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.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

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.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

Fred. Olsen's longest-ever Grand Voyage to the Far East in 2015

            

Fred. Olsen's 119-night Far East Explorer cruise, sails from Southampton on board Balmoral on 4 January 2015. Guests will visit a total of 51 destinations, in 24 countries, across three different continents, navigating three oceans and 10 seas, while passing through 13 time zones - all from just £79 per person, per night.

In 2015/16, Fred. Olsen's fleet of four smaller, more intimate ships - Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch - will visit a total of 243 destinations in 80 countries, departing from ten convenient regional UK ports: Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, Avonmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, Greenock, Rosyth and Belfast. 

Price is based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, Inside cabin, and includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

World Cup cruise specials, from £499

If you fancied watching England's opening World Cup game against Italy from the deck of a cruise ship while it is docked in Naples, then I'm afraid you're already too late. A last-minute bargain deal for a week's Mediterranean cruise from June 11 aboard P&O's Ventura (above) has just sold out.

England's other two group games against Uruguay and Costa Rica will be screened aboard P&O's Arcadia during its 12 night cruise to Iceland and the Faroe Islands departing Southampton on June 16, with prices from £669 with Iglucruise.

Or, if you want to escape the World Cup altogether, then a cruise to the Norwegian fjords aboard Fred. Olsen's Braemar from Dover on June 14 has been declared a football free zone. Fares from £499 with Iglucruise.

To book visit www.iglucruise.com or call 020 8544 6447

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.

Madeira's Floral Delight

Madeira's annual Flower Festival is one of the horticultural highlights of the year, on a par with Bloemencorso in the Netherlands each year and the annual Battle of the Flowers in our own Jersey.

But the Madeira version is best visited by ship and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering the chance to visit Funchal, Madeira, during its annual floral spectacular on board Braemar’s10-night ‘Sunshine, Shopping & Spring’ fly-cruise, which departs from Santa Cruz, Tenerife, on May 3 and returns to Harwich on May 13.

The Flower Festival, which is held every May when the flowers are at their best, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madeira, filling Funchal with a riot of colour and scents. This enchanting and beautiful festival showcases the island’s most wonderful gardens and flower displays, as well as playing host to a parade – with vibrant costumes and traditional dance – a flower market and other activities, including the making of flower carpets in the streets, prizes for the best shop window, classical music concerts and variety shows.

The cruise takes guests to Funchal on May 7, where they can explore this exquisite ‘Garden Island’ and soak up all that its celebrated Flower Festival has to offer – glorious sunshine, the finest flower displays and an abundance of local traditions, festivities and celebrations. 

Prices start from £675 (£539 cruise-only) per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, flight and airport/port dues. Guests can also choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night.

More info: call 0800 0355 242 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com 

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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.

Fred. Olsen's Norwegian Celebration With Julian Lloyd Webber

This spring, guests aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ seven-night ‘Norwegian Celebration’ cruise will have the chance to listen to the fantastic musical sounds of renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber as they take in the sights of the magnificent fjords.  

This unique combination of views and music will be on offer aboard the 929-guest ship Braemar, where guests will be able to enjoy some of the most stunning vistas in Europe whilst also listening to one of the finest musicians of his generation. 

To encourage new and loyal customers to book by February 28, Fred. Olsen is also offering 10% off its great-value brochure fares. If guests book two cruises, they can save 20% off both, and, if they buy three or more cruises, they can save 30% off all cruises.

Prices for this cruise, which sails from Harwich on May 13, start from just £629 per person based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, inside cabin and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Guests can also choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night.

More info: call 0800 0355 242 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 

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.

Portsmouth Prepares For Record Year

We have been consistently tracking the amazing growth of ex-UK cruises in recent years and this looks like being a continued trend in 2014. And, to confirm it, the latest news from the port of Portsmouth suggests they are already looking at a bumper year before the cruise season has really got under way.

According to their latest figures, the number of ships coming to Portsmouth for “port of call” stops will rise by 28% in the coming year compared to 2013. Last year, 14 cruise ships arrived for day visits while this year's number will be 18. The rise is in addition to a large number of companies that will start and finish their itineraries in Portsmouth.

The growth in the number of visiting ships comes as the Waterfront City establishes itself as a major UK tourist destination. The recently opened Mary Rose Museum has been a great hit with visitors, alongside the ever popular HMS Victory and HMS Warrior in the Historic Dockyard. Seventy years ago, the docks were the focus of preparations for the D-Day landings, and this year many ships are visiting with this anniversary in mind. 

During the first week of June, there will be eight cruise ships coming and going from Portsmouth, the majority making the crossing to the Normandy Beaches. Among them will be Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, a new visitor to the port, and Cruise & Maritime’s Marco Polo. Customers will visit the D-Day Museum and see other key sights relating to the invasion that started on June 6, 1944. Swan Hellenic will also be starting and ending its special D-Day cruise in Portsmouth. 

Captain Rupert Taylor, Portsmouth International Port Harbour Master said: ”Just three years ago we had six tourist calls, now we have 18. This increase is great news for Portsmouth. Each liner loaded with tourists means a boost for the local economy, starting with jobs at the Port. As passengers make their way through our award-winning terminal, others feel the benefit too. Taxi and transport companies, tourist attractions, restaurants and shops can all take advantage of this rise in visitors. 

Among many new visitors this year will be MS Serenissima, a classic small luxury ship with a unique Swedish country house style interior. On a larger scale, the 900-berth Greek cruise ship Louis Aura is also booked to call. Le Boréal, the beautiful mega-yacht operated by Compagnie du Ponant, will glide into Portsmouth Harbour in early June, along with German ship Amadea.

More info: visit www.portsmouth-port.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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.

Fred Olsen Commemorate D-Day With Help For Heroes

We are always keen to hear about charity initiatives here at World of Cruising, and this year is especially relevant as it marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
 

With that in mind, we think the latest news from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be of great interest to many as they will welcome Captain Tony Harris, Official Ambassador for the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity and motivational speaker, on its special seven-night ‘D-Day Anniversary Cruise’ aboard Braemar on June 1.

Sailing from Harwich, it calls first at Zeebrugge (for Bruges), where guests can visit the poignant Tyne Cot Cemetery – the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world – and Memorial, to remember those who lost their lives during the First World War. Located in the famous Cloth Hall, visitors will discover the In Flanders’ Fields Museum, which presents the story of the First World War in the West Flanders front region.

From Zeebrugge, Braemar returns briefly to the UK, to Portsmouth, to pay respects to those who gave their lives at the tranquil war memorials, before stepping back in time and visiting the D-Day Museum. Then it's on to Cherbourg, which was part of the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War, before cruising on to Le Havre for an overnight stay, providing the opportunity to take a tour to the Allied landing areas on the Day of Remembrance.

Dunkirk is the last port of call on this epic cruise holiday, with time to visit the Dunkirk War Museum, which tells the story of the Allied evacuation from the town, before the ship returns to Harwich.

Prices for this commemorative cruise start from £629 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin, Grade 'I', and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment, and port dues.

More info: call 0800 0355 242 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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.

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!

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.

See The 'Stars’ With Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be offering guests the chance to take in one of nature’s most spectacular light shows, the Perseid Meteor Showers, with Braemar’s 13-night Canary Islands voyage sailing from Dover on next August.

This exciting 'experience' cruise will give guests the opportunity to view the stunning, multi-coloured Perseid Meteor Shower at the optimum time, whilst visiting the beautiful Canary Islands and Portugal. The Perseids are so-called because the point from which they appear to come, called the ‘radiant’, lies within the constellation of Perseus. 

 

Referred to by many as 'Nature’s celestial firework display', the ‘Perseid Meteor Showers are the result of material falling from the tail of the comet Swift-Tuttle. Best seen during the early evenings and nightfall within the first two weeks of August, guests on this cruise can channel their ‘amateur astronomist’ as they look out for these 'shooting stars' – which reach a rate of 60 or more per hour at their peak – in stunning surroundings.

Departing on August 4 from Dover, this cruise visits Funchal, on the lovely ‘Garden Isle’ of Madeira, for an overnight stay and then Santa Cruz in Tenerife. Braemar then calls at the largest island, Gran Canaria, where the ship docks in Las Palmas. This popular island boasts a fascinating history; in Plaza Santa Ana, there are bronze statues of dogs, referencing the Romans’ naming of the islands after legendary canines.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, is the next port of call, a bustling port with two splendid castles overlooking the harbour area. Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital, is the final port of call.

Prices for this ‘cruise of a lifetime’ start from £1,099 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, inside cabin, Grade ‘I’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

 

More Info: visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800 0355 150 (Monday to Friday, 8am 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 10am to 4pm).

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!

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.

Fred Olsen's Caribbean

Back by popular demand, guests can now take a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Caribbean fly-cruise in January 2015, with a 14-night sunshine voyage to banish the winter blues.

With the fun and excitement of the Christmas and New Year celebrations all over, this cruise offers the opportunity to escape the cold British winter aboard the 929-guest Braemar. Flying from London Gatwick or Manchester and departing from Barbados on January 12, 2015, this exotic voyage is predicted to be one of Fred. Olsen’s most popular options, and is now on sale.

One ideal feature of Fred. Olsen’s most modern ship is the promenade deck – a complete wrap-around deck ideal for a gentle stroll in the evening sun, making it an excellent choice for warmer cruising.

This is the first time since 2012 that Fred. Olsen has offered a Caribbean fly-cruise option. There was a winter fly-cruise programme, based in Barbados from 2001, but this was concluded to extend the wide choice of ex-UK departure ports, giving greater convenience to guests from all over the British Isles, as well as allowing those loyal Braemar fans to cruise on the ship all-year-round from the UK. However, Fred. Olsen has listened to guests’ feedback and brought back this popular itinerary on the Braemar.

Prices start from £999 per person (cruise only), based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. Return flights start from £780 per person, including airport taxes and transfers. Guests can also upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £6.99 per person, per night. This price is available for bookings until September 19 only.

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

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.

Fred Olsen's Irish Touch

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is setting itself up as the real Irish cruise expert in the next year or so as they offer a series of tempting voyages that feature The Emerald Isle, including sailings from Belfast in 2013.

Take Braemar's nine-night voyage from Dover on May 22, for example. The first port of call is vibrant Dublin, the welcoming city with its famous ‘craic’ where guests can delight in the beautiful Book of Kells in Trinity College, indulge in a tour of the Guinness Brewery or enjoy superb shopping, sightseeing, or fine food and wine in the many excellent bars, restaurants and cafés. The ship stays overnight, giving more time to explore and allowing guests the extra pleasure of an evening visit to take in some of the great live entertainment.

The next visit is to Belfast, a port with which the cruise line enjoys long associations as another part of the Fred. Olsen group, Fred. Olsen Energy, owns the famous Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the Titanic was built 100 years ago. Guests here can visit the recently opened ‘Titanic Belfast' exhibition, which tells the whole story of the fateful ship in film, video and archive material. An alternative excursion is a visit to the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway, which never fails to delight visitors.

Fred. Olsen is also pleased to be offering cruises from Belfast starting in 2013. On leaving the port, Braemar heads north, travelling right up to the Orkney Islands, where she visits beautiful Kirkwall. The town has a Scandinavian feel and, in fact, the name ‘Kirkwall’ comes from the Norse for ‘Church Bay’, referring to the 11th Century Church of St Olaf. The most northerly port on this cruise, Kirkwall is the largest settlement and administrative centre of the islands. It is an amazing, haunting place, with over 5,000 years of history and a wealth of wildlife, where you will feel you are in another world.

Braemar also has a final call at Invergordon, a town long associated with the Navy and home to a fine golf course. She then journeys south, returning to Dover. Prices for this cruise start from just £399 per person with a Latesaver deal. This is based on two adults sharing twin-bedded accommodation, and includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. The cabin grade will be confirmed on embarkation. An added attraction on this cruise is a theme of ‘Houses & Gardens’ through the onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. This is hosted by the expert gardening writer, John Negus (pictured, above).

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

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.

Gerald Scarfe Joins Fred. Olsen

As part of its growing cruise enhancement programme, Vistas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to announce that the artist and satirical cartoonist, Gerald Scarfe, CBE, RDI, will be joining Braemar’s cruise to the Atlantic Islands next April.

Best known for his biting and highly individual political cartoons, as well as his collaboration with Pink Floyd on their epic production of The Wall, Scarfe was born in St. John’s Wood, North London, in 1936 and started to draw and create models as he recovered from bouts of asthma as a child.

He started drawing cartoons for national newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Sketch, Evening Standard and Punch magazine and was one of the early contributors to Private Eye. His work is also familiar from the opening credits of the 1980s TV series ‘Yes Minister’ and ‘Yes, Prime Minister’. From drawing, he moved into creating papier-mâché models of politicians, and gradually into television, film and other areas of the arts.

Scarfe was awarded the distinction of ‘Royal Designer for Industry’ in 1989, in recognition of his talents as an illustrator. He was then awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2008, remarking: “I am pleased, but surprised, since I’ve spent so much of my professional life being rude to people.”

He will host a ‘Drawing’ theme on Braemar's M1208 cruise to the Atlantic Islands, a 14-night voyage that departs from Dover on April 14, 2012, calling at Lisbon and visiting the islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma in the Canaries, and two ports in the Azores, Praia da Vitoria and Ponta Delgada, before returning to Dover.

Prices start from £1,429 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’, and includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in Gerald’s Vistas workshops.

Find out more about by visiting www.fredolsencruises.com or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

John Blashford-Snell & The Amazon with Fred Olsen

As part of Vistas, its wide-ranging cruise enhancement programme, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is proud to welcome on board the famed explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell. Lecturing aboard Braemar’s cruise of the Brazilian Amazon, M1203, appropriately he will be talking about ‘Amazonia’ and expeditions to this fascinating region.

There could hardly be a better guest speaker for such an exciting cruises as Blashford-Snell has led some of the most ambitious expeditions ever undertaken. In 1968, when Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia invited the British Army to send a team to explore the Blue Nile, the then Royal Engineers’ Captain Blashford-Snell was invited to select and lead a team. The success of that venture led to many more, including the first vehicle crossing of the Darien Gap in 1971/2, and in 1974/5 the navigating of 2,700 miles of the Great Zaire River (also known as the Congo).

Colonel Blashford-Snell has led more than 100 expeditions, resulting in many important discoveries and supports numerous charities. His knowledge and experience will no doubt make him a fascinating and well-informed speaker.

The cruise departs on February 2, 2012, with flights from London-Gatwick and Manchester, to join the ship in Bridgetown, Barbados. Braemar then sails for the mouth of the Amazon, and cruises deep into the heart of this mighty river, visiting Santarem, Parintins and Manaus. The vibrant rainforest, with its colourful flora and fauna, will be brought even more vividly to life by the expert talks courtesy of Col. Blashford-Snell.

On the return journey, Braemar visits Tobago, then returns to Barbados for the flights home. Prices start from £1,939 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes return chartered flights and transfers, accommodation and all meals and entertainment on board, in addition to port and airport taxes. Flights are with a fully-escorted exclusive Fred. Olsen charter.

Find out more about this cruise by visiting www.fredolsencruises.com or more about the Vistas enhancement programme at www.fredolsencruises-vistas.com or, for bookings, contact the UK's leading specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

Ken Barlow's Fred Olsen Cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to announce a treat for soap fans. The legendary Coronation Street actor William Roache, MBE, who has played Ken Barlow ever since the long-running soap first aired in 1960, and is the only member of the original cast still starring in the programme, will be joining a Braemar cruise to the Western Mediterranean in June, travelling as a VIP guest.

During the cruise, William will be giving a special talk and holding a separate Question and Answer session, which guests on board are invited to attend at no extra charge.

William will be aboard Braemar’s 14-night ‘Captivating Cities of Iberia’ cruise M1113, departing from Dover on June 19. Ports of call are Gibraltar, Cartagena, Barcelona, Seville – where William will leave the cruise – Portimao and Lisbon, before returning to Dover.

As Ken Barlow, William has become something of a national treasure, and there will be numerous fans on this cruise who will be thrilled to meet their favourite soap star, and gain an insight into his varied and fascinating career.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,049 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. £100 per cabin free onboard spending is available on this cruise, and free parking. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.co.uk or contact specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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.