Experience Christmas with a difference on a ‘Festive Cruise’ with Fred.!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new Christmas cruising mini-brochure for December 2014, entitled ‘Fred.’s Festive Cruising’, which features 13 cruises, including Winter sun escapes, Christmas market city breaks and four brand new festive sailings from Liverpool. There is also the chance to see the breathtaking ‘Northern Lights’, or ‘Aurora Borealis’, on a Winter sailing to Norway aboard Black Watch, Fred. Olsen’s smallest, most intimate ship.  

The newly-launched cruises, on board Boudicca, are two two-night Dublin mini-breaks, departing on either 10^th December 2014 or 12^th December 2014, a four-night ‘Irish Christmas Markets’ cruise, departing on 14^th December, and the chance to attend a Christmas party ‘with a difference’ on 18^th December 2014.

In addition, Fred. Olsen is offering guests the opportunity to upgrade to its ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person per night*. Solo travellers can also take advantage of no single supplements on a selected range of cabins across the fleet.*

Each of Fred. Olsen’s ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will be decked out in beautiful Christmas decorations, including the all-important festive tree, and guests can look forward to a traditional Christmas dinner during their cruise. There will also be Christmas-themed shows from the Entertainments team on board, a carol concert, Christmas arts and crafts classes and a seasonal quiz.

The four new itineraries featured in ‘Fred.’s Festive Cruising’ brochure are as follows:

- Boudicca’s two-night D1425 'Dublin Mini-Cruise', ex Liverpool on 10^th December 2014 or D1426 on 12^th December 2014. Prices start from £129 per person.

Given her smaller size, Boudicca is able to take guests right to the heart of bustling Dublin, Ireland. Soaking up some true Irish hospitality and ‘craic’ in the many pubs, bars and cafés at Temple Bar, guests can also make the most of this city by taking a stroll along the River Liffey, hopping on one of the fascinating bus tours or visiting the Guinness Factory to see how the famous ‘black stuff’ is made. There is also the chance to find that extra special Christmas gift at the Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Green and Docklands.

- Boudicca’s four-night D1427 ‘Irish Christmas Markets’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 14^th December 2014. Prices start from £249 per person.

Departing from Liverpool, guests will arrive first in Cobh, Ireland, where they can take a tour to kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone and learn of its claimed mysterious powers. Guests can also sample some of the local delicacies at the markets or while away the hours in Cork’s plethora of traditional pubs and individual shops.

After a stop in the ‘Fair City’ of Dublin, Ireland, with its lively bars, shops, boutiques – perfect for finding a unique Christmas gift – elegant squares and picturesque gardens, guests will arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Here, guests cantake in the impressive sight of the famous Harland and Wolff shipyard – now under the ownership of Fred. Olsen Energy – with its legendary shipbuilding gantry cranes, Samson and Goliath, and follow the Titanic Trail; or they can choose to admire the views from Belfast Castle, or take a tour to uncover the mythology of the unique Giant’s Causeway.

- Boudicca’s one-night D18DEC14 ‘Christmas Party’ cruise, in Liverpool on 18^th December 2014. Prices start from £59 per person (‘Dinner and Show Package’) or £89 per person (‘Dinner, Show and Overnight Package’).

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a pre-Christmas party in a very special and unique venue. On board Boudicca, docked in the fine city of Liverpool, guests can enjoy a four-course á la carte dinner, tea, coffee and Petit Fours, late-night snacks, plus live entertainment, including a comedian, cabaret show, party casino, DJ, live music and dancing – all included in the price of this one-off experience on board a floating hotel.

- Braemar’s 14-night M1432 ‘Cape Verde & Canary Islands’ cruise, ex Santa Cruz, Tenerife on 2^nd December 2014. Prices start from £966 per person (flights included).

Arriving in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, guests will join Braemar and set sail for San Sebastian in La Gomera. With historic links to Christopher Columbus – legend has it the famous explorer stopped here on his way to America – La Gomera is a beautiful and interesting island to explore. Visit Torre del Conde, a military tower built in 1447, or take a tour to discover the outstanding beauty of the National Park of Garajonay.

Next is an overnight stay in Funchal on the ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira, before arriving in La Palma. Boasting an abundance of beautiful flora and striking landscapes, the capital, Santa Cruz, has some fine architecture, including the Renaissance-style Church of El Salvador and the Church of Santo Domingo.

Braemar then sets sail for Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago of ten islands and five islets. First stop here is Praia, where guests can visit the colourful local fruit and vegetable market, plus sample some of the fresh fish down by the harbour.

Guests will then make a stop at Porto Novo, known as the ‘Switzerland of Cape Verde’, on the island of Santo Antão, before arriving in Mindelo, for an overnight stay.

Braemar will then return to the Canary Islands, stopping inGran Canaria. With a warm climate all year-round this island is the perfect escape for the cold and dark nights back home. Absorb the mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Neo-Classical architecture of Las Palmas, or relax by the oasis-like sand dunes and palm trees of Maspalomas Beach.

Braemar will then return to Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where guests will have one last night on board, before flying back to the UK.

All prices are based on two adults sharing an Inside, twin-bedded cabin, including accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes. Where applicable, prices include return flights from London Gatwick or Manchester, transfers to and from the ship, and airport taxes.

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

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.