Experience ‘Rugged & Rural Canada’ on a Fred. Olsen ex-UK cruise in just 16-nights

For the first time, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to experience the unique and impressive landscapes of Canada on an ex-UK cruise…in just 16 nights! Requiring just 11 days’ leave for cruise guests who work, Black Watch’s ‘Rugged & Rural Canada’ cruise, (W1514), which departs from Liverpool on 14th August 2015, is the first no-fly, ex-UK Transatlantic cruise that Fred. Olsen has offered to guests with such a short duration.

Martin Lister, Planning Manager for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“When you look at a map, the destinations normally within reach on a 13 to 16-night duration cruise are the Baltic, West Mediterranean and Canaries. People would never think of Canada; it seems so much further, compared to these European destinations, because it is Transatlantic and on another continent, but it is possible…and Fred. Olsen is proud to be the only cruise line doing it!”

Black Watch will call first at Killybegs in Ireland, before making her way across the Atlantic and arriving in St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador. Guests can take a leisurely stroll from the Basilica of St. John the Baptist to Newfoundland’s newest cultural space – ‘The Rooms’ – which unites the area’s history, heritage and culture, including national and international pieces of artwork, in an interesting exhibition.

Next stop on this Canadian adventure are the small islands of Saint Pierre, France’s only territory in North America. With a landscape of rugged cliffs, hills and lakes, this is the ideal destination for guests to enjoy long and relaxing walks. For those looking to find out a little more about the history of these unique islands, a visit to Saint Pierre’s newest museum – the Heritage Museum – which has many religious and medical artifacts from the 19th and 20th Centuries and a wonderful exhibit on Prohibition.

Sydney in Nova Scotia is the next port of call. Guests can sample some of the local fresh fish, including lobster and scallops, in one of the traditional seafood restaurants, or do some whale-watching on one of the impressive beaches.

Black Watch will then call at Corner Brook, on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. An area with a rich history that includes the fishery, railway, and pulp and paper industries, there are many attractions for guests to explore. The monument of Captain James Cook takes centre stage in the heart of the city centre, and the Corner Brook Museum houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Corner Brook, the paper industry, the Military and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Black Watch then makes her maiden call in to Red Bay, Canada; a welcoming fishing port, which boasts beautiful lagoon-like waters and iconic bright red beach huts that line the coastal path. This rural destination, which is a former site of Basque whaling stations, is the ideal place to unwind and relax, with its peaceful and laidback atmosphere.

After a stop in Belfast in Northern Ireland, where guests can take a tour to the famous Giant’s Causeway, Black Watch will return to Liverpool.

Prices for Fred. Olsen’s ‘Rugged & Rural Canada’ cruise start from just £1,699 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

Fred. Olsen is proud to be the only UK travel company to receive a coveted ‘Gold Award’ from leading consumer review website Feefo, having achieved a 95% service rating of 'Excellent' or 'Good' in over 5,600 genuine, independent guest reviews in 2013.

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’.