Take a Historic Cruise to the ‘Midnight Sun’ with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines regularly offers new and exciting itineraries, to less well-known destinations worldwide, made easier by the relatively small size of its ships.  For summer 2013, Braemar will be making a historic voyage into the Arctic Circle and the White Sea.

Her cruise of 16 nights (M1316) departs from Dover on 22^nd June 2013, and her first port of call is the pretty Norwegian town of Stavanger. A former European Capital of Culture, its old town, with winding, cobbled streets and ancient wooden houses, is very picturesque and one of the more unusual visitor attractions is the Oil Museum.  The northerly town of Bodø is famous as the home of many Sea Eagles, and it is a truly stirring sight to see these majestic birds circle over the town.  Travelling even farther north, Braemar next calls at Tromsø, well inside the Arctic Circle and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Visitors here can enjoy panoramic views by taking a cable car ride from the edge of town; you can even get a beer at Mack’s, the world's most northerly brewery!

The next port – Honningsvǻg - is the northernmost extremity of the cruise and, from here, guests can visit the North Cape – the ‘top of Europe’. In June, the sun never sets on this ‘winter wonderland’, often called the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.’

The next leg of this fascinating cruise takes Braemar into Russia, with a visit to Archangel on the White Sea.  The Lutheran Kirk of St. Catherine, built in 1768, is a landmark well worth visiting, and there are museums and galleries to satisfy the cultural visitor; the more adventurous can try kayaking on the local waterways.  The second Russian port on this itinerary is Murmansk, home to a shipping company that specialises in ice-breakers. There is a museum here of Arctic exploration, that includes soil taken from directly under the North Pole.  This unusual and truly inspiring cruise has one final port of call, on its journey south – Norway’s second city, Bergen. This bustling fishing port and cosmopolitan town is a delight to visit, with its broad boulevards and pretty town squares. The busy fish-market is a favourite with visitors, as is the picturesque old town 'Bryggen Wharf’ with its colourfully painted wooden houses, reflecting its Hanseatic heritage.  The cruise then returns to Dover.

Prices for this cruise with a difference start from £1,599 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin; the price includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.