Take a Fred. Olsen cruise to watch British double World Champion Lewis Hamilton defend his F1 title at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2015

Described as the highlight of the Formula One season, the Monaco Grand Prix is the race that every driver wants to win; so it is a treat for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests to be able to visit this top-class circuit first-hand, on Boudicca’s 15-nights D1511 ‘Film Stars & Fast Cars’ cruise around the south of France and Spain, sailing from Dover on 16^th May 2015.

As part of Fred. Olsen’s pledge to take guests closer to the world’s best attractions, this unique cruise holiday offers a tour to this remarkable Grand Prix, when Boudicca calls at the stunning beachfront destination of Nice. This most exhilarating and challenging of races is always a memorable occasion, and guests will be able to experience the noise, speed, atmosphere and thrill of the circuit, where recently-crowned double World Champion Lewis Hamilton will be defending his title in 2015.

Fred. Olsen is offering guests a choice of two special tours packages, each offering a spectacular view of the big race:

Grandstand K stretches from Tabac to the Swimming Pool section, and tickets for the Upper section guarantee a great view of this part of the circuit, as well as a view up to the Tunnel Exit. This is a great spot to see the impressive performance of the F1 cars as they corner at high speed between the unforgiving barriers.

Grandstand T is located in Monaco Harbour. With a large seating capacity, it enjoys a view of the straight section that follows the Swimming Pool Complex. Its location in front of the pits places guests at a key part of the track, and the big screen opposite follows the action on other parts of the circuit.

Prices for this ‘Cruise & Grand Prix’ package start from £2,148 per person, and include:

• En-suite accommodation, all meals, tea and coffee, evening entertainment, daytime activities and on board leisure facilities
• Return coach transfers from Nice to Monaco
• Escort to and from the coach parking spot to the Grand Prix entrance gates
• Race day tickets in your choice of Grandstand K or T
• A picnic lunch
• And even the essential earplugs!

Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s great-value ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, from just £10 per person, per night, on selected drinks.

The first stop on this glitzy cruise holiday is gorgeous Cádiz, used for dramatic backdrops to film sets, including the James Bond epic, ‘Die Another Day’. The scenic waterfront offers guests a tempting choice of bars and cafés, and is a popular destination for those wanting to unwind with a glass of Sherry from the infamous Jerez de la Frontera.

Boudicca will then set sail for Almeria, home of what has been classed as ‘one of the best movies ever made’, ‘Spaghetti Western’ ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’. Almeria is a bountiful and unspoiled stretch of coastline, where guests can enjoy a spot of tapas from the waterfront bistros and look out upon the glistening ocean. They will then have the fantastic opportunity to visit the mini-Hollywood film set where many famous westerns were shot on location, including ‘A Fistful of Dollars’, as well as classic sci fi series, ‘Doctor Who’. Guests will experience a mock ‘bank raid’ and a re-enactment of the final dramatic moments of Jesse James.

From here, the cruise sails onward to the French Riviera, and arrives at glamorous Cannes. This visit coincides with the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, giving guests the opportunity to try their hand at ‘star-spotting’ – maybe catching a glimpse of Nicole Kidman or Brad Pitt! As you make your way down the strip, past the handsome Carlton Hotel, you can almost sense the presence of the stars, and imagine sleek Cadillacs rolling up to the grand entrance. Cannes also boasts beautiful beaches, luxury casinos, fascinating museums and glorious sunshine most of the year round.

Boudicca then calls at Nice, also known as ‘The Queen of the Riviera’ and backdrop to the comedy ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin. From here, guests can take a shore tour to nearby Monaco to see the famous street circuit Grand Prix on race day. But, if Formula One is not your thing, then why not take in the panoramic views and palm tree lined boulevards, flower markets and quaint cafés.

The cruise then sets sail for architectural masterpiece, Barcelona. Here, guests can take in some of Gaudi’s finest work, including the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, still a work in progress.

Boudicca will then make its final call in Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. Be sure to take a stroll around the grand Alhambra Palace in Granada, or head for the countryside of Andalucía to discover the fruits and flavours of the ‘Sunshine Valley’.

So, why not combine star-spotting with being a spectator at one of the most famous motoring events in the world – and get the chance to see Lewis Hamilton in action – on this exciting ‘Film Stars & Fast Cars’ cruise.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com To book, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm; Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 10am – 4pm), or see an ABTA travel agent, quoting ‘Formula1’.