Sail TO THE HEART OF the DESTINATION
Fred. Olsen cruises elegantly glide past the competition when it comes to getting you up close and personal with some of the world’s most mesmerising destinations
CRUISING is a big deal for us Brits – but that doesn’t mean we have to be packed like sardines on board gargantuan, gimmick-filled ‘resorts at sea’. For over 170 years, Fred. Olsen has helped us explore the world, and more recently, thanks to the company’s smaller, traditional fleet of ships, such as the elegant Braemar, allow guests an immersive experience – sailing right to the heart of towns and cities for more time ashore, and picturesque routes or diversions to hard to reach destinations.
France, Spain and the Mediterranean BORDEAUX
AS THE shallowest of Fred. Olsen’s ocean-going ships, Braemar will glide you straight into Bordeaux’s city centre via the Garonne and Gironde Rivers, meaning you literally step straight into the action at the end of the gangway. Walk along the docks, wander through the quaint streets of Saint Pierre, take in the panoramic views from the Pont de Pierre stone bridge or wolf down a dozen fresh oysters at foodie paradise Marché des Quais.
SEVILLE
YOU’LL be able to take in the skyline of sun-soaked Seville from the spectacular vantage point of Braemar’s huge windows and en route enjoy views of the stunning Doñana National Park. Disembark and instantly discover the awe-inspiring architecture of the city’s immense Catedral de Sevilla and Giralda, stroll through the lush oasis of the Parque de María Luisa or simply sit down to a leisurely lunch of tasty tapas. Larger cruise lines can only get as close as Cadiz, then guests complete the journey overland.
MARSEILLE
FROM the elegance of Braemar, which boasts a timeless interior similar to a country-house hotel, you’ll step out on to the glamorous streets of Marseille, the grand port which boasts the title of France’s second city. After your 924-capacity ship sweeps into the bustling Vieux Port, you’ll soon see why ships have docked here for millennia; restaurants, brasseries, bars and cafés line both sides of the port in the shadow of the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, giving you culture and atmosphere in one.
MALAGA
ONE stop on the Mediterranean itinerary is Malaga, a destination as welcoming as its warm climate. And you’ll step straight on to its sun-soaked promenade, thanks to Braemar coming under the 200-metre docking limit – leaving you plenty of time to immediately start exploring the rich history, culture, architecture and art scene of Picasso’s hometown.
CORINTH CANAL
You’ll get to travel in style down the Corinth Canal, a man-made passage which could be mistaken for Mother Nature’s handiwork, and break records at the same time, thanks to Braemar being the largest ship to transit the waterway in history. In fact, you can almost touch the sides from the deck!
Braemar sails the scenic route into the heart of Seville. Larger liners only get as far as Cadiz