Explore the very best that Spain has to offer with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ‘Authentic Escapes’ in 2017

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new ‘Authentic Escapes’ brochure features the top Summer holiday destination for British travellers, Spain. Fred. Olsen guests can explore the very best that this beautiful country has to offer on one of four captivating Spanish adventures in 2017, ranging from an eight-night ‘Scenic Spain’ cruise aboard Balmoral in September,to a 16-night ‘Glitz & Glamour of the French Riviera’ cruise aboard Boudicca, also in September this year, which includes three Spanish ports of call.

Spain has long been a firm favourite with UK holidaymakers escaping for the Summer; in 2016, the country saw a 20% increase on the number of British tourists visiting compared to the same period in 2015, according to ABTA’s ‘Travel Trends Report 2017’*.

Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“There are many reasons why Spain remains so popular with British holidaymakers – sun, sea, sand and tapas all combine with spectacular scenery, architectural wonders and fascinating history for the perfect Summer get-away!

“Exploring many captivating destinations in one holiday is very much part of the appeal of a cruise holiday; however, Fred. Olsen’s ‘Authentic Escapes’ has much, much more to add to our guests’ experience. Each holiday featured in the brochure has been carefully created to offer more than just the regular tourist ‘crowd-pullers’, so as to give guests the genuine essence of the countries that they visit.”

The four cruises featured in Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Authentic Escapes’ brochure are:

- Balmoral’s 15-night L1714 ‘Authentic Andalusia’ cruise, ex Newcastle on 1^st July 2017. Prices start from £999 per person (for an Interior Room).

Sail to Andalusia and discover the cultural delights of this unique Spanish region, all in one go! Flamenco dancing, tasty tapas, equestrian art, Moorish-style architecture, the Alhambra Palace and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral are all within easy reach for guests to enjoy.

Ports of call: Newcastle – Cádiz, Spain – Malaga, Spain (overnight stay) – Almería, Spain – Gibraltar – Lisbon, Portugal – Vigo, Spain – La Coruña, Spain – Newcastle

For more information: See http://www.fredolsencruises.com/places-we-visit/cruise-holiday/authentic-andalusia-l1714?referrer=7&isback=1

- Boudicca’s 16-night D1721 ‘Glitz & Glamour of the French Riviera’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 6^th September 2017. Prices start from £2,399 per person (for an Ocean View Room).

Guests can immerse themselves in the extravagance of the French Riviera as they visit four luxurious destinations in succession, sandwiched between stylish Portuguese and Spanish cities. Stunning beaches, palm-lined boulevards, casinos, classic cars, mega-yachts and palaces await guests’ enjoyment.

Ports of call: Liverpool – Lisbon, Portugal – Barcelona, Spain – Toulon, France – Nice, France – Monaco, France – Cannes, France – Mahon, Menorca, Spain – Cádiz, Spain – Liverpool

For more information: See http://www.fredolsencruises.com/places-we-visit/cruise-holiday/glitz-and-glamour-of-the-french-riviera-d1721?referrer=7&isback=1

- Boudicca’s eight-night D1722 ‘Scenic Spain’ cruise (adult-only), ex Liverpool on 22^nd September 2017. Prices start from £1,249 per person (for an Ocean View Room).

Unearth the cultures, traditions and scenic treasures of ‘Green Spain’ on this inspiring journey, which takes advantage of Boudicca’s smaller size to bring guests closer to many of the highlights. Sample Asturian cider, try tempting Rioja and ‘Pintxos’, uncover architectural gems and much more.

Ports of call: Liverpool – La Coruña, Spain – Avilés, Spain – Santander, Spain – Bilbao (from Getxo), Spain – Liverpool

For more information: See http://www.fredolsencruises.com/places-we-visit/cruise-holiday/espana-verde-d1722?referrer=7&isback=1

- Braemar’s 14-night M1726 ‘Andalusian Delights’ cruise (adult-only), ex Southampton on 20^th October 2017. Prices start from £1,499 per person (for an Interior Room).

Indulge in the cultures and traditions of Andalusia on this in-depth discovery of one of Spain’s most picturesque regions. Get set for fine art, Flamenco dancing, sensational scenery, tapas-tasting and fascinating architecture, all topped off with an overnight stay in seductive Seville.

Ports of call: Southampton – Cádiz, Spain – Malaga, Spain – Almería, Spain – Gibraltar – Cruising Guadalquivir River – Seville, Spain (overnight stay) – Cruising Guadalquivir River – Vigo, Spain – La Coruña, Spain – Southampton

For more information: See http://www.fredolsencruises.com/places-we-visit/cruise-holiday/authentic-andalusia-m1726?referrer=7&isback=1

All prices shown are based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded room, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Fred. Olsen’s cruise programme is underpinned by its industry-leading Enjoyment Promise: if guests book at least 12 weeks in advance, on cruises of five nights or more, and find that the cruise is not for them within 48 hours of sailing, they just need to let Guest Services know on board and Fred. Olsen promises to arrange and pay for their flight back to the UK from the next port and repay the cost of their cruise.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 10am to 4pm), or visit an ABTA travel agent.

*To read the full ABTA ‘Travel Trends Report 2017’, go to https://abta.com/assets/uploads/general/ABTA_Travel_Trends_Report_2017.pdf