Go ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines this winter!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – the majestic ‘Aurora Borealis’ this winter on its ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruises aboard either Boudicca, departing from Liverpool on 8^th November 2014 (D1420), or Black Watch, sailing from Tilbury on 20^th December 2014 (W1420). NASA scientists have predicted that the current period of solar activity will reach a new peak this coming winter and will not return to this intensity for over a decade – meaning that travellers to the far North, over the coming months, will experience the best possible conditions for seeing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

On board either of these very special cruises guests will see the benefits of cruising on Fred. Olsen’s smaller, more intimate ships. With a strong Norwegian heritage and years of experience sailing these Northern waters, Fred. Olsen is able to take guests closer to the destination using intercoastal routes, which larger ships simply cannot access, offering a better opportunity to see the fantastic Northern Lights. Cruise guests who have recently been on a Fred. Olsen ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise have described the experience as ‘completely magical’.

In addition, guests can take advantage of Fred. Olsen’s great-value ‘All-Inclusive’ drinks package from just £10.00 per person, per night on a selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks*.

- Boudicca’s 16-night D1420 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 8^th November 2014. Prices start from £59 per person per night (full fare from £944 per person).

Boudicca will depart from Liverpool and arrive first in Ålesund, Norway. The city is stunning and is known for its architecture in Art Nouveau style, its surrounding fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Here, guests can take a shore tour, on a catamaran, to discover the wild and dramatic Hjørundfjord – an impressive hidden treasure of Norway.

Guests will then visit Tromsø, Norway,for three days and two nights. This town is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ and boasts beautiful coastal views from Mount Storsteinen. Guests can reach the top by cable car and will be in one of the best places to see the ‘Aurora Borealis’. Cruise guests can also visit the iceberg-shaped ‘Arctic Cathedral’, or take a tour to the Tromsø Wilderness Centre where there is an opportunity to partake in a thrilling dog sled ride!

Next stop is Alta in Finnmark, Norway for another overnight stay. Not only is Alta a fantastic place to search for the magnificent Northern Lights, but guests can also take a very special tour to the amazing Northern Lights Cathedral, to enjoy a concert of music and images.

Boudicca will then stop in Leknes, in theLofoten Islands, known for its rich Viking history and Arctic nature. The wild landscape of jagged peaks, cliffs and bright-white sandy beaches makes this area one of the most picturesque in Norway.

Guests will then have time in Kristiansund, set onNorway’s west coast. Spread over three islands, Kristiansund is connected by impressive bridges and is home to the famous Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most photographed driving roads. Boudicca will then set sail for Liverpool, UK.

- Black Watch’s 16-night W1420 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Tilbury on 20^th December 2014. Prices start from £99 per person per night (full fare from £1,584 per person).  

First port of call for guests on board Black Watch is Haugesund, Norway – where Harald Fairhair, the first King of Norway, is said to be buried. Guests can visit St. Olav’s Church, which was built by a Viking King, or learn about the city’s fascinating past at the Nordvegan History Centre.

Black Watch will then arrive in Ålesund, Norway. Guests can visit the Atlanterhavsparken, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Scandinavia and has an interesting array of marine life to discover, before spending one night and two days in Tromsø, Norway. Here, guests will be in one of the best spots to see the incredible Northern Lights.

After an overnight stay in Alta in Finnmark, Norway – another destination for guests to see the outstanding dancing lights of ‘Aurora Borealis’ – Black Watch will arrive in Trondheim, Norway. Founded over 1,000 years ago, Trondheim is packed with interesting sights, from the Gothic-style Nidaros Cathedral to an eclectic choice of museums.

Next stop is Bergen – Norway’s second city. There are many attractions for guests to explore, including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, with its colourful timbered houses and cobbled streets; a vibrant fish market and the Troldhaugen Museum, the former home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. Guests can also ride the funicular railway up Mount Fløyen for spectacular, panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Black Watch will then arrive in Stavanger, Norway, a vibrant and exciting city which oozes charm. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, has narrow winding streets and ancient wooden houses gathered around the market. Discover Stavanger Cathedral, which dates back to the Middle Ages, or visit one of the city’s many wonderful museums.

Prices are based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin, including accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

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.