Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines makes return to homeland Norway as new ship Borealis sets sail to seek out Northern Lights

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is making a return to its homeland of Norway today as new ship Borealis sets sail in search of the Northern Lights, the natural phenomenon after which she is named.

Since the line resumed sailing in the summer, Fred. Olsen’s first cruise to Norway marks the start of a hand-crafted programme of cruising to the region, with 22 sailings across all four seasons in 2022.

Fred. Olsen’s Journey Planners have crafted the Norwegian sailings to maximise the benefits of their smaller ships, which allow them to sail size restricted waters such as Lysefjord, Åkrafjord and Fjaerlandsfjord, leading to secluded waterfalls and scenic fjord sailing.

Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experience at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“At Fred. Olsen, we are proud to sail our own course, and our homeland of Norway is somewhere this really shines through.

“This is especially true in the fjords, where we frequently travel away from the well-sailed route. Here we can offer exceptional experiences for our guests, such as sailing Maurangerfjord to show our guests the sprawling Fureberg Waterfall.

“The smaller size of our ships opens up so many possibilities for us. We can sail the size-restricted Lysefjord so guests can look up at the famous Pulpit Rock or cruise Åkrafjord to the tall and tumbling Langfoss Waterfall, often regarded as the best waterfall in Norway, offering views of spectacular scenery direct from the ship.

“This first cruise back to Norway will be extra special, as not only will we be visiting Alta, renowned for being one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, but it will also see Borealis going in search of the phenomena from which she takes her name. We can’t wait to share this experience with our guests.”

Some highlights of Fred. Olsen’s sailings to Norway in 2022 include:

Bolette’s 14-night T2202A ‘In Search of the Northern Lights cruise, departing from Southampton on 30th January 2022. Prices start from £1,399 per person.
Itinerary: Southampton, England – Trondheim, Norway – Alta, Norway (overnight stay) – Tromsø, Norway (overnight stay) – Bodø, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Southampton, England
For more details: Visit T2202A ‘In Search of the Northern Lights

Borealis’ eight-night S2208 ‘Classic Norwegian Fjords’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 6th April 2022. Prices start from £999 per person.
Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Cruising Lysefjord, Norway – Cruising Hardangerfjord, Norway – Eidfjord, Norway – Cruising Maurangerfjord and Furebergfossen, Norway – Flåm, Norway – Cruising Nærøyfjord, Norway – Bergen, Norway – Kirkwall, Orkney Islands – Liverpool, England
For more details: Visit S2208′ Classic Norwegian Fjords.’

Balmoral’s 15-night L2217′ Rugged and Remote Spitsbergen’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 22nd June 2022. Prices start from £2,599 per person.
Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Olden, Norway (overnight stay) – Cruising Nordfjord, Norway – Maloy, Norway – Cruising Nærøyfjord, Norway – Cruising Torghatten, Norway – Cruising Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising Trollfjord, Norway – Cruising by Djevelen Tanngard, Norway – Honningsvåg, Norway – Cruising North Cape, Norway – Pyramiden, Norway – Cruising by Nordenskiöldbreen, Norway – Cruising by Templefjorden, Norway – Longyearbyen, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Cruising by Black Glacier, Norway – Cruising Nordfjorden, Meloy, Norway – Åndalsnes, Norway – Cruising Romsdalfjorden and Isfjorden, Norway – Newcastle, England
For more details: Visit L2217′ Rugged and Remote Spitsbergen’

Braemar’s five-night M2222′ Summertime Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Edinburgh (Rosyth) on 29th July 2022. Prices start from £799 per person.
Itinerary: Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland – Olden, Norway – Cruising Nordfjord, Norway – Cruising by Hornelen, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising Hjørundfjord, Norway – Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
For more details: Visit M2222′ Summertime Fjords in Five Nights’

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Unveils Brand New Sailings Aboard New Ships Bolette and Borealis in 2022

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled 16 brand new sailings aboard new ships Bolette and Borealis departing in early 2022.

The new cruises include a 34-night sailing to the Caribbean and a 15-night Mediterranean discovery, as well as sailings closer to home with a five-night scenic Ireland sailing and a two-night ‘no port’ short break. Also included are scenic sailings to the Norwegian fjords, opportunities to witness the Northern Lights and voyages to the Canary Islands or Iceland, to name a few.

Durations range from two to 38 nights, with departures available from Southampton and Liverpool.

In addition, guests can choose between a free all inclusive drinks package or up to £250 per person to spend on board.

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Now, more than ever, people are dreaming of their holidays and yearning to get their travels booked in for 2022, and we have been working closely with our destination partners and the UK government when it comes to our future itineraries.

“Our journey planners have worked exceptionally hard in curating these new sailings, placing as much focus on the joy of the journey as the destinations themselves.

“Whether you want to explore the streets within the historic city walls of Dubrovnik, seek out the Northern Lights in Norway or gain an insight into many ancient civilisations on a longer voyage to the Caribbean and the Americas, there is sure to be a cruise to suit you.

“These sailings will also be a great opportunity for us to showcase our new ships, which is why we are pleased to offer an all inclusive drinks package or on board spending credit, to help our guests make the most of the many newly-refurbished bars, lounges and facilities on board.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests, both new and returning, on board for these new sailings in 2022.”

Bolette artist’s impression – image courtesy of Fred. Olsen Cruises

Highlights of the new 2022 programme include:

Borealis‘ 34-night S2202A ‘Cultural Caribbean and the Americas’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 6th January 2022. Prices start from £3,999 per person. Enjoy £250 per person to spend on board.

Departure of a 38-night sailing is also available from (and returning to) Liverpool on 4th January 2022. Prices start from £4,399 per person. Enjoy up to £250 per person to spend on board.   

Itinerary: Southampton, England – Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal – St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis – Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Santa Marta, Colombia – Colon, Panama – Puerto Limón, Costa Rica (overnight stay) – Belize City, Belize – Cozumel, Mexico – Kings Wharf, Bermuda (overnight stay) – Southampton, England

For more details: Visit S2202A ‘Cultural Caribbean and the Americas’  

Bolette‘s 14-night T2202A ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 30th January 2022. Prices start from £1,799 per person. Enjoy an all inclusive drinks upgrade or £200 per person to spend on board.

Itinerary: Southampton, England – Trondheim, Norway – Alta, Norway (overnight stay) – Tromsø, Norway (overnight stay) – Bodø, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Southampton, England

For more details: Visit T2202A ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’  

Bolette‘s 19-night T2203A ‘Ancient Adriatic with Venice’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 13th February 2022. Prices start from £2,199 per person. Enjoy an all inclusive drinks upgrade or £250 per person to spend on board.

Itinerary: Southampton, England – Cartagena, Spain – Valletta, Malta – Split, Croatia – Venice, Italy – Zadar, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Cruising Strait of Messina, Italy – Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy – Lisbon, Portugal – Southampton, England

For more details: Visit T2203A ‘Ancient Adriatic with Venice’  

Borealis‘ five-night S2209 ‘Touring Scenic Ireland in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 14th April 2022. Prices start from £649 per person. Enjoy an all inclusive drinks upgrade or £100 per person to spend on board.

Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Cruising by Spike Island, Ireland – Cobh, Country Cork, Ireland – Galway, Ireland – Cruising by Cliffs of Moher, Ireland – Cruising by Dún Aonghasa, Aran Islands – Cruising by Clare Island, Clew Bay – Cruising by Croaghaun, Achill Island – Cruising by Inishkea Islands – Cruising Wild Atlantic Bay, Mayo – Cruising by Downpatrick Head, Mayo – Cruising by Malin Head & Sliabh Liag, Ireland – Cruising by Arranmore, Ireland – Cruising by Tory Island, Northern Ireland – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Liverpool, England

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launches brand new 2021 itineraries, including regional departures from Portsmouth and free drinks and tips offer

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched eight new itineraries for its ship, Balmoral, including a number of regional departures from Portsmouth.

For selected Balmoral sailings of five-nights or more, guests will also enjoy a FREE drinks package, plus the cost of their tips covered, for bookings made by 31st October 2020 inclusive. 

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Services for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We’re so pleased to be unveiling further new cruises this week, and just as excited to be returning to Portsmouth for four of our eight new sailings.

“On board our elegant, smaller ship Balmoral, guests will be able to sail down the Seine, seek out the Northern Lights, chase the sun in Madeira and the Canaries or visit German Christmas markets for a bit of festive shopping.

“Portsmouth’s well-connected cruise terminal has superb, modern facilities and we know that the team there will be able to provide a smooth and safe checking in process for our guests.”

Ian Diaper, Head of Operations for Portsmouth International Port, said: 

“Like guests, we can’t wait to see cruises start again, so we’re delighted to welcome Fred. Olsen’s prestigious Balmoral for turnaround cruises from the city next October. Guests will have the most enviable start to their holiday as they sail from our dramatic harbour, on a long overdue cruise. 

“This marks a new cruise era for Portsmouth and we’re looking forward to working with Fred. Olsen on this exciting journey.” 

Highlights of Balmoral’s new itineraries include: 

The 14-night L2103B ‘Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 2ndFebruary 2021. Prices start from £1,599 per person. Enjoy a FREE drinks package and your tips covered on this sailing when booked by 31st October 2020. 

The sunshine and scenery of these beautiful islands awaits you on this relaxing and rejuvenating late winter escape. You’ll have chances to unwind on Gran Canaria’s golden sands; marvel at the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife and Lanzarote; explore the verdant lands of La Palma and stimulate your senses with Madeira’s fragrant gardens. Meanwhile, the cities of Lisbon and La Coruña boast an abundance of architectural, historical and cultural delights.

Ports of call: Southampton, England – Lisbon, Portugal – Funchal, Madeira – Santa Cruz, La Palma – Santa Cruz, Tenerife – Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – Arrecife, Lanzarote – La Coruña, Spain – Southampton, England 

The 13-night L2135 ‘Arctic Norway & Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 4th November 2021.Prices start from £1,599 per person. Enjoy a FREE drinks package and your tips covered on this sailing when booked by 31st October 2020. 

Revel in the early winter wonders of Northern Norway. In Narvik, embark on a thrilling husky-sled ride or witness Arctic wildlife at the Polar Park, while Tromsø’s attractions include Mount Storsteinen and the Arctic Cathedral. This sailing brings with it the chance to witness the wonder of the Aurora Borealis illuminating the night sky. 

Ports of call: Portsmouth England – Molde, Norway – Narvik, Norway – Alta, Norway (overnight stay) – Tromsø, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Portsmouth, England

The 6-night L2137 ‘German Christmas Markets’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 30th November 2021. Prices start from £699 per person. Enjoy a FREE drinks package and your tips covered on this sailing when booked by 31st October 2020.

Immerse yourself in the famous yuletide spirit of Germany with visits to two enchanting cities, Bremen and Hamburg. Experience the magic of the German Christmas markets, draped in twinkling lights and decorations, with plenty of traditional gifts and fare on offer. Visit Bremen’s historic, UNESCO-listed centre and Hamburg’s impressive architectural landmarks, beautiful Alster Lake and the unique Miniatur Wunderland.

Ports of call: Portsmouth, England – Bremen, Germany – Hamburg, Germany (overnight stay) – Portsmouth, England 

Balmoral’s new itineraries have been unveiled following the recent launches of sailings aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new ships, Bolette and Borealis.

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Heritage Expeditions Announces New Voyage Inspired by the World’s First Transit of the Northern Sea Route

Pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is proud to release an exciting new voyage In the Footsteps of Nordenskiöld, inspired by Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld’s famed Vega Expedition of 1878 – 1880.

Heritage Expeditions Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said the 19-day addition to their 2021 Russian Far East season was aimed at true adventurers with an interest in the remarkable history, geography and wildlife of the uncompromising Northern Sea Route.

“This is an authentic expedition in every sense,” said Russ.“  In the Footsteps of Nordenskiöld recreates one of the world’s great explorations visiting the many islands and locations Nordenskiöld himself discovered and described during his history-changing expedition.”

Retracing the first ever transit of the Northern Sea Route, and created in consultation with Heritage Expeditions’ Russian history experts, the expedition offers intrepid travellers the opportunity to explore some of the least known and seldom visited shores on the planet including the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, the New Siberian Islands, Novaya Zemlya (New Land), Cape Chelyuskin, De Long Islands and the Nordenskiöld Archipelago.

Those seeking wildlife will not be disappointed with much of the region’s abundant wildlife likely encountered including polar bears, walrus, whales and birdlife with twitcher favourite the ivory gull, among them.

Travel is aboard Heritage Expeditions’ ice-strengthened Russian research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy, herself no stranger to the region having participated in Soviet convoys during the late 1980s and completing a double transit of the Northern Sea Route with the company in 2017.

The new voyage follows minor amendments to Heritage Expeditions’ Russian Far East 2021 schedule which also sees the company’s popular Sea of Okhotsk expedition  now starting and ending in Magadan, allowing guests to enjoy an extended period of time exploring the wildlife-rich waters within the region. Guests joining this departure also have the option to stay on board for a complimentary ocean voyage as Akademik Shokalskiy is transferred from Magadan to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy at the completion of the voyage – an extra three nights aboard free! These will be sea days, with a minimal expedition programme, giving guests a chance to unwind in the library, bar and on the bridge.

In the Footsteps of Nordenskiöld departs Murmansk on 12 September 2021, arriving in Pevek on 30 September 2021. Prices start from US$13,900 for a Main Deck, twin share berth.

Sea of Okhotsk, Magadan return, departs 17 June 2021 and arrives 27 June 2021, or 30 June 2021 for guests disembarking in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. Prices start from US$7,100 for a Main Deck, twin share berth.

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