Press release - 18 March 2015 17:59

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests eagerly await the total solar eclipse on board Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar

Guests on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ three ships Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar are eagerly awaiting the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse on Friday 20^th March 2015. The ships are all heading for the exact co-ordinates off the coast of the Faroe Islands – 64.26.3N, 6.39.0W – that will give guests the very best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

In order to watch the Sun become completely eclipsed by the Moon, you must be inside the narrow ‘Path of Totality’ – the track of the Moon’s shadow on Earth. Typically, this elusive spot covers less than 1% of the Earth’s surface. Guests will also have 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.

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

“We are very excited to be offering these three unique itineraries, which have been designed to position our three ships at the best latitude and longitude to give over 2,600 Fred. Olsen guests the optimum chance of seeing the total solar eclipse. Because the ships will be based out at sea on the day, this will limit any man-made light pollution, thereby improving guests' views of the eclipse.”

Boudicca departed on her 15-night D1504 ‘Solar Eclipse Cruise’ from Southampton on 9^th March 2015; Braemar set sail on her 13-night M1505 'Solar Eclipse Cruise' from Dover on 11^thMarch 2015; and Black Watch left Southamptonon her14-night W1502 'Solar Eclipse Cruise' on 16^th March 2015.

And if that was not enough, these three cruises will also visit the Faroe Islands and a string of fascinating coastal towns and cities in Norway. A highlight will be the call into Tromsø during the time of the magical 'Northern Lights' – NASA scientists predict this to be the peak of an 11-year cycle for this spectacular natural light show, so there is a great chance to see a second wonder of nature!

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

Topics

Ellis Orchard

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations ellis.orchard@fredolsen.co.uk 07557672265

Georgina May

Press contact Public Relations Executive Public Relations georgina.may@fredolsen.co.uk

Lauren Gardner

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations lauren.gardner@fredolsen.co.uk 07546807099

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines we are very proud of our smaller ships – Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral - and the imaginative and unusual itineraries they allow us to offer. Every cruise is hand-crafted from scratch by our team of in-house Journey Planners to make sure you are not only visiting the best destinations, but at the best time to experience them.

For us, it’s not just about where we go but how we take you there. We put as much time into planning scenic cruising as we do in choosing the destinations themselves. On board, our Signature Experiences showcase the history, culture, nature and flavours of the destinations you’ll visit – from Treats of the Region, where you can enjoy local delicacies, to our Sky at Sea star-gazing sessions where you can relax with a hot toddy out on deck while our astronomer talks you through the night sky.

Plus, with each ship carrying 1,300 guests or less, our ships are small enough for us to offer a warm, friendly and personal service where nothing is ever too much trouble, as we visit a host of exciting ports in every corner of the globe.