Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines returns to Belfast Harbour in 2014

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is ‘bringing the world closer’ to the people of Belfast, with two exciting cruise itineraries in August and September 2014. Sailing on board 880-guest Boudicca, guests will have the opportunity, for the second year in a row, to embark on Fred. Olsen cruises from Belfast, without having to endure an expensive flight or long ferry crossing to reach the ship.

Boudicca will be offering an eight-night D1415 ‘Norwegian Fjords with Shetland’ cruise’, departing on 29th August 2014, and a ten-night D1416 ‘Morocco, Spain & Portugal’ cruise, departing on 6th September 2014.

Fred. Olsen’s connections with the seafaring city of Belfast run deep; the Fred. Olsen group of companies includes Fred. Olsen Energy, which comprises Offshore Drilling and Engineering & Fabrication, owner of the Harland & Wolff Shipyard, where the ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic was built.

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

“Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is looking forward to its second cruise season from Belfast this summer. We are offering local people the chance to take a cruise with us to two very different destinations: the Norwegian fjords – Fred. Olsen’s historic homeland – with Shetland, and Morocco, Spain and Portugal, for an exotic, sunshine break.

“Our research has shown that Norway is the Number One itinerary chosen by those who have never cruised before, so why not make this year your chance to start your ‘cruise career’ with Fred. Olsen!”

Joe O’Neill, Commercial Director of Belfast Harbour, said:

“In recent years, Belfast’s popularity as a port of call for cruise ships has reached record levels. However, we are delighted that our efforts in working with the team at Fred. Olsen to develop Belfast as a port of embarkation means that local people shall once again have the opportunity to begin their cruise holiday direct from Belfast Harbour.”

Details of Fred. Olsen’s two cruise itineraries from Belfast in 2014 are as follows:

- Eight-night D1415 ‘Norwegian Fjords with Shetland’ cruise, departing on 29th August 2014

First call on this cruise is to Olden (Norway), a charming village, set in pretty green meadows, which are ablaze with colourful flowers during the summer months, and where babbling brooks wind their way between attractive houses. Close to the church in the centre of the village is the Singerheimen, home of William Singer, founder of the sewing machine company.

Boudicca continues onto Flåm (Norway); the best way to see this spectacular village and surrounding scenery is on the Flåm Railway, which climbs over 20km, in and out of mountains and past waterfalls, including the magnificent Kjosfossen waterfall. 

Norway’s Bergen is famed for its fish market and colourful half-timbered houses; the town has many nooks and crannies waiting to be explored. Edvard Grieg lived here, so the Troldhaugen Museum is devoted to his life and work. 

The final stop is at Lerwick in the Shetland Isles, which has a delightful mix of modern shops and historic buildings. Don’t forget to try and squeeze in a visit to the ‘Bod of Gremista’, a ‘fishing booth’, built in 1780 which is now a museum. 

Prices for this cruise start from £1,069 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

- Ten-night D1416 ‘Morocco, Spain & Portugal’ cruise, departing on 6th September 2014

The first stop for guests on board Boudicca’s ‘Churches & Minarets’ cruise will be Oporto (from Leixoes). Built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the River Douro, there are many historical sites to visit, including the cathedral, with its Romanesque choir, the neo-classical Stock Exchange, and the Church of Santa Clara. This area is also famous for its port wine, so guests should take time to sample some of this deep red ‘nectar’.

Still in Portugal, Boudicca continues to Lisbon; spread over seven hills on the north of the River Tagus, this lively capital boasts a delightful mix of palaces, churches, castles and bridges.

After a stop at Tangier, giving guests a taste of Moroccan life, the next port of call is Vigo in Spain. The old part of this Galician city has original fisherman’s cottages, and is on the terraces leading up from the original port. The newer part of the town has many charming squares, with open-air cafés and bars. 

Prices for this cruise start from £949 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Fred. Olsen is proud to be the only UK travel company to receive a coveted ‘Gold Award’ from leading consumer review website Feefo, having achieved a 95% service rating of 'Excellent' or 'Good' in over 5,600 genuine, independent guest reviews in 2013.

Fred. Olsen was also delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value for Money’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’.