Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines partners with marine conservation charity ORCA on an exceptional voyage to the Azores and Iceland in Spring 2022

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests an exceptional 17-night ‘Natural Wonders of Azores & Iceland’ voyage on board Black Watch from Liverpool in April 2022 – working with leading whale and dolphin charity, ORCA – with chances to marvel at amazing wildlife linking the contrasting islands of the sub-tropical Azores and sub-Arctic Iceland,

With expert instruction from the team of ORCA Cruise Conservationists on board this very special sailing, Black Watch guests will have the chance to witness the various species of whales migrating to their Summer feeding grounds in late Spring, in the deep-blue Atlantic waters that surround these spectacular islands, and may even get to see the world’s largest mammals – Blue Whales, Humpback, Orca and Pilot Whales – living freely in their breathtaking natural habitat.

The ORCA Cruise Conservationists will also give guests talks on how the charity is committed to conserving, safeguarding and monitoring these astonishing creatures, and how guests can, in turn, play their part in this important conservation work.

This is the third itinerary to be teased from Fred. Olsen’s 2021/22 ocean cruise programme, following the recent release of Boudicca’s 28-night D2121 ‘Midnight Sun & Northern Lights’ Arctic exploration in Summer 2021, taking in the natural wonders of Norway, Iceland and Greenland, and 26-night M22CC ‘Corinth Canal & Greek Islands Cruise’, when Fred. Olsen’s shallow-drafted Braemar will be returning to the Corinth Canal in Greece for a third time, in September 2022, offering another opportunity to experience this record-breaking transit.

Jackie Martin, Marketing and Sales Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Hot on the heels of recently winning Cruise Critic’s prestigious ‘Best for Itineraries’ award – for a record fifth consecutive year – we are delighted to share this brand new exploration of the Azores and Iceland in 2022. Combining sub-tropical and sub-Arctic landscapes in one adventure, this unique itinerary has been specially-crafted to follow in the footsteps of important whale migration routes.

“That’s not all: we have teamed up with marine conservation charity, ORCA, who will be on board to bring their expertise along for the voyage. From the Azores’ richly-coloured terrain and remarkable black lava formations, to Iceland’s plummeting waterfalls and world-renowned geothermal pools, it is all awaiting our guests, on one extraordinary voyage.”

Steve Jones, Head of Partnerships at ORCA, said:

“ORCA are delighted to be working with Fred. Olsen – the wonderful ships in their fleet are the ideal platform for research, as their small size means that our teams are closer to the water, giving them unparalleled views of the magnificent wildlife that our Cruise Conservationists will be hoping to see.

“ORCA believes that the only way to protect our whales and dolphins is to identify areas where they’re vulnerable and study their habitats. That way, we can protect these places by changing the way we use them. That includes shipping, fishing, noise pollution, marine litter and more. Best of all, this information can be shared and used across the globe, providing a local solution to a global problem.”

Beyond the wildlife in their waters, the Azores and Iceland boast a wealth of unspoilt landscapes: follow in the footsteps of artists and photographers and revel in the vibrant Azorean colours and black volcanic treasures from the stunning crater lakes of São Miguel’s Sete Cidades volcano; see the soaring mountains and sheer cliffs surrounding Ísafjörður, Akureyri and Eskifjörður, facing mighty Mount Holmatindur; and tour from Reykjavík to uncover the gems of the famous ‘Golden Circle’.

Details of Fred. Olsen’s exciting wildlife-spotting cruise in 2022 are as follows:

Black Watch’s 17-night W2210 ‘Natural Wonders of Azores & Iceland’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 19^th April 2022. Prices start from £2,299 per person.

Ports of call: Liverpool, England, UK – Praia da Vitoria, Azores, Portugal – Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal – Horta, Azores, Portugal – Reykjavík, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Eskifjörður, Iceland – Liverpool, UK

For further information: See 'Natural Wonders of Azores & Iceland' - W2210

The price shown is based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded Interior Room, and includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

Fred. Olsen is so committed to helping guests to enjoy the perfect getaway from the moment that they book, without having to worry about the uncertainties of Brexit, that it has launched its pioneering ‘Brexit Promise’, believed to be the first of its kind within the industry. If a cruise is cancelled due to the UK leaving the European Union, Fred. Olsen guarantees to give guests a full refund on that sailing, PLUS a free 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 find out more about the ORCA charity, visit https://www.orcaweb.org.uk/