Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Boudicca to commence cruise season from Rosyth in Summer 2015

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 880-guest ship Boudicca is due to commence her cruise season from Rosyth on 1^st June 2015, with a seven-night ‘Norwegian Fjords’ sailing. In all, Fred. Olsen is offering six cruises from Rosyth aboard Boudicca in 2015 – an increase of two turnaround calls since 2014. In addition, Fred. Olsen will be setting sail on seven unique cruises from Rosyth in 2016, including a new ‘Five Night Norwegian Fjords’ sailing.

Fred. Olsen will be offering guests in Scotland’s North East a variety of itineraries in 2015, including a seven-night ‘Scottish Highlands & Islands’adventure,a 12-night ‘Norway and Arctic’sailing, which includes stunning scenic cruising and a crossing of the Arctic Circle, as well as a 13-night ‘Scandinavia & St. Petersburg’ cruise.

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

“Boudicca’s forthcoming cruise season from Rosyth builds upon Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ already-close relationship with this convenient, regional port. Our ship Black Watch enjoyed a successful cruise season from here last year, which is why we have increased our cruise calls from four to six for 2015.

“This increase in turnaround calls from Rosyth showcases our commitment to the Port and enables us to offer our loyal guests in Scotland more variety in duration and destination when they are choosing their next ex-Rosyth Fred. Olsen cruise.”

Boudicca’s sailings from Rosyth in 2015 include:

- Boudicca’s seven-night D1512 ‘Land of the Vikings’ cruise, departing from Rosyth (Edinburgh) on 1^st June 2015. Prices start from £799 per person.

Travel back in time and be immersed into Norwegian culture and heritage on this cruise that takes in the annual Viking Festival. Boudicca will first cruise the impressive Oslofjord, before arriving in Norway’s capital city, Oslo.

Guests can enjoy the many highlights of Oslo, including the wonderful medieval Akershus Castle, the unusual Vigeland Sculpture Park, the interesting Viking Ship Museum and the National Gallery, home to Edvard Munch’s The Scream.

Next, is a maiden call for Fred. Olsen to Brevik, which is located at the far end of the stunning Eidanger peninsula. This small town, in Telemark, Norway, is regarded as one of the best-preserved towns from the sailing ship era. Guests can walk along the magnificent Telemark Canal, which was completed in 1892 and stretches 105 kilometres from Skien to Dalen and consists of 18 lock chambers – it is an engineering marvel.

Boudicca will then cruise Karmsundet, which is a narrow channel between Karmoey Island and Haugesund and is only accessible to smaller ships.

Guests will then arrive in Haugesund, where Boudicca’s visit is perfectly timed for trips to nearby Karmøy, for the annual Viking Festival. There will be battle simulations, music performances and plenty of people in traditional Viking dress.

Boudicca will then call to Eidfjord, which is perfectly perched at the head of Hardangerfjord. For those feeling adventurous, head out onto the glass-like waters on a kayak, and get up close to the mountainsides and waterfalls.

Final port of call is Jondal in Norway. There are many local activities and sights for guests to enjoy, including a glacier hike, the Boat Building Museum and Folgefonna National Park.

- Boudicca’s nine-night D1516A ‘Castles & Gardens’ cruise, departing from Rosyth (Edinburgh) on 10^th July 2015. Prices start from £621 per person.

Go in search of flora, fauna, myth and monsters on this fascinating cruise, which covers the length and breadth of the UK. Guests canvisit some of the most magnificent castles ever built as well as some of our homeland’s most impressive gardens and grounds.

Boudicca will call first into Invergordon in Scotland, where guests can visit the 15^th century Cawdor Castle or the impressive Dunrobin Castle, which dates back to the 13^th century and houses a fine collection of paintings and family memorabilia of the Earls of Sutherland.

Next, is a visit to beautiful Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. There is 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 have a day to explore colourful Tobermory, the 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. Guests can also take a tour to Glengorm Castle and the Wildflower Meadow, where there is the opportunity to walk through the impressive grounds and enjoy tea and home baked scones.

Next, guests on board can take in the stunning surroundings as Boudicca spends time cruising past the Sound of Mull, Duart Castle, Firth of Lorn and Culzean Castle before arriving in Tarbert. This idyllic Scottish village, known as the gateway to the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula, has a welcoming harbour of shops, hotels and pubs.

Boudicca will then cruise the splendid Loch Fyne, which is famed for its amazing seafood. Next is a call to Falmouth.From here, take a tour to the spectacular Eden project – an introduction into the fascinating world of plants overlooking St Austell Bay – and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, where guests can explore mystical walled gardens, ancient pastures and woodland.

Newcastle is the next port of call for guests – a city that boasts an assortment of historical and cultural attractions. Guests can visit Castle Keep – a well preserved Norman Stone Castle or take a tour to see the intriguing Poison Garden kept under lock and key at Alnwick Castle.

All prices listed are based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Guests can also choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night on selected drinks*.

Fred. Olsen’s 2016 cruise season will see 804-guest ship Black Watch return to Rosyth, offering seven sailings from 20^th August 2016 until 12^th October 2016. Guests can choose from a range of itineraries, including, a nine-night ‘A Taste of Iceland’ cruise, a 13-night ‘Scandinavian Capitals & St. Petersburg’ sailing or a 12-night ‘Spain, France & Portugal’ sunshine getaway.

Fred. Olsen is pleased to have been awarded the ‘Gold Trusted Merchant’ status by independent review site Feefo in 2015, for the second year in a row. This accreditation is based on genuine customer feedback and, to date, Fred. Olsen has received over 11,000 reviews, with 95% of these being in the ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ categories.

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

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.