Discover Iceland, ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, from all corners of the UK with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2014

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to explore ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ on not one, not two, but four incredible exploration cruises to Iceland. Sailing from four regional departure ports – Southampton, Bristol (Avonmouth), Liverpool and Newcastle – from May to August 2014, on board Black Watch, Boudicca or Balmoral, guests living all over the UK will have ample opportunity to uncover the wonders of this ‘must-see’ destination.

Iceland is scattered with volcanoes, boiling mud pools, spurting geysers, sprawling glaciers and picture-perfect waterfalls, plus an abundance of spectacular wildlife – dolphins, whales and flocks of native sea birds. A cruise to Iceland is a truly breathtaking journey for experienced travellers, artists, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

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

“Iceland has emerged as an up-and-coming tourist destination in the last couple of years and, because of Fred. Olsen’s Norwegian heritage and Norwegian Officers on board, we have generations of experience and a passion for sailing these northern waters. We visit the three accessible sides of Iceland – the west, north and east – giving guests a real insight into this fascinating country.

“What is more, guests who book one of these ‘experiential’ cruises between now and 31st March 2014 will benefit from our special ‘closer to departure’ prices, which start from just £83 per person per night; with so much included, guests can just relax and enjoy every moment of their Fred. Olsen holiday.”

Fred. Olsen’s ships visit four fantastic ports in Iceland. The capital city, Reykjavik, is a friendly, colourful network of small streets and historic buildings. Packed with museums, art galleries and theatres, there is also an abundance of natural wonders just outside the city. A tour to ‘The Golden Circle’ is highly recommended, as guests will explore Reykjavik’s ‘big three’: Gullfoss – the ‘Golden Waterfall’, the Strokkur Geyser and Thingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Akureyri, which is in northern Iceland, was voted one of Lonely Planet’s top ten recommended European travel destinations in 2013. Boasting a wealth of natural wonders that reflect the island’s reputation for dramatic combinations of fire and ice, guests can take a tour to Godafoss Waterfall – meaning ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ – or go in search of Blue, Fin, Humpback and Minke Whales on one of the many boat excursions.

Facing magnificent Mount Holmatindur is Eskifjorđur, Fred. Olsen’s third port in Iceland. This town is peaceful, scenic and secluded and perfect for walking and exploring on foot. Guests can visit the local market and art gallery or relax in one of the welcoming cafés.

The fourth port of call in Iceland is Ísafjörđur. This town is perched on a dramatic sand spit, jutting out into an inlet on one of north-west Iceland’s deepest fjords. Set against a backdrop of steep mountains, the town has some of the best-preserved timber buildings in Iceland and plenty of charming family-owned restaurants. 

In addition to the interesting ports of call on board Fred. Olsen’s Iceland cruises, guests will also experience some of the very best scenic cruising. Due to the smaller size of Fred. Olsen’s ships guests, will be able to cruise deep into the fjords and inlets. The famous cliffs of Látrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland – home to millions of birds, including Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots – is just one of the awe-inspiring landscapes that guests will cruise past.

Fred. Olsen is offering the following four Iceland cruises in 2014:

- Balmoral’s 14-night L1406 ‘Blue Lagoons & White Water’ cruise, ex Southampton on 31st May 2014. Prices start from £1,149 per person.

The first Fred. Olsen cruise to Iceland in 2014 calls at Reykjavik (Iceland) – for an overnight stay – Akureyri (Iceland), Olden (Norway), Bergen (Norway) and Stavanger (Norway).

- Boudicca’s 14-night D1409 ‘Discover Iceland & Norway’ cruise, ex Bristol (Avonmouth) on 14th June 2014. Prices start from £1,149 per person.

Ports of call are Reykjavik (Iceland), Ísafjörđur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Olden (Norway), Flåm (Norway) and Bergen (Norway).

- Black Watch’s 11-night W1408 ‘Puffins, Waterfalls & Geysers’ cruise, ex Newcastle on 20th July 2014. Prices start from £999 per person.

This stunning cruise visits Reykjavik (Iceland) – for an overnight stay – Akureyri (Iceland) - for a second overnight stay – Eskifjorđur (Iceland) and Runavik (Faroe Islands).

- Boudicca’s 11-night D1414 ‘Icelandic Wildlife & Waterfalls’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 17th August 2014. Prices start from £999 per person.

Ports of call on Fred. Olsen’s final 2014 cruise to Iceland are Reykjavik (Iceland) – for an overnight stay – Akureyri (Iceland) and Eskifjorđur (Iceland).

Prices listed for these cruises are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Solo travellers can benefit from no single supplement on selected cruises and cabins* and all guests can also choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night*.

Fred. Olsen was also delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value for Money’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’. Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch was also recently announced as the top winner in Cruise Critic’s ‘Cruisers' Choice 2014 Awards’ ‘Best Small Ship for Shore Excursions’.