Now spring away to sea
TEMPTED by the thought of a spring getaway — then howh aboutb t takingt ki a cruisei break?b k? SailingS ili tot tucked-t kd away destinations on a smaller, friendlier ship will be an indulgent treat to set the scene for summer.
You could brighten the blossomy month of May with a cruise into the heart of the pristine Norwegian fjords, where the fruit trees will be in flower.
Or sail down the Guadalquiver River to enjoy balmy spring sunshine and the scent of orange blossom in Seville, exploring the old town under your own steam or with an expert guide.
And May is the ideal time to dock in Bordeaux, before the tourist rush. Sample famous wines on vineyard tours and visit grand chateaux. When you take a spring cruise on a more intimate ship, it’s surprising where you can get to!
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’s fleet of four — Balmoral, Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar — offer what many of us would rate as a better cruise experience than the bigger ships.
On board these smaller-sized vessels, you can sail into the more hard-to-reach destinations that the huge ships simply can’t get to, cruising down narrow canals, winding rivers and the narrowest fjords to see so much more.
Discover beautiful stave churches and glistening glaciers nestling far from the coast among stunning peaks at Olden, Norway, for example.
Or ride the winding Flam Railway into the Norwegian mountains, powering around impossible bends and stopping to view tumultuous waterfalls to take photos to share with family and friends.
Fantastic value cruises
On Fred. Olsen’s elegant vessels, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere, attentive service and fantastic value.
The fare includes a comfortable en-suite stateroom, and some of the finest food served at sea. From lobster risotto to melt-in-your mouth roast lamb, there is always plenty to tantalise the tastebuds. Choose from a five-course dinner in the main restaurants, or a selection of delicious dishes in the buffet.
Not forgetting the sumptuous afternoon tea, or the alfresco steak and seafood restaurant. There’s even a supper club from 11pm, if you’re still peckish!
Tea and coffee are always freely available. And you can upgrade to an all-inclusive drinks package from only £15 per person, per night. Not only that, but the crew will do their utmost to make your cruise experience special.
They’ll get to know you by name, find out what your favourite drink is and see what makes you smile, so that you feel well looked after and in good company
Discoveries on board are as memorable as those ashore, with a programme of guest speakers and activities.
From ballroom dancing lessons to theatre workshops and watercolour tutorials, there’s a chance to learn a new skill. Insightful port talks cover everything from astronomy to wine tasting, getting you ready for a fantastic time ashore.
And when the lights go down, enjoy the sparkle of cabaret, comedy and music, with great entertainment every night.
Use the on-board wi-fi to share your incredible cruise adventures with friends and family back home.
And Fred. Olsen is a popular choice for single cruisers, with many single rooms and no supplement for a twin room.
Warm and personal service
WITH its warm and personal approach to cruising, it’s no wonder that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been awarded the coveted Gold Trusted Service Award, by independent review site Feefo, for the fourth year running. Of 19,000 reviews, 95 per cent have been in the ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ categories.
So why not take the chance to see May’s blossomy destinations the most comfortable, cosseted way? Treating yourself to a fantastic spring getaway is plain sailing with a Fred. Olsen cruise.