Set sail from Southampton on a relaxing Braemar ‘River Cruise’ with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2016

From May to Nov 2016 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 929-guest ship Braemar will – for the first time ever – be based in Southampton for a six-month cruise season. Due to Braemar’s shorter and shallower draft, Fred. Olsen is able to offer a series of ‘River Cruises’ in 2016 to destinations including Seville in Spain and Rouen in France, where the ship can cruise right into the heart of destinations and along stunning rivers and waterways.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“When we say that our fleet of smaller-sized ships can take you places that others can’t, we really mean it. All of our unique cruise itineraries have been expertly planned to make the most of our size advantage, docking closer to the centre of some of the world’s most beautiful cities, with scenic cruising of rivers, canals, lochs and fjords along the way!

“Plus, we are offering even more overnight stays, so that guests can make the most of their time in the destinations.”

Yves le Clerc, Director of Rouen Valley Seine Tourism, said:

“Whilst we are proud of our city and its heritage, we also believe that our river is a destination in itself. Fred. Olsen’s guests can be assured of some really special views along the way, in what is a spectacular journey for a ship the size of Braemar. That is why we are delighted that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering this very unique cruise next year.”

Fred. Olsen’s selection of 2016 ‘River Cruises’ from Southampton include:

- Braemar’s 10-night M1616 ‘German Waterways’ cruise, ex Southampton on 26^th June 2016. Prices start from £1,199 per person.

First stop on this German river cruise is Flensburg. Braemar will cruise past Germany’s only fjord, before docking close to the heart of this bustling and vibrant city, where guests can wander through the tree-lined boulevards or visit St. Nikolai Church in the main market square.

Braemar will then move onwards to Travemünde, for trips into Lübeck. This enchanting town is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, where guests will feel as though they have been transported back to the 14^th Century.

After cruising along the Trave River and passing through the Kiel Canal, guests will arrive in Hamburg, for two nights. Guests can choose to take in the culture of this fantastic Hanseatic city, with over 40 theatres and 60 museums. There is also the world-famous Reeperbahn to explore, with its theatres, bars and lively nightlife.

Guests will then have the chance to relax out on Braemar’s cascading, wrap-around deck, as she cruises along the River Elbe and the River Weser, before arriving in Bremen in Germany. Famous for its beer, breweries and traditional pubs, guests can soak up the local culture, or take a look around St. Peter’s Cathedral.

- Braemar’s 14-night M1618 ‘Rivers of Spain & France’ cruise, ex Southampton on 16^th July 2016. Prices start from £1,599 per person.

Braemar will first cruise along the Guadalquivir River to take guests right into the very heart of Seville in Spain, for an overnight stay. This enchanting, traditional destination is full of Spanish style, culture and charm; with ornate architecture, cobbled streets, an abundance of art galleries and the ‘Catedral de Sevilla’ – the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Next, guests will arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital. Spread out over seven hills on the north of the River Tagus, the city is a delightful mix of palaces, Art-Nouveau cafés, museums, gardens, ancient castles and splendid bridges.

Guests will then spend a day exploring Avilés, in Spain. The Old Town has superb medieval churches, palaces and merchants’ houses, many of which are now museums and galleries. Be sure to try some of the region’s famous sweet cider in one of the ‘Siderias’.

Braemar will then cruise along the Gironde and Garonne Rivers, before arriving in Bordeaux, in France, for another overnight stay. Known as one of the finest wine regions, guests can visit a local vineyard to taste some of the delicious local produce, or indulge in a shopping spree along one of the longest pedestrian streets in France, ‘Rue Sainte-Catherine’.

Next is a leisurely and scenic cruise along the stunning River Seine, en route to Rouen, one of France’s most historic cities. With an overnight stay here, guests can explore the local monuments and museums, the narrow pedestrianised streets lined by tall, half-timbered houses, or alternatively take a tour to Paris and visit some of the many famous landmarks.

Prices for these three cruises are based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night.*

Fred. Olsen is pleased to have been awarded the ‘Gold Trusted Merchant’ status by independent review site Feefo in 2015, for the second year in a row. This accreditation is based on genuine customer feedback and, to date, Fred. Olsen has received over 11,000 reviews, with 95% of these being in the ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ categories.

To view a video of Braemar cruising along the River Seine from Rouen to Le Havre, visit http://media.fredolsencruises.com/videos/braemar-seine-river-cruising-15839

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnpdSLFwH-o

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm; Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 10am – 4pm), or see an ABTA travel agent.

*See the website www.fredolsencruises.com for full Terms and Conditions.