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's Summer Sale

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just launched a special selection of cruises for summer 2012, offering great savings on brochure prices. There are sailings from a range of regional UK ports, to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Arctic, Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as several mini=cruises. 

All offer exceptional value for money, with prices starting from £64 per person per night, and savings on brochure prices of up to £1,500 per cabin. Guests booking two or more cabins at the same time may also be eligible for an extra saving of 10% on the ‘Special-saver’ price.

Departure ports include Dover, Southampton, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow) and Rosyth (Edinburgh), with the PortLink coach service available from 42 pick up points nationwide. Some sample cruises include :
 

• Black Watch ‘Majestic Fjords’ cruise, a seven-night cruise from Dover to the Norwegian fjords, on September 2, with ports including Bergen, Stavanger, Flam and Eidfjord. Prices start from £629 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin (brochure price £819). 
• Boudicca ‘Waterfalls & Volcanoes’ cruise, a 10-night cruise to Iceland from Rosyth on July 31 that includes an overnight stay in Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, and well as a call into the Faroe Islands. Prices start from £849 per person, reduced from £1,169, saving £320 per person.
• Balmoral’s ‘Portugal & Spain with Barcelona’ cruise, a 14-night cruise from Southampton on  August 11, with ports that include Gibraltar and Lisbon as well as vibrant Barcelona. Prices start from £1,079 per person, formerly £1,589.
• Black Watch mini cruise, a three-night cruise departing from Dover on September 9 and calling at Rouen (France) for an overnight stay. Prices start from £229 per person (formerly £339).

All prices are per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’ and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

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

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Fred. Olsen's Diamond Jubilee Specials

As a British cruise line attracting predominantly British guests, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines plans to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in typical patriotic style, with special ‘red, white and blue’ menus, entertainment, and much more aboard all four ships in its fleet over the Jubilee Weekend, 2nd–5th June.

Cruise guests will be invited to get into the Street Party spirit with plenty of Union Flags and bunting, and will have the chance to play traditional games and join in a rousing British sing-along. There will be specially-themed menus, and each ship with serve a Jubilee Cocktail in the bars created by the onboard ‘mixologists’. Entertainment will focus on ‘British Nights’ with variety shows, and quizzes with a British theme. Raffles will also be held on board, to raise money for Fred. Olsen’s charity partner, the RNLI – a charity of which Her Majesty the Queen is Patron. Plans also include a Grand Tea Dance with complimentary sherry and cakes, as well as a prize for the best cake.

Guests visiting the beauty salon can expect to be offered special pampering packages, to make them Feel Like a Queen for the Day. In the public lounges, TV coverage of the Jubilee events will be screened, so those away from home will not miss any of the action. The ships will be at different locations around the world during Jubilee weekend:

Balmoral will be in the Norwegian fjords, on an eight-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 29. The cruise visits Bergen, Flåm, Olden, Eidfjord and Stavanger, and returns to Southampton. Prices start from £949 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘H’.

Boudicca will be on a cruise to the Adriatic, departing from Greenock (Glasgow) on May 20. This 21-night cruise calls at Gibraltar, Valletta (Malta), Sibenik (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Koper (Slovenia), Ancona (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Motril (Spain), and returns to Greenock. The cruise has an additional attraction of a theme of ‘Flavours of the Adriatic’ through the award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. Prices start from £2,269 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’.

Braemar will be in the Baltic during the Jubilee weekend, on a 14-night cruise departing from Dover on May 31. This cruise will call at Ijmuiden (for tours to Amsterdam), Rønne (Bornholm, Denmark), Visby (Gotland, Sweden), St. Petersburg (Russia, overnight), Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (also for an overnight stay), and Aalborg (Denmark), before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,199 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ’I’.

Finally, Black Watch will spend the Jubilee weekend in the Eastern Mediterranean, on a 23-night cruise from Dover, departing on May 19. This cruise calls at Cadiz (Spain), Gibraltar, Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), Corfu (Greece), Katakolon (Greece), Alexandria (Egypt), Valletta (Malta), Algiers (Algeria), Tangier (Morocco), Lisbon (Portugal), and returns to Dover. There is a Vistas theme on this cruise of ‘Ancient Mythology’, and prices start from £2,269 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’. 

All cruise prices are per person, and include all meals and entertainment on board, including special shows for the Jubilee, and port taxes.

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

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Get In The Mood For Love With Fred. Olsen!

Cruise guests aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ four ships can expect a mood of romance on board this coming Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Whilst at sea, guests will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the day; the bars and restaurants will be decorated in St Valentine’s-themed decorations, like red and white balloons; there will be a Valentine’s-themed quiz during the day, and the flavour of this theme continues during the 'Show Time' in the evening.

There will then be heart-shaped cakes, pastries and chocolate delights served at the St Valentine’s Grand Tea Dance during the afternoon while special cocktails will be available, and the formal dinner in the evening will carry a 'Hint of Red' dress code.

There is still limited availability on Fred. Olsen’s 15-night 'Brazilian Amazon' fly-cruise (M1203), departing from London Gatwick or Manchester airport on February 2 to join Braemar in Bridgetown, Barbados. Ports of call include: Santarem (Brazil), Parentins (Brazil), Manaus (Brazil, overnight stay) and Scarborough (Tobago), returning to Bridgetown (Barbados) for the flight back to the UK. Braemar will be at sea on St Valentine’s Day, arriving in Scarborough on February 15.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,019 per person, based on an inside, twin-bedded cabin, subject to availability, and include return charter flights, all food and entertainment on board, port and airport taxes, and all transfers.

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

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Fred. Olsen Launches ‘Captains’ Collection’

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new brochure of 73 specially-selected, ex-UK cruises for 2012/13, offering exceptional value for money – the ‘Captains’ Collection’. All the featured cruises offer additional savings and selected cruises offer both Double Savings and Free Onboard Spend for selected cabin grades, including both Boudicca and Braemar’s Christmas cruises for 2012, so there are superb deals to be had for early bookers.

The special rates are applicable on bookings made by February 29. Guests booking earlier – by January 10 – can also benefit from free coach travel or car parking, making the offer even better value for money. Fred. Olsen’s ‘No Fuel Surcharge Guarantee’ also applies on all bookings made by January 31, for departures from January 1 onwards, so value for money is guaranteed.

The ‘Captains’ Collection’ brochure includes cruises on all four Fred. Olsen ships: Balmoral, Braemar, Black Watch and Boudicca, sailing from a variety of convenient regional UK ports. Destinations include Norway, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, Iberia, Canada and the Canary Islands. Savings can be up to £500 per booking, and discounts vary, depending on the cabin grade and duration of the cruise. On a cruise of 14 nights or more, savings range from £100 on a single cabin to £500 for a suite. 

For example, Braemar’s ‘The Azores & the Canaries’ cruise (M1208), a 14-night voyage from Dover on April 14, visits Lisbon (Portugal), Arrecife (Lanzarote), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Santa Cruz (La Palma), Praia da Vitoria (Azores) and Ponta Delgada (Azores) before returning to Dover, now has prices from £1,229 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. Prices also include all meals, onboard entertainment and port taxes, representing exceptional value for money.

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

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Broadcaster Michael Nicholson Aboard Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that renowned TV correspondent Michael Nicholson, OBE, MA (above), is the latest in a line of glittering speakers to join its Vistas cruise enrichment programme. Michael will be the guest speaker on Boudicca’s 23-night cruise to the Mediterranean, D1223, departing from Portsmouth on October 12, 2012.

Nicholson is best known as a seasoned and highly-acclaimed foreign correspondent, reporting on wars and natural disasters the world over. He has reported from no fewer than 18 war zones during his long and illustrious career, including Nigeria, Biafra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Beirut, Israel, Cyprus, Congo, Rwanda, The Falklands, the Balkans and both Gulf Wars. Michael was ITN’s first Bureau Chief in South Africa, based in Johannesburg; he reported on news from all over Africa between 1976 and 1981, then journeyed overland back to the UK with his family – a 14,000-mile journey that took six months.

Cruise guests can enjoy Michael's fascinating and informative talks in the comfort and elegance of Boudicca on this exciting Mediterranean itinerary, which visits Portimăo (Portugal), Ibiza (Spain), Valletta (Malta), Piraeus (for Athens), Çanakkale (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Gozo (Malta), Mahon (Menorca) and Gibraltar, returning to Portsmouth. Prices for this cruise start from £2,179 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

There are also ‘Double Savings’ available on this cruise of up to £1,000 per cabin (depending on cabin grade), if booked by February 29, as featured in Fred. Olsen’s "Captains’ Collection 2012/13" brochure of 73 specially-selected, ex-UK cruise deals. Fred. Olsen‘s ‘No Fuel Surcharge Guarantee’ also applies on all bookings made by January 31, for departures from January 1 onwards, so value for money is guaranteed. There is no extra charge for taking part in Vistas activity.

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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Darts & Football Stars Aboard Fred Olsen

Guests joining award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 35-night Caribbean voyage aboard Boudicca in January will find themselves in the prestigious company of three major celebrities from two of Britain’s favourite sports, darts and football.

The stars are ex-footballer and former manager of both Spurs and Arsenal, Terry Neill, along with former darts champions, Keith Deller and Cliff Lazarenko, who will be entertaining guests throughout this cruise as part of the exclusive onboard enrichment programme, Vistas.

Boudicca departs from Southampton on January 19 for an Atlantic crossing broken by a call into the Canary Island of Tenerife before beginning her odyssey of the Caribbean islands. Her ports of call are a roll-call of idyllic destinations – the islands of Barbados and Curaçao, then Cartagena in Colombia, and Colon in Panama, before reaching Montego Bay on the colourful reggae island of Jamaica.

The next port is a highlight of the cruise – an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba, a port steeped in history and romance. Two more Caribbean islands complete this part of the itinerary – Turks & Caicos, and the tiny island of St Maarten – before Boudicca begins her return voyage to Southampton, broken by a last call into Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

Prices for this star-studded Caribbean voyage start from £3,479 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘D’, including all meals and entertainment on board, as well as port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in the Vistas programme.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise agent specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Fred Olsen Sign Up The Osmonds!

Three of The Osmonds, perhaps the world’s best-known pop family, are to perform live on two Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ voyages on Balmoral in 2012.

Wayne, Jay and Jimmy will be bringing a touch of ‘Osmondmania’ to the high seas on L1205, a 14-night cruise of the Western Mediterranean, departing on May 12 from Southampton, and on L1206, a three-night mini-cruise to Ostende and Le Havre from the same port, departing on May 26.

The Osmonds have enjoyed a string of massive hits on both sides of the Atlantic throughout their long career, and have sold millions of albums, with several gold and platinum discs to their credit. Well known for their close harmonies, The Osmonds now perform all styles of music, from barbershop to pop, rock, country and jazz.

The Western Med voyage calls at Lisbon, Almeria, Alicante, Palma, Mahon (Menorca), Gibraltar and La Coruna before returning to Southampton. It also has a theme of ‘Drawing’ as part of the onboard enrichment programme Vistas. Prices for this cruise start from £1,549 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes – and, of course, live performances by The Osmonds.

The mini-cruise L1206 is an ideal ‘taster’ for those who are new to cruising, with visits to Ostende and Le Havre before returning to Southampton. Prices for this Bank Holiday Weekend cruise start from £379 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘H’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For Fred Olsen booking details, be sure to check with specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd on this link.

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Beat The Winter Chill With Fred Olsen

An ideal post-Christmas getaway is Fred Olsen's Braemar’s 15-night Caribbean fly-cruise, departing on January 5, 2012, an exciting itinerary that includes a late-night stay in the colourful and vibrant Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba. You also fly from London Gatwick or Manchester to Barbados on exclusive, fully-escorted Fred Olsen charters.

The cruise starts with an overnight stay in Barbados (above), then visits Bonaire and Aruba, Montego Bay in Jamaica, and on to Santiago de Cuba, the island’s former capital. The cruise also visits the Turks & Caicos Islands, Tortola and Antigua, with a scenic journey through the Grenadines, en route back to Barbados for the return flights.

Prices start from £1,394 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade I, and include flights and transfers, all meals and entertainment on board, and port/airport taxes. Olsen is also offering some attractive Canary Islands cruises this winter, representing excellent value.

One such cruise is Balmoral’s 13-night cruise departing from Southampton on December 8. The cruise first visits Madeira, calling at the capital Funchal, then visits the Canary Islands of La Palma, Tenerife, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. The final port of call is Portugal’s vibrant capital city, Lisbon.

An additional attraction on this cruise is a theme of ‘History of the British Royal Family’ as part of the line's award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. The programme covers a comprehensive range of topics, from wine-tasting and gardening to antiques and photography, hosted by experts in their relevant fields. The expert hosting the Royal Family theme is David V. Thomas MVO, the former Crown Jeweller, who was responsible for the care and conservancy of the Crown Jewels from 1991 to 2007, as well as the personal collections of Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Prices for this cruise start from £737 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.

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

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Fred Olsen's National Cruise Week Brochure

In support of ‘National Cruise Week 2011’, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has produced a dedicated brochure featuring 58 selected 2012 sailings. The ‘Fantastic Cruise Offers’ brochure will feature a selection of special offers on these year-round cruises, which will be available to book from September 9 to October 18.

Each cruise offers exceptional value for money and extra benefits, including free On Board Spend – varying from £30 per cabin on a three-night mini-cruise, up to £200 per cabin on a 23-night sailing – as well as free parking or transport to and from the departure port.

Offers are valid for all bookings made between the specified period. For more info, visit www.fredolsen.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Jilly Goolden Joins Fred. Olsen's Vistas programme

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to announce that wine expert Jilly Goolden (above) will be joining a Balmoral cruise to Iberia in 2012, hosting a theme of ‘Wines of Iberia’ as part of its cruise enhancement programme, Vistas. The 10-night cruise departs from Southampton on October 3, 2012, and visits Lisbon and Portimao (both Portugal), then Casablanca (Morocco), Cadiz, and La Coruna (both Spain), before returning to Southampton.

Goolden will host wine-tastings and give talks during the cruise, specialising in wines from the region, so the theme dovetails perfectly with the very attractive cruise itinerary.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,049 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. There is no charge for attending Jilly’s talks, as part of the Vistas programme, but there may be a small charge for wines used in tastings.

For more details, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Make it a ‘Caribbean Christmas’ With Fred. Olsen

Christmas is a time for celebration and relaxation, and what better way to do both than on a sunny Caribbean cruise? Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a leisurely 25-night ex-UK ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise aboard Black Watch, departing from Southampton on December 17.

The long Atlantic crossing allows for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many activities and facilities the ship has to offer. Guests can join in quizzes and traditional deck games, read in the peace of the library, swim, work out in the gym, or take part in many other enjoyable activities, as the ship makes her way to the warm Caribbean waters.

Christmas Day sees Black Watch in the middle of her Atlantic crossing, and the day is celebrated at sea in the traditional way – there is a sumptuous feast, a visit from Santa Claus for younger guests, as well as carol singing, festive entertainment, quizzes and, of course, a ship glittering with Christmas trees and decorations.

The first Caribbean port of call is Barbados on December 28 followed by the lovely islands of St Lucia, Antigua, Tortola and St Maarten, while the return crossing includes a visit to the Azores before arriving back in Southampton on January 11.

An extra-special attraction on this festive cruise is live entertainment from two of the best tribute bands around, appearing as part of the exclusive Fred. Olsen's ‘Music & Laughter’ programme. The acts are ‘Bee Gees Magic’ and ‘Abba Magic’, and they will be recreating the great sounds of the Seventies’ super-groups during the cruise.

Prices for this Christmas cruise start from £3,597 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board – including the ‘Music & Laughter’ programme – and port taxes.

Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialst cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

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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.

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Sample A 'Mini-Cruise' With Fred. Olsen

The popularity of city breaks and long weekends away has grown enormously in recent years as people have less holiday time, and want to make the most of it. A great value-for-money option in this area is a ‘mini cruise’ - your holiday starts from the moment you embark, and there are no frustrating restrictions on what you can, and can’t, pack in your luggage.

Fred. Olsen has no fewer than 12 mini-cruises in 2012, from a range of regional UK ports, and many of them visit popular European cities, such as Amsterdam, Antwerp or Rouen.

These attractive short cruises offer wonderful value for money, as all your meals and the onboard entertainment are included in the price, and there are excellent onboard facilities, such as heated pools, hot tubs, fitness centres and beauty salons, plus a library, internet room and wi-fi access (so that you can always stay in touch), and spacious lounges and bars. There is also excellent onboard cuisine, and a busy programme of daily activities for those who want to join in. Here are just a few examples of some Fred. Olsen mini-cruise options:

Braemar has a three-night cruise departing from Dover on May 5, 2012, and visiting two lovely northern European cities – Ostende and Amsterdam. The Belgian city is an attractive port and, from here, you can opt for an excursion to the medieval city of Ghent. Amsterdam, of course, is one of the most popular European cities for a short break, with its lovely gabled houses, network of canals, and some of the finest art galleries and museums, alongside cafés and marvellous shops. The cruise returns to Dover, and prices start from £339 per person.

Balmoral has another three-night cruise, this time departing from Southampton, on August 25, 2012. This Bank Holiday weekend break visits the delightful medieval town of Antwerp, in Belgium, for an overnight stay. The cobbled streets and quirky old buildings are truly picturesque, and horse-drawn carriages give rides to visitors around the centre. You can relax at a pavement café, visit one of the many old churches or museums, or treat yourself in some of the exclusive boutiques and stylish shops. Antwerp is the centre of the European diamond industry, so there is no shortage of desirable jewellery on offer! Cruise prices start from £349 per person.

For an early autumn break, join Black Watch’s three-night cruise from Dover, departing on September 9, 2012, and visit the historic French city of Rouen, with its majestic cathedral immortalised by Monet. The city is steeped in history, and the Musée des Beaux Arts is a highlight. Prices start from £339 per person.

All prices are quoted per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes the accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For more info, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the special cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Commemorate RMS Titanic with Fred. Olsen

Next April marks the centenary of one of the most momentous events in cruising history, the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. To mark the occasion, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be operating a mini-cruise aboard Balmoral, calling at each of the historic ports on the liner’s short-lived maiden voyage.

The ill-fated Titanic, then the world’s largest passenger steamship, was the pride of the White Star Line and departed with great fanfare and excitement from Southampton on April 10, 1912. The Olympic-class liner was carrying 2,223 passengers en route to New York when she struck an iceberg and sank on April 15. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 1,517 people, making it one of the most serious peacetime disasters in maritime history.

Fred. Olsen’s five-night mini cruise, L1202, departs from Southampton on April 3, 2012, and visits Liverpool – port of departure for so many thousands of migrants and luxury travellers to the New World – and Belfast, the city in which Titanic was built, before returning to Southampton. In Belfast, there will be an opportunity to see the site of the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the ill-fated ship was built between 1909 and 1911. Guests can also see the new state-of-the-art, six-storey visitor’ centre, Titanic Belfast, at the shipyard, which is opening its doors for the first time in April 2012 to mark the centenary.

Prices for this historic five-night cruise start from only £559 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment onboard and port taxes.

For further info, see www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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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.

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Fred. Olsen's Eagles Tribute Cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is pleased to announce a very special mini-cruise in 2012, which will be a real treat for rock fans. Black Watch’s mini-cruise, W1206, to Antwerp and Amsterdam, will play host to ‘Talon, the Best of Eagles’, who are celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2012.

The band will be joining guests embarking on this attractive cruise of three nights, which departs from Dover on June 21, 2012. The cruise visits the diamond centre of Antwerp for a full day, then spends a half day in vibrant Amsterdam, where guests can discover the historic buildings and galleries which line the many picturesque canals, as well as visiting Ann Frank’s House.

Talon formed in September 1997 and played their first gig in January 1998. The band celebrated their tenth anniversary in September 2007, and have been going from strength to strength ever since.

The band’s unusual name comes from the word for an eagle’s claw, and was suggested by Paul Outen, a drummer and colleague of band members Chris Lloyd and Peter Anderson from their cruising days. When choosing the name, they felt it was important to give the band its own identity, and did not want to play on the word ‘Eagles’ or use an Eagles song title.

During this exclusive mini-cruise, Talon will perform three shows, including ‘Acoustic Collection’, ‘The Best of Eagles’ and ‘The Talon Factor.’ Additional musical entertainment will include ‘Jazzlines’ – late night jazz with Chris Lloyd, and ‘Jam House’ jamming sessions with the band, as well as the Talon Quiz.

Prices for this unique musical mini-cruise start from £299 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. This price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, including the full Talon programme, and port taxes.

For further info, visit http://www.fredolsencruises.com/ or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Fred. Olsen's Worldwide Voyaging

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched its new worldwide brochure for 2012/13, detailing a comprehensive programme of ex-UK cruises aboard classic ships Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. All the new cruises feature Fred. Olsen’s ‘No Fuel Surcharge Guarantee’.

The 2012/13 programme includes an enormous choice of destinations, varying in duration from a mini-cruise of just two nights to an epic world voyage of 112 nights. The itineraries feature new and exciting destinations, along with many old favourites, with departures from convenient regional British ports, Dover, Southampton, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow) and Rosyth (Edinburgh).

Highlights include:

- A ‘Christmas Markets’ cruise aboard Black Watch, travelling to the Baltic and calling at Warnemünde (Germany), Tallinn (Estonia), St Petersburg (Russia), Helsinki (Finland), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Kiel (Germany).

- The chance to sail over 50 miles up the Guadalquivir River to Seville, in Spain.

- A return call to the newly-accessible Banjul Harbour in The Gambia, on Balmoral’s 21-night ‘West Africa and Cape Verde’ cruise.

- Three brand new destinations on Canada’s east coast – Port Saguenay, Trois Rivières and Havre St. Pierre.

- Some enticing longer cruises in 2013 – Balmoral’s new ‘Around the World’ itinerary and Black Watch’s epic cruise, down the West Coast of Africa and into the Indian Ocean.

- Another opportunity to take a Winter cruise to Norway, ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’, with Boudicca in February 2013, or to cruise into the heart of the mighty Amazon River, also aboard Boudicca, on a long (35-night) cruise in early 2013.

- Christmas 2012, when both Balmoral and Braemar will be visiting the Cape Verde Islands, as part of their festive itineraries, while Black Watch offers a real getaway, with her ex-UK ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise of 25 nights.

Fred. Olsen also continues to make regular enhancements to its fleet. Boudicca benefitted from a major refit in January 2011, allowing for extra cabins, smart new shopping outlets and a top-deck fitness centre. The onboard experience continues to benefit from an ever-increasing choice of activities and interests for guests to pursue. The cruise enrichment programme, Vistas (formerly The ArtsClub), has been re-launched and reinvigorated, with many distinguished new names joining the panoply of on-board experts, covering an even wider range of subjects.

Other additional attractions, on selected cruises, include ‘Flagship Golf‘, boasting even more top courses in 2012/13, and, for the best in entertainment, Fred. Olsen’s ‘Music and Laughter’; programme. This gives guests a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music and comedy in an intimate setting, from some of the top names in the business, and all at no extra cost. Past favourites include the Divas of Motown, The Drifters and Lulu, and big names lined up for this season include The Operababes – back by popular demand – The Sounds of Boney M, featuring Sheyla Bonnick, and The Tornados – the first UK group to top the US charts, with ‘Telstar’, and original backing group to 60s legend, Billy Fury.

For more info, see www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Fred. Olsen's Weekend ‘Summer Sale’

For a limited period over the Bank Holiday period, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be offering special reduced prices on six summer cruises, with durations ranging from 7 to 16 nights, to a variety of exciting destinations. These deals will be available from Friday 27th to Monday 30th May 2011 inclusive, and offer, amongst others, the chance to view the volcanic region of Iceland from the comfort and safety of a cruise ship!

Available from a choice of convenient regional UK departure ports – Southampton, Rosyth (Edinburgh) and Dover – these great prices start from just £56 per person per night, representing incredible value, with sale fares available across a range of cabin types.

The cruises selected for the special sale are:

· M1114 – a 13-night cruise to the Baltic, departing Dover July 2, priced from £799 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin.

· D1115 – a 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland, departing Rosyth (Edinburgh) July 28, from £899 per person.

· M1116 – a 14-night cruise to the Canary Islands, departing Dover July 30, from £849 per person.

· L1111 – a 7-night cruise to France, departing Southampton on August 1, from £599 per person.

· W1112 – a 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland, departing Dover on August 11, priced from £899 per person.

· L1113 – a 14-night cruise to the Baltic, departing Southampton on August 18, from £899 per person.

Prices include accommodation, all meals and entertainment, port taxes and any applicable Fuel Supplement. Themes of ‘The History of Weather’ and ‘Classical Music’ are available on cruises W1112 and D1115 respectively through Fred. Olsen’s onboard enrichment programme, Vistas, which is free to guests.

Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the cruise-agent specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Greenland & Iceland With Fred. Olsen

As a complete change from the traditional ‘sun and sea’ holiday, a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines summer cruise to Greenland and Iceland offers some spectacular scenery, and the chance to visit some unforgettable ports, in a very different landscape, while you experience the long days in the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’.

Cruising from a northern port saves time at sea, and Boudicca’s 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland (D1115) departs on July 28 from Rosyth (Edinburgh). After a day at sea, the first port of call is Torshavn in the Faroe Islands. The cruise then offers a chance to visit some little-known ports in the south of Greenland - Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq and Nanortalik.

Qaqortoq was founded by Norwegian traders in 1775 and retains some lovely old colonial buildings; it also boasts a magnificent fountain, with carved whales blowing water from their blowholes.

There is a scenic cruise around Cape Farewell, the southernmost tip of Greenland before the voyage reaches Iceland; first, Isafjordur, then Reykjavik, for an overnight stay. This allows time to visit the 'Big Three’ geological wonders of Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, with its steaming plumes of naturally hot water from the earth’s centre, and Thingvellir National Park. Boudicca then returns to Rosyth.

This cruise additionally offers a theme of ‘Classical Music’, through Fred. Olsen’s cruise enhancement programme, Vistas. Guests can join in with this activity at no extra cost.

Prices start from £1,750 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Black Watch has a similar itinerary on her 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland from Dover, departing on August 11, W1112. This voyage also visits the rarely seen ports in southern Greenland and some extraordinary landmarks, including the Mountains of 12 Apostles and Cape Farewell. Like Boudicca, Black Watch has an overnight stay in Reykjavik, before returning to Dover.

The cruise additionally offers a theme of ‘The History of Weather’, hosted by the scientist, physicist and climate-change expert Professor Henry Hutchinson, through Fred. Olsen’s cruise enhancement programme, Vistas. Guests can join in with this activity at no extra cost.

Prices start from £1,729 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Find out at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the cruise agent specialists 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.

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