Last chance to book to see the total solar eclipse and 'Northern Lights' with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Spring 2015

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the last chance to join their choice of three exciting two-week adventures, destined for the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse in Spring 2015. Lucky cruisers will surely experience a holiday like no other – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this spectacular natural phenomenon!

In order to watch the Sun become completely eclipsed by the Moon, you must be inside the narrow ‘Path of Totality’ – the track of the Moon’s shadow on Earth. Typically, this elusive spot covers less than 1% of the Earth’s surface. Guests will also have the chance to witness that rarest of phenomena, the ‘Solar Corona’, when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun, and creates a ‘pearly white crown’ around the Sun.

These three Spring sailings are all heading for the exact co-ordinates that will enable Fred. Olsen’s ships to be in the best possible location to view this sensational event.

And if that was not enough, these cruises will also visit the Faroe Islands and a string of fascinating coastal towns and cities of Norway. A highlight will be the call into Tromsø during the time of the magical 'Northern Lights' – NASA scientists predict this to be the peak of an 11-year cycle for this spectacular natural light show, so there is a great chance to see a second wonder of nature!

There is so much to see and do, and guests can rest assured that their adventure ashore will be perfectly complemented by their time on board Fred. Olsen's smaller-sized, more intimate ships.

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

“We are very excited to be offering these three unique itineraries for March 2015, which have been designed to position Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' three ships at the best latitude and longitude to give guests the optimum chance of seeing the total solar eclipse. Because the ships will be based out at sea on the day, this will limit any man-made light pollution, thereby improving guests' views of the eclipse.

"We have seen amazing levels of interest in these once-in-a-lifetime cruises, so guests are advised to book the last few remaining places as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!”

- Boudicca's 15-night D1504 ‘Solar Eclipse Cruise’, ex Southampton on 9^th March 2015

Boudicca will call at several attractive Norwegian ports: pretty, Art-Nouveau Ǻlesund; Tromsø, inside the Arctic Circle, sometimes described as ‘The Paris of the Arctic’; Alta (Finnmark), home for centuries to the Sami people and their herds of reindeer; and Leknes, in the remote and beautiful Lofoten Islands.

Boudicca then spends a day at sea on 20^th March 2015, en route to the Faroe Islands, Denmark, and is positioned at the best-suggested co-ordinates – 64.26.3N, 6.39.0W – for guests to make the most of viewing the extraordinary total eclipse of the Sun from the ship. The final port of call is Runavik on the Faroes, before Boudicca returns to Southampton.

Prices start from just £1,997 per person, based on two adults sharing an Inside, twin-bedded cabin (limited availability).

- Braemar's 13-night M1505 'Solar Eclipse Cruise', ex Dover on 11^th March 2015

Braemar will be positioned off the coast of the Faroe Islands on 20^th March 2015, when the longest duration of ‘totality’, of 2 minutes 47 seconds – the best opportunity to view the full solar eclipse – occurs. During its voyage, the cruise will also visit Ålesund (Norway), Leknes (Lofoten Islands, Norway), Tromsø (Norway) and Runavik (Faroe Islands), before returning to Dover.

Prices start from just £1,799 per person, based on two adults sharing an Inside, twin-bedded cabin (limited availability).

- Black Watch's 14-night W1502 'Solar Eclipse Cruise', ex Southampton on 16^th March 2015

Black Watch will be positioned off the coast of the Faroe Islands on 20^th March 2015, to give guests the very best chance of witnessing the total solar eclipse. The cruise will visit Runavik (Faroe Islands), Leknes (Lofoten Islands), Tromsø, Alta, Trondheim and Ǻlesund (all Norway), before returning to Southampton.

Prices start from just £2,051 per person, based on two adults sharing an Inside, twin-bedded cabin (limited availability).

All prices include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. Guests can also upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £29 per person per night.

Fred. Olsen was delighted to be named one of the Top 3 UK cruise lines and awarded a prestigious ‘Recommended Provider’ accolade, in Which?’s first-ever dedicated cruise survey in 2014. Experts at influential consumer website Cruise Critic have also voted Fred. Olsen ‘Best Value for Money’ in its ‘Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Awards 2014’,for the third consecutive year.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm; Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 10am – 4pm), or see an ABTA travel agent.