Make it a Spanish Spring with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has some lovely Spring cruises in 2013, visiting attractive Spanish and Portuguese destinations, from a choice of southern UK ports. The perfect time to visit the Iberian Peninsula, April is warm and sunny, and many beautiful cities and beaches beckon.

- Boudicca’s cruise ‘Portugal & Spain with Barcelona’ (D1306) departs from Portsmouth on 6^th April 2013, for 14 nights. This port is easily accessible by road or rail, and the cruise includes two of the most popular and vibrant Iberian cities – Barcelona and Lisbon.  First port of call is Gibraltar, where a trip to the top of the famous Rock gives stunning views; or enjoy some great value Duty Free shopping! Next is vibrant Barcelona, with its colourful street life and the arresting Gaudi architecture to enjoy. Boudicca then visits Palamos, on the Costa Brava, a fishing village since the 12^th Century, and a very popular and attractive holiday resort. The pretty island of Menorca is next, with Boudicca visiting the capital, Mahon, then it is on to Portugal, with a call into the lovely Algarve port of Portimăo, with great beaches and fresh sardines at every café. The final call is into Lisbon, cosmopolitan and colourful capital of Portugal, before Boudicca returns to Portsmouth.

Prices for this sunny, Spring cruise start from just £799 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside,twin cabin.

- Braemar also offers a spring cruise to Iberia, of 14 nights, departing from Dover on 8^th April 2013. This ‘Spain & Her Islands’ (M1308) cruise calls first into Lisbon, before moving on to a lovely selection of Spanish ports. First of these is Malaga, on the Costa del Sol; from here, guests can enjoy an optional tour to the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada. Next is the ancient port of Cartagena, which has been an important port for over 2,000 years and has some fine Roman remains. The island of Mallorca is next, with Braemar calling into the capital, Palma. The old city is dominated by the cathedral, with attractive cobbled streets and narrow alleyways to explore – and don’t miss the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Art, with a superb collection of works from Picasso to Dali. Vibrant Barcelona is the next port, a destination that never disappoints, before Braemar begins her return voyage. She calls into Gibraltar, then finally La Coruna, where guests can marvel at the ‘Torre de Hercules’, the world's oldest lighthouse. Braemar then returns to Dover.

This cruise has the additional attraction of a special-interest theme, through Fred. Olsen’s award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. Appropriately, the theme is ‘Spanish – Language of Food & Romance’ and is hosted by Colin Harkness, an International Wine Judge, Writer, Broadcaster and TV Presenter, who has over 20 years’ experience in the Wine Trade. He now lives in Spain and has become an authority on Spanish wine and cuisine.

Prices for this very attractive cruise start from £799 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin. There is no extra charge for taking part in Vistas talks and lectures (there may be a small charge for wines used in tastings, for those who decide to take part).

- The third in this Spanish trio of cruises is Black Watch’s ‘Pilgrims & Paella’ (W1303),an eight-night cruise that departs from Southampton on 26^th April 2013. This cruise visits Lisbon first, then Leixoes (for tours to Oporto), Portugal, where a boat ride on the Douro or a visit to one of the famous Port Lodges is a ‘must’. Next is La Coruna; from this port, many people opt for a visit to stunning Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s most important sites of pilgrimage, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The final port is Aviles, a recent addition to Fred. Olsen’s Spanish ports; the pretty old town is pedestrianised, making it easy to explore on foot, and there are some superb palaces and churches in this little gem of a town, in bold contrast to the stunningly modern Niemeyer Centre close to the port, designed by the world famous Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. 

This cruise also has a Vistas theme – ‘Photography’ – hosted by Lucy Holden.Top of Form

 Lucy specialises in wedding and portrait photography, and is also a creator of advertising images. She very much enjoys working with large audiences, especially on cruise ships, and holding seminars specialising in all aspects of digital photography and audio visual presentations.

Prices for this cruise start from £599 per person, based on a ‘Latesaver’ fare (with limited availability) for two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin. There is no additional charge for taking part in the Vistas ‘Photography’ theme with Lucy Holden.