocolates and a day on board

Another hot day on Black Watch with clear blue skies here in Leixoes, the port for Oporto. We are berthed right next alongside the new port terminal building they are constructing (above). The Ramblers Worldwide party have gone off to Oporto for a day’s walking but since I have been to the city before I decided to stay on board and find out more about the changes Fred Olsen have made to the public areas.

One of the most innovative is the Café Venus (below). Whoever thought of this deserves a medal. What a brilliant idea, situated in the library where once there were tables for card games and puzzles there is now a cosy little bar dispensing specialist teas and coffees and delicious UK, Swiss and Belgian handmade chocolates.

There are 40 varieties of white, plain and milk chocolates to choose from costing around 55p each. You can make a selection and eat them in the comfortable seating or have them delivered out to the Promenade Deck or poolside to have with your coffee. I chose a Mocca Coconut Creme latte for £2.25 whilst one of the others went for an Amaretto Coffee for £3.90. 

We saw other people sampling Gingerbread and Double Mint Coffees and some trying a cold Ice Latte to combat the heat.  Some people have chosen to take their breakfast here with the coffee of their choice. The only problem seems to be at the end of the cruise when there is a mad rush on from guests to buy a selection to take home. Whether they actually make it there of course is a matter of conjecture. 

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Day Six of our walking cruise on Black Watch - Oysters, pubs and bars

      

We had an enjoyable walk around Vigo this morning, climbing up to the castle above the town for views of the bay. Our local Ramblers Worldwide guide took us back through the labyrinth of the old town with its small bars  and shops to arrive at Oyster Street.  As the name suggest it‘s here you’ll find outside tables in this shaded area with chefs preparing the oysters for the locals to eat at nearby tables.

On returning to the ship I decided to take a drink before the evening meal in the Morning Light Pub (above and below). For World of Cruising readers who have travelled on Black Watch before Fred Olsen have made a number of significant upgrades onboard and the Morning Light is one of them. 

Formerly known as the Piper’s Bar, it has been transformed into a stylish light and airy space with comfortable red leather sofas and matching curtains. The Scottish décor has been removed and replaced with oil paintings and stained glass windows of 19^th century sailing ships.

Large glass cabinets behind the bar hold a selection of spirits and the whole place has an air of sophistication.  It’s the ideal place for a cocktail or that special after dinner coffee with a brandy or even a drink before the show in the adjacent Neptune Lounge. The two pumps offer Stella Artois and Boddingtons, both equally welcome after a hot day walking in northern Spain!

Fred Olsen have also incorporated the Café Venus near the library with chocolates and coffees to die for, but more of that tomorrow after we get back from our walk in Oporto.

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Day Five and we're rambling around the old town of Vigo

  

We woke up this morning to find Black Watch in Vigo and we have to disembark the ship at 9.30 for our long walk today. We don’t get back till about five so some of us are talking about skipping the meal onboard as we have an overnight here and going out for a tapas and wine walk as the locals do.

We had a great day yesterday in La Coruna (above) with an excellent  Ramblers Worldwide walk around the old city and spent time chatting with some of the locals. The main street is dominated by houses some five stories high with incredible ten foot elongated sash windows. Perched on a colonnade that has been turned into cafes and shops it reminded me of Cagliari in Sardinia.

Then a visit to the town square and what must be one of the grandest town halls in Europe followed a long walk out to the ancient lighthouse with fabulous views.  We will be in Oporto for our next port of call so I’ll be trying out the ruby and tawny ports and introducing everyone else to the joys of white port and tonic!

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Ramblers' cruise reaches Spain - we're ready to take a hike

Just off La Coruna waiting for the Pilot to come on board. Decided to take breakfast by the pool this morning as the clocks had gone forward by an hour to be on Spanish time, so we watched the sunrise with our coffees.

Everyone has settled down into their routine now and we are starting to discover the amazing coincidences you share when you get to know your fellow cruisers. The Indian meal was outstanding last night and everyone is looking forward to the next themed night this intimate little restaurant is planning. You have to book early to get a place so we are planning our strategy!

We had a nice cocktail party with the Captain and the nine of us early yesterday evening. Black Watch continues to impress me with its product as beside us there were meetings for any W.I. or Masonic members on board.

We are disembarking at 12 to set off for our walk and don’t get back on board until 6 so I won’t be able to show you our Ramblers Worldwide walk pictures until tomorrow. Slightly overcast but this supposed to burn off to be a warm pleasant day. I hope so! See you tomorrow.

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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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Cruise & Walk In The Caribbean

We know the 'cruise and walk' holidays with Ramblers Worldwide have proved popular here on Time Spent At Sea in the past, so here is another opportunity to try their unique combination with Fred. Olsen Cruises - this time on a pair of fly-cruise trips to the Caribbean early next year.

The Caribbean and Latin America 
This rare 16-night Cruise & Walk opportunity covers three islands in the Eastern Caribbean, three in the Dutch Antilles and three ports in Panama and Colombia. The adventure begins with a flight to Barbados where guests spends a night in a hotel and exploring the island before boarding Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, which then sets sail for Castries, St Lucia. From there, it is on to the Spice Island of Grenada, famed for its production of nutmeg, mace, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Next port of call is Bonaire, the most easterly of the Netherlands Antilles (and just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela), followed by Aruba.

Then it is full steam ahead for the mainland of Latin America calling at Colon close to the Panama Canal, which offers the chance to visit the San Lorenzo National Park, famed for its forests, mangroves and pastureland. Next up are Cartagena and Santa Maria in Colombia and, on the way back to Barbados for the flight home, the ship visits another of the Dutch Antilles islands, Curacao.

Prices are from £2,850 per person, departing on January 25  2015.

Islands in the Caribbean
This 16-night Cruise & Walk option begins in Barbados after a night on this exotic island on board Braemar. Then the ship sets sail for Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and thence to Havana, Cuba, for two tantalising days. Next is Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos Islands followed by St Kitts, St Maarten and Antigua (for two days), before returning to Barbados for the homeward flight.

Prices are from £2,590 per person, departing February 8, 2015.

All of the above prices include all meals, an exclusive welcome party on one evening and a traditional afternoon tea with waiter service on a sea day, guided walking tours, shore visits, sightseeing programmes, on-board entertainment and restaurant tips plus the services of a dedicated tour leader.

More Info: call 01707 386767 or visit www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk.

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Cruise & Walk Bonus For Singles

Knowing our readers, and their interests in active, thoughtful holidays, we feel sure this latest idea from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays will be of great appeal. And, when it includes a deal specifically for single travellers, we think that's a win-win scenario.

Ramblers Worldwide, in conjunction with Fred. Olsen Cruises, is offering no single cabin supplements on a number of selected Cruise & Walk holidays for bookings between now and February 28.

Available on select sailings only, single clients can book either a D grade (outside twin) or a B grade (superior outside twin) for sole use with no single supplement. Clients who have already booked single cabins for these dates have been offered a reduction in price.

The sailings include:

IBERIA & FRANCE: 12 nights on board Braemar, walking and sightseeing Europe’s Atlantic coast and countryside, embracing Oporto; La Coruna; Aviles; Santander; Getxo and Bordeaux. Prices from £1,250 per person, departing on May 20. 

IBERIA & FRANCE: 11 nights on Black Watch, again with walking and sightseeing along Europe’s Atlantic coast, visiting La Coruña; Vigo; Oporto; Lisbon; and Honfleur. Prices from £1,150 per person, departing on September 28.

FJORDS OF NORWAY: 10 nights on Black Watch amid some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, with highlights including Eidjfjord, Bergen, Flåm, Skjolden, Olden and Alesund. Prices from £1,269 per person, departing on July 31.

All of the above 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, on-board entertainment and restaurant tips, plus the services of a dedicated tour leader.

More info: call 01707 331 133 or visit www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk.

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