Experience the world’s most exhilarating motorcycle race on Fred. Olsen’s ‘Superbikes and Scenic Hikes’ cruise in 2015

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to experience one of the most exhilarating and challenging motorcycle races in the world - the famous Isle of Man TT - on Balmoral’s nine-night ‘Superbikes & Scenic Hikes’ cruise (L1505) around the UK and Ireland, which departs from Southampton on 31st May 2015.

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

"This ‘experiential’ cruise highlights Fred. Olsen’s commitment to offering guests so much more than just a conventional holiday.

"The Isle of Man TT Races' gruelling track comprises 37 miles of seemingly never-ending bends, bumps, jumps, stone walls, manhole covers and telegraph poles; and for the first time, Fred. Olsen’s guests can be involved in this thrilling event as part of a cruise holiday.”

Julie Colquitt, Business Development Manager for the Isle of Man Government, said:

“We are thrilled that Fred Olsen Cruise Lines have chosen to feature this iconic racing event within this action packed cruise itinerary. The TT races is one of the world's most exciting spectator sports with bikes racing at speeds of up to 200mph on public roads. Guests can choose from a series of spectacular vantage points to catch the action around the course. For those not wishing to take part in the racing event, the Isle of Man offers a variety of excursions for guests to enjoy our historic and unique Island.”

In addition, guests who book on to one of Fred. Olsen’s new 2015 cruises before 7th May 2014 will be able to benefit from the cruise line’s ‘The more you buy, the more you save’ campaign, whereby guests who book two cruises will save 20%, and if they book three cruises or more, this rises to a 30% saving*.

Cruise guests will arrive first in picturesque St. Peter Port, on the island of Guernsey. Here, they can choose to visit Hautville House, once home to the French writer Victor Hugo, or enjoy a shopping trip in one of the many unique boutiques, before relaxing with a coffee along the pretty harbour.

Next stop is colourful Tobermory, a quaint Scottish town on the Isle of Mull. This picture-postcard destination offers guests the chance to spot some fantastic wildlife, such as the rare and unusual Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Otters, Corncrake and an abundance of other birds and mammals.

Balmoral will then set sail onwards to Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. With an eclectic heritage of Christian, Nordic and Celtic influences - which can be seen in the sculpted churches and local buildings - Kirkwall also has two impressive museums: Tankerness House, a beautifully-preserved 16th Century town house; and the Orkney Wireless Museum, which has unique displays on the history of radio.

Guests will then stop in Douglas, on the Isle of Man. Fondly referred to as the ‘Rock’ by residents, the Isle of Man is approximately the same size as Ibiza and Singapore, although with a lot fewer people. As well as being the home of motorcycle road-racing, it has many other interesting attractions, including the 1890s Manx Electric Railway, the Great Laxey Wheel - the largest working water wheel in the world - the Nautical Museum and Peel Castle.

Balmoral will then dock in the vibrant city of Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, for her final port of call. Famous for its Guinness and lively ‘Temple Bar’ area, guests can wander through the elegant square gardens of Trinity College, take a river cruise along the Liffey, enjoy excellent shopping or experience the city’s renowned Irish hospitality, or 'craic'.

Prices for this unique ‘Superbikes & Scenic Hikes’ cruise start from just £1,099 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’. 

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