Press release -
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils new fly-cruise Mediterranean sailings for 2025
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a brand-new selection of fly-cruise sailings to offer guests a shorter, yet immersive cruise experience in 2025.
As part of the 2025/26 Worldwide programme, a selection of seven to 12-night cruises to the Mediterranean have been unveiled on board smaller ship Balmoral.
Guests will be able to visit destinations such as the charming cliff-top towns of Cinque Terre and Amalfi, the beautiful Bay of Kotor and the enchanting Greek islands on sailings which have been carefully curated to grant more moments to immerse in the local way of life with activities such as Flamenco dancing, Greek dancing and Turkish baths.
Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Our expert Journey Planners have poured their passion into hand-crafting a programme that they are truly proud of.
“Our new range of shorter fly-cruise options to the Mediterranean offer a range of journeys to some of its most inspiring destinations, where guests can really maximise their time for exploring ashore and with the benefit of less sailing time than departing from the UK.
“Among the itineraries, guests will have chances to visit the captivating La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, cruise along the spectacular Makarska Riviera in Croatia, see the stunning Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul and witness the whitewashed dome houses in Santorini.”
On board, guests can also look forward to a host of specially curated activities, such as chances to sample authentic flavours from the destinations they will visit such as Jerez sherry, limoncello and Turkish tea.
Those making a booking can also take advantage of dedicated launch offers, with up to £20 per person per night to spend on board on selected five to 13-night cruises; the choice of up to £20 credit per person per night or free door-to-door transfers within up to 200 mainland miles from the port on sailings of 14 to 28 nights. There are also a series of dedicated offers for solo travellers.
The fly-cruise programme, including flights and transfers from either London or Manchester, to the Mediterranean is:
Balmoral’s 10-night L2524 ‘Spanish Colours and Cultures’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 17thSeptember 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
- Experience Ibiza’s renowned sunset from the decks of Balmoral
- Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisines, such as tapas and Jerez sherry
- Visit the iconic landmark of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral
Itinerary: Southampton, UK – La Coruna, Spain – Cadiz, Spain – Ibiza, Spain – Cruising by Benirras Beach at sunset, Ibiza, Spain – Barcelona, Spain – Valencia, Spain (overnight stay)
For more details: Visit L2524 ‘Spanish Colours and Cultures'
Balmoral’s 10-night L2525 ‘Colourful Cliffside Towns of the Amalfi Coast’ cruise, departing from Valencia, Spain, on 27th September 2025. Prices start from £1,799 per person.
- Marvel at beautiful Cinque Terre, Bonifacio and the Amalfi Coast
- Experience ‘la dolce vita’, Italy’s culture of enjoying life’s pleasures
- Savour limoncello, scialatielli pasta and Italian pizza
Itinerary: Valencia, Spain (overnight stay) – Cruising by Benirras Beach at sunset, Ibiza, Spain – Mahon, Menorca, Spain – Propriano, Corsica, France – La Spezia, Italy – Salerno, Italy – Cruising Amalfi Coast and Capri, Italy – Naples, Italy – Sorrento, Italy – Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
For more details: Visit L2525 ‘Colourful Cliffside Towns of the Amalfi Coast'
Balmoral’s 10-night L2526 ‘Bays, Mountains and Islands of the Dalmatian Coast’ cruise, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy, on 7th October 2025. Prices start from £1,799 per person.
- Experience the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast from Balmoral
- Visit Lake Bled, Lokrum Island and Krka Waterfalls
- Immerse yourself in authentic Croatian culture
Itinerary: Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (overnight stay) – Cruising by Stromboli, Italy – Cruising the Strait of Messina, Italy – Cruising Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor, Montenegro – Koper, Slovenia – Cruising St Anthony Channel, Croatia – Sibenik, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising by Mount Biokovo, Makarska Rivieria, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia (overnight stay)
For more details: Visit L2526 ‘Bays, Mountains and Islands of the Dalmatian Coast'
Balmoral’s eight-night L2527 ‘Greek Island Odyssey’ cruise, departing from Dubrovnik, Croatia, on 17thOctober 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
- Explore the idyllic island of Santorini and Zakynthos' coastline
- Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine and watch traditional dancing
- Visit the renowned ruins of the Acropolis in Athens
Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Croatia – Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece – Cruising Zakynthos coastline, Greece – Kalamata, Greece – Piraeus (for Athens), Greece – Thira, Santorini, Greece – Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece – Rhodes, Greece (overnight stay)
For more details: Visit L2527 'Greek Island Odyssey'
Balmoral’s 12-night L2528 ‘Discovering Turkish Treasures’ cruise, departing from Rhodes, Greece, on 25thOctober 2025. Prices start from £1,999 per person.
- Explore a multitude of renowned European landmarks
- Embrace local Turkish traditions, and enjoy the fragrant local tea
- Delve into the winding streets of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Itinerary: Rhodes, Greece (overnight stay) – Bodrum, Turkey – Kusadasi, Turkey – Istanbul, Turkey – Valletta, Malta – Malaga, Spain (overnight stay)
For more details: Visit L2528 ‘Discovering Turkish Treasures’
Balmoral’s seven-night L2529 ‘Mountain Landscapes of Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar’ cruise, departing from Malaga, Spain, on 6th November 2025. Prices start from £1,099 per person.
- Explore the mountainous landscapes of Iberia
- Experience flamenco dance and soulful fado music
- Embrace cuisines such as gazpacho, sardines and pastéis de nata
Itinerary: Malaga, Spain (overnight stay) – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruise Mouth of River Tagus, Belem Tower and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruising by the Monument of the Discoveries, Portugal – Cruising by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal (overnight stay) – Southampton, UK
For more details: Visit L2529 ‘Mountain Landscapes of Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar'
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fly cruises, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com/fly-cruises9845
Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
