‘Get closer with Fred.’ in 2015 – get closer to the experience, discover the difference!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new brochure – ‘Get closer with Fred.’ – which highlights the factors that make cruising on board its fleet of four smaller, more intimate ships so special, unique and different. All the cruise holidays featured – with durations of between seven and 14 nights, and prices starting from just £91 per person, per night – offer inspirational experiences, such as fjord cruising in Norway’s spectacular Lysefjord and visiting beautiful Seville in Spain, where shallow-drafted Braemar can sail right into the heart of the city centre.

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

“At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we have a clear focus for our brand – ‘closer’. We are ‘closer’ to the market, offering more regional departures from the places that our guests want to sail from; ‘closer’ to the destinations, with our smaller ships and greater access; and we are ‘closer’ to our guests, building strong relationships and lasting friendships.

“We prefer more traditionally-built, smaller-scaled vessels, with less of a focus upon the latest gimmicks and gadgets, and a more ‘personal’ feel on board. And, by concentrating on the destination, we can give our guests unrivalled access to many places that the larger cruise ships simply cannot reach.”

Cruises featured in Fred. Olsen’ new ‘Get closer with Fred.’ brochure include:

- Braemar’s 14-night M1511 ‘Spanish Coastal & River Cruising’ cruise, ex Harwich on 18^th April 2015. Prices start from £1,499 per person.

First port of call on this Spanish exploration cruise is Huelva – a maiden call for Fred. Olsen. Located at the mouth of the rivers Tinto and Odiel, which originate in the Aracena mountain range, this historic Andalusian town is home to quaint plazas, numerous monuments and an impressive Baroque-style cathedral. 

Next stop is Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. Guests can visit the Moorish Alcazaba Fortress, sample some authentic local tapas or take a tour to Alhambra Palace, which lies at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Braemar will then visit Alicante, with its bustling harbour, lined with shops, bars and restaurants; guests can also take a tour to the nearby resort of Benidorm, with over four miles of golden beach!

Braemar will then cruise along the Guadalquivir River, before arriving in the very heart of Seville. With an overnight stay in this enchanting city – the home of Flamenco – guests can visit the Plaza de España, the medieval palace of Alcázar and the UNESCO-listed Seville Cathedral – the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Guests can also enjoy the last day ofthe ‘Feria de Abril’ – ‘Seville Fair’ – where there will be a fantastic firework display to mark the end of this colourful and atmospheric event.

From the next port of call, Vigo, guests can choose to visit the much-revered Cathedral in neighbouring Santiago de Compostela, or take in one of the many local Galician wineries.

- Braemar’s 14-night M1513 ‘Bringing the Baltic Closer to You’ cruise, ex Dover on 9^th May 2015. Prices start from £1,499 per person.

After taking a leisurely cruise though the Kiel Canal, Braemar will stop in Travemünde in Germany, docked just 150 metres’ away from the picturesque harbour front. Guests can relax in this pretty seaside resort or take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lübeck, where the Old Town boasts approximately 1,800 listed buildings.

Next stop is cosmopolitan Copenhagen in Denmark, where Braemar will dock just 300 metres from the famous statue of the ‘Little Mermaid’, at Langelinje Pier. Guests looking to admire some of the city’s fine architecture can take a tour to Kronborg Castle, notable from Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Braemar will then arrive in Helsinki, Finland’s capital,where guests have a short 500-metre walk to the city’s marketplace; from here, they can visit the Uspenski Cathedral, Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum or the Olympic Stadium.

Next is an overnight stay in the ever-popular destination of St. Petersburg in Russia. Guests will have plenty of time to explore the opulent Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace and the main shopping street, Nevsky Prospekt. There is also the chance for guests to spend an evening at the ballet or take a relaxing river cruise.  

Braemar will then continue to theUNESCO-listed historic centre of Riga in Latvia, renowned for its many Art Nouveau architectural gems, before arriving in Aalborg in Denmark. Docked just 150 metres from the heart of the city, guests can discover ancient monuments, impressive longships, open-air life-size villages and gain an incredible insight into Viking life.

- Boudicca’s nine-night D1520 ‘The Greatest Fjords of Norway’ cruise, ex Newcastle on 11^th September 2015. Prices start from £999 per person.

This cruise will begin with a full day of scenic cruising, as Boudicca passes Lysefjord, Preikestolen – also known as 'Pulpit Rock' – and Mount Kjerag – 'Mountain Bolt'. In many parts of this stunning fjord, the water is as deep as the surrounding mountains are high.

Boudicca will then make her first call at the small village of Eidfjord, where popular pastimes include kayaking, hiking and cycling. After more scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord – the second-longest fjord in Norway and third in the world – Boudicca arrives in the unspoiled town of Skjolden.

Boudicca will then spend time cruising through the peaceful waters of Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world, stretching just 250 metres across at certain points, and with mountains towering more than 1,700 metres.

Guests will then have time to explore Kristiansund, home to Norway's scenic and world-renowned ‘Atlantic Road’.

Boudicca will then arrive in Hellesylt, a small fishing port with thundering waterfalls and classic Norwegian houses, before taking a scenic cruise to the remarkable UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord.

Picturesque Olden is the next call, set amongst green meadows coated with bright flowers, with streams and brooks surrounding the traditional houses. Guests can enjoy a tour of the Briksdal Glacier, either by foot, boat safari or electric car, or take a peaceful cruise on Olden Lake.

After cruising through Nordfjord, Boudicca stops in Bergen. This beautiful city is framed by seven magnificent hills, the highest of which can be reached by funicular railway, from where guests can enjoy views of the historical Hanseatic buildings. 

All prices in the new ‘Get closer with Fred.’ brochure are based on two adults sharing an Inside, twin-bedded cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

Fred. Olsen will be offering its unique ‘Enjoyment Promise’ on all sailings featured in the new ‘Get closer with Fred.’ brochure, when booked at least 14 weeks in advance*. Guests can also take advantage of Fred. Olsen’s great-value ‘All-Inclusive’ drinks package from just £10.00 per person, per night on selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.*

Fred. Olsen was proud to be namedone of Which?’s Top 3 cruise lines in the UK and a ‘Recommended Provider’ in its 2014 cruise survey.

*See the website www.fredolsencruises.com for full Terms and Conditions.

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.