From 'Albinoni' to 'Ambridge', 'Watercolours' to 'Wildlife' with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launched its eagerly-awaited new programme of special interests, Vistas, at a glittering reception at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London on 2nd March 2011. The event was attended by a number of VIP guest speakers associated with the cruise line’s onboard enhancement programme, both past and present, including: Lars Tharp, antiques expert and broadcaster; Sir Bernard Ingham, journalist and former press secretary to Margaret Thatcher; Hedli Niklaus, ‘Kathy Perks’ in the BBC’s longest-running series, The Archers; and Matthew Briggs, Royal Horticultural Society judge and regular panellist on Radio Four’s Gardeners’ Question Time.

Vistas – formerly known as The ArtsClub – carries the strapline of ‘Rewarding Curiosity’, and gives Fred. Olsen guests the opportunity to find out more about subjects that interest them – and all at no extra cost*. A dedicated new website – www.fredolsencruises-vistas.com – has been launched to support the new onboard experience, which promises to be an even more rewarding programme than its predecessor, with an expanded variety of practical talks and engaging lectures, delivered by a selection of informative and entertaining speakers.

Guests will be able to take their new Vistas knowledge ashore, as the programme includes the option to book a planned shore excursion, which will be linked to the subject of interest. For example, painting or photography enthusiasts may get the chance to visit an artist’s house, or a particularly scenic site.

Nigel Lingard, Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We are delighted to be launching our new onboard enhancement programme, Vistas, which will allow our guests to be inspired, and in turn to aspire to new levels of knowledge. The programme opens up a whole new world of insights and understanding of fascinating subjects, which are brought to life by our team of world-renowned experts.”   

The Vistas programme boasts a host of well-known VIP guest speakers, who are experts in their respective fields. Some of the notable speakers in 2011 will be:

Martin Saunders – BBC wildlife cameraman. Credits include: the 1976 ground-breaking BBC series Life on Earth, during which he filmed the memorable sequence of David Attenborough with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda; Wickers World; and the recent Attenborough series The Life of Birds and Polar Bears, for which he was awarded a BAFTA.

Mike Cowan – former England Cricketer and fast bowler. For nine years, played with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, sharing the opening bowling with ‘Fiery’ Freddie Truman.

David V. Thomas, MVO – the Crown Jeweller from 1991 until 2007, responsible for the care of the Crown Jewels, as well as the personal collection of H.M. the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Dr. Mike Maloney, OBE – for 30 years, Group Chief Photographer on Mirror Group Newspapers. Recipient of 106 major photographic awards, he was recently awarded the OBE for services to photojournalism.

Other expert speakers include: Mike Purcell, watercolourist and broadcaster; Rosalind Cooper, wine educator and writer; Ken Lennox, photographer and Fleet Street picture editor; Professor Henry Hutchinson, scientist, physicist and expert on climate change; and David Mercer, sports journalist and broadcaster.

The ‘Vistas’ programme covers a wide range of themes, subjects and interests, including: ‘The History of Weather’, ‘Photography’, ‘Ballroom Dancing’, ‘Antiques’,  ‘Classical Music’, ‘The Archers’, ‘Agatha Christie’, ‘Sporting Personalities’, ‘Gardens and Gardening’, ‘Wine’, ‘History of the Royal Family’ and ‘Comedy’.

*Please note that, although ‘Vistas’ lectures are free, there may be a small charge to take part in wine tasting.