Press release —
Discover the Mediterranean with Free Flights on Selected Sailings from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Holidaymakers chasing warmer days can swap the UK’s autumn chill for Mediterranean sunshine, with free flights on selected sailings with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
On the 30th September, Fred. Olsen’s smaller ship Balmoral, will set sail on a Grand Voyage around the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands, which unfolds across six individual itineraries. Highlights include calls to iconic destinations such as Athens and Istanbul, alongside visits to lesser‑visited gems including Marmaris, Thessaloniki and Syros.
For new Freedom Fare bookings made by Sunday, 31stMay 2026 (inclusive), guests can enjoy a free‑flight offer on the first and last‑leg itineraries of Balmoral’s Grand Voyage – departing from or arriving into London Gatwick or Manchester Airport.
The offer comes as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also announces a new itinerary as part of its 2026 fly-cruise programme. The 11‑night sailing from the Mediterranean to the Canary Islands visits five countries, plus Gibraltar, with highlights including time in Athens, home to the Acropolis, and scenic cruising into Valletta’s Grand Harbour and through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Phil Gardner, Director or Commercial & Product at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Our fly‑cruise programme is a rewarding and relaxing way to explore the Mediterranean, allowing guests to spend unhurried time discovering each destination.
“By flying to join Balmoral directly in port, guests can make the most of their time ashore, exploring iconic cities alongside the quieter charm of lesser‑visited places. With free flights currently available on selected sailings, now is an ideal time to start planning a memorable escape.”
Sailings included in the free flight offer are:
Balmoral’s 8-night L2633 ‘Charming Spanish Cities and Autumn Warmth’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 30th September 2026. Prices start from £929 per person. Enjoy a free flight back to the UK (London Gatwick or Manchester), for bookings made by 31st May (inclusive).
- Discover atmospheric old towns and lively plazas across Spain
- Enjoy warm autumn sunshine and authentic local culture
- Experience historic ports shaped by Roman, Moorish and Renaissance influences
Itinerary: Southampton, UK – Vigo, Spain – Cádiz (for Seville), Spain – Málaga, Spain – Melilla, Morocco – Alicante, Spain
For more details: Visit L2633 Charming Spanish Cities and Autumn Warmth
Balmoral’s 10-night L2639 ‘Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta’ cruise, departing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 30th November 2026. Prices start from £1,099 per person. Enjoy a free flight from the UK (London Gatwick or Manchester) to Tenerife, for new bookings made by 31st May (inclusive).
- Be part of the unforgettable Fleet Fiesta as all three Fred. Olsen ships reunite
- Relax on sun‑kissed Canary Island beaches and explore volcanic landscapes
- Enjoy an overnight stay in Madeira plus vibrant cities in Portugal
Itinerary: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain – Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – Arrecife, Lanzarote – Funchal, Madeira (overnight stay) – Lisbon, Portugal – Matosinhos (for Porto), Portugal – Southampton, UK
For more details: Visit L2639 Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ newly announced fly‑cruise itinerary:
Balmoral’s 11-night L2638 ‘Country Hopping from Greece to Tenerife’ cruise, departing from on Piraeus (for Athens) 19th November 2026. Prices start from £1,599 per person. London or Manchester flights plus transfers included.
- Visit five countries plus Gibraltar in 11 nights
- Escape to warmer climes for a dose of winter sun
- Discover Athens, Cartagena and Morocco’s vibrant culture
Itinerary: Piraeus (for Athens) – Valletta, Malta – Trapani, Italy – Cartagena, Spain – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Agadir, Morocco – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
For more details: Visit L2638 Country Hopping from Greece to Tenerife
To discover more fly-cruise holidays with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit Fly Cruises | Fly and Cruise Packages. Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.