Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines adds a third ‘Solar Eclipse Cruise’ due to huge demand

Following huge demand for its recently-launched ‘Solar Eclipse Cruises’ aboard Boudicca (D1504) and Black Watch (W1502), which are now both fully booked, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has added a third cruise on board Braemar (M1505), departing from Dover on 11^th March 2015.

The new Braemar cruise (M1505) will depart from Dover on 11^th March 2015 for 13 nights and will be positioned off the coast of the Faroe Islands on 20^th March 2015, when the longest duration of ‘totality’ of 2 minutes 47 seconds – the best opportunity to view the full solar eclipse – occurs. During its voyage, the cruise will also visit Ålesund (Norway), Leknes (Lofoten Islands, Norway), Tromsø (Norway) and Runavik (Faroe Islands), before returning to Dover.

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

“Bearing in mind the recent upsurge of public interest in astronomy, led by the likes of Professor Brian Cox, perhaps we should not have been surprised at the phenomenal level of bookings that we have received for our ‘Solar Eclipse Cruises’. Now that the cruises on board Boudicca and Black Watch have sold out,the opportunity to add a third cruise was too good to miss, and we expect this voyage to be every bit as popular.”

A total solar eclipse is one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles in the world, and one of the most difficult to view; it occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, entirely obscuring the Sun and blocking all direct sunlight, turning daylight into complete darkness. The next total eclipse after 2015 will not take place until 2026. Because Braemar will be based out at sea on the day, this will limit any man-made light pollution, thereby improving guests’ views of the eclipse, and giving them the chance to witness that rarest of phenomena, the ‘Solar Corona’, when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun, and creates a ‘pearly white crown’ around the Sun.

Prices for this ex-UK cruise start from £1,699 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin Grade ‘I’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. Guests can also upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £29 per person per night.

Fred. Olsen was recently voted one of the Top 10 holiday providers in a Which? consumer survey http://www.which.co.uk/media/popup/table-popup-holiday-companies--2013-323783.html