Fred. Olsen brings flagship 'Balmoral' ‘closer’ to the north again in 2019

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is promoting its sensational sailings from the north of the UK in its new ‘Balmoral from the north’ brochure, showcasing a variety of exciting cruises from Newcastle and Rosyth (Edinburgh) next year, aboard its flagship, Balmoral.

‘Balmoral from the north’ profiles 20 of Fred. Olsen’s very best cruise itineraries from Newcastle and Edinburgh in 2019. Glide along scenic, historic waterways into the cities of Germany, Sweden, Belgium or the Netherlands. Soak up the late Summer sunshine in France, Portugal and Spain, or unearth the spellbinding natural wonders of Iceland.

Embark on an in-depth discovery of the capital cities of the Baltic, or perhaps explore this wonderful region, at a time of year with fewer tourists. Revel in the unspoilt beauty of Fred. Olsen’s homeland on a Norwegian fjords adventure, or join a very special ‘Mystery Cruise’, which visits a different country every day. For a quick getaway, there is a range of five-night taster holidays – the perfect way to introduce friends and family to the award-winning Fred. Olsen experience.

Fred. Olsen will be returning Balmoral to Edinburgh (Rosyth) in 2019, for its second cruise season from the convenient Scottish port. Next year, Balmoral will be offering a total of eight cruise holidays from Edinburgh (Rosyth), between June and August, including a seven-night ‘Norwegian Fjords’ departure, a 14-night ‘Baltic Capitals’ discovery, and a nine-night ‘European Rivers & Canals’ experience.

This follows on from a very successful debut season for Balmoral from Rosyth in 2018, from May to July, with a record nine sailings – an increase on the eight departures on board Black Watch from the port in 2017.

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“In order to accommodate Balmoral, the Port of Rosyth consulted with us and made significant investments in the port area and facilities. The introduction of a sheltered marquee and car parking close to the Cruise Terminal, along with enhanced passenger flows, has led to a marked upturn in guest satisfaction and a greatly-improved guest experience.

“We look forward to another successful cruise season from the scenic Port of Rosyth in 2019, when we will once again be welcoming Scottish guests aboard Balmoral, both old and new.”

Guests have awarded facilities at the Port of Rosyth a 12% improvement rating year-on-year, and disembarkation has seen a year-on-year increase in satisfaction of 17%. Check-in and embarkation have also achieved an average of 90% guest satisfaction – one of the highest ratings of any of Fred. Olsen’s five UK departure ports.

Fred. Olsen will also be operating Balmoral from the popular Port of Tyne from April to October 2019, on a cruise season split with Rosyth. The ex-Newcastle cruise season starts with an eight-night ‘German Waterways’ sailing in April 2019, with other notable itineraries including a 14-night ‘Capital Cities of the Baltic’ departure – utilising the Port’s strategic northern location closer to Scandinavia and the Baltic – and an 11-night ‘France, Spain & Portugal’ getaway.

Example itineraries featured in Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Balmoral from the north’ brochure include:

- 10-night cruise L1906 ‘Sweden’s Scenic Waterways & Cities’ cruise, ex Newcastle on 29^th April 2019. Prices start from £1,199 per person.

A special journey exploring the cultural highlights and exquisite waterways of Sweden. Encounter a network of fjords, the beauty of which can only be truly appreciated while cruising, and discover two captivating cities by day and by night. Experience the splendour of Stockholm’s archipelago; call into the Hanseatic city of Visby; and have the chance to enjoy mesmeric architecture and canal boat tours.

For further information: See'Swedens Scenic Waterways & Cities'

- Eight-night cruise L1912 ‘French River Cruising with Antwerp’ cruise, ex Edinburgh (Rosyth) on 15^th June 2019. Prices start from £999 per person. 

Join this romantic eight-night Summer voyage and be whisked away to charming cities in France and Belgium aboard elegant ‘Balmoral’. Sailing along the stunning River Seine is sure to provide a stunning backdrop, whilst there are Belgian chocolates and dazzling diamonds galore in Antwerp!

For further information: See 'French River Cruising with Antwerp'

- 11-night L1914 ‘Exploring the Natural Wonders of Iceland’ cruise, ex Edinburgh (Rosyth) on 30^th June 2019. Prices start from £1,599 per person.

The convenient location of Rosyth means that guests are quickly immersed into this epic journey of discovery, which features the extraordinary wildlife and scenic wonders that Iceland has to offer. From puffins and humpback whales, to geothermal lagoons and stunning nature reserves, this ever-welcoming destination boasts beauty and drama, both aboard and ashore.

For further information: See 'Exploring the Natural Wonders of Iceland'

- Nine-night L1919 ‘Cruising European Rivers & Canals’ cruise, ex Newcastle on 7^th August 2019. Prices start from £1,149 per person.

Escape on this nine-night adventure, as ‘Balmoral’ sails inland to reach cities in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Guests will have the chance to explore culture-rich destinations famous for their winding streets, fascinating history and unique architecture. The journey is scattered with other highlights, too: diamonds, canals, fine art and sweet treats, along with two helpings of the gorgeous River Seine.

For further information: See 'Cruising European Rivers & Canals'

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

In 2019/20, Fred. Olsen’s fleet of four smaller, more intimately-sized ocean ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will be visiting no fewer than 219 destinations in 75 countries around the globe, covering 79 areas of scenic cruising.

Fred. Olsen is renowned for its unrivalled itineraries, and is proud to have been crowned ‘Best for Itineraries’ in the prestigious ‘UK Editors’ Picks Awards 2017’ for three years in a row.

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.