Take advantage of three great-value getaways this Summer with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering three great-value Summer getaways in the Baltic and Norway – the company’s historic homeland – on its popular Braemar and flagship Balmoral this year, from as little as £57 per person, per night.

Braemar’s 15-night M1421 ‘Norway & Arctic’ cruise, ex Dover on 20th July 2014, is a Norwegian delight, offering guests the chance to see Polar Bears and Reindeer in Ny-Ålesund (Norway) or Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway).

On Balmoral’s 14-night L1410 ‘North Cape’ cruise, ex Southampton on 27th July 2014, guests will have the opportunity to explore some of the most stunning ports that Norway has to offer, as well as getting to cross the Arctic circle.

Balmoral’s 14-night L1412 ‘Baltic City Breaks’ cruise, ex Southampton on 31st August 2014, takes in the Baltic gems of Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland), St. Petersburg (Russia) and Copenhagen (Denmark).

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

“At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we are renowned for offering exceptional cruise holidays with a difference. We take great pride in the intimate, friendly atmosphere and award-winning customer service across our fleet, and we take our guests to some of the most unique destinations in the world. Whether you are looking to explore exciting cities, discover impressive landscapes or experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, we have the perfect Summer holiday for you!”

Fred. Olsen’s three Summer holiday deals are as follows:

- Braemar’s 15-night M1421 ‘Norway & Arctic’ cruise, ex Dover on 20th July 2014. Prices start from £885 per person

Braemar’s first port of call is Kristiansund (Norway). With three islands, connected by bridges, the town boasts some interesting museums. The Atlantic Road has been named as the world’s best road trip, as the weather conditions can create a spectacular sight over the bridges and zig-zagging tarmac. In calmer weather, you may be able to spot whales and seals, but it is said that the road is best seen and is most exciting during more inclement weather!

From here, Braemar continues deep within the Arctic Circle to Tromsø, giving you the best opportunity of seeing the famous Midnight Sun, meaning that the sun never sets here for some months of the year. Don’t miss the iceberg-shaped ‘Arctic Cathedral’, a stunning piece of Norwegian architecture.

From Honningsvåg, see the North Cape Plateau, where 4,000 Reindeer graze in the summer months; or stroll around the beautiful little fishing port, with its distinctive pastel-shaded buildings. For food-lovers, try coffee and waffles with a difference at the Grotten Bar, a huge cave cut into the face of the Cape Cliff.

After a stop in Ny-Ålesund (Norway), the northernmost permanent settlement in the world; Braemar then pays a visit to Longyearbyen, named after an American mining specialist, John M. Longyear; the town is framed by flat-topped, snow-covered mountains and has a population of about 1,600…as well as several Reindeer, which often wander through the streets!

The final port of call on this exciting cruise is Bergen, Norway’s second city. Explore the colourful wooden houses and shops at the waterfront, discover cobbled stairways, narrow alleys and tiny open spaces. The Troldhaugen Museum is devoted to the life and work of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most famous composer.

- Balmoral’s 14-night L1410 ‘Crossing the Arctic Circle’ cruise, ex Southampton on 27th July 2014. Prices start from £799 per person

Balmoral’s first port of call is pretty Olden (Norway), sitting at the inner end of the Nordfjord. Thundering waterfalls, sparkling glaciers and overwhelming mountains contrast perfectly with peaceful villages and colourful flowers to create a dramatic panorama. A tour to the Briksdal Glacier is a must-do, giving guests the chance to marvel at his magnificent natural structure in all its glory.

Onto Leknes (Norway), looking out over the stunning Lofoten Islands, offers breath-taking scenery, combining the craggy mountains with white beaches and emerald green seas. The world, and the village of Nusfjord is worth a visit; as is the Lofotr Viking Museum, showing farming life during ancient times.

In Tromsø (Norway), guests can discover the fascinating blend of old and new Norwegian buildings. Don’t miss the Arctic Cathedral, inspired by Northern Norway’s landscapes, and shaped like an iceberg.

Balmoral continues onto Honningsvåg (Norway), the beautiful little fishing town at the gateway to the North Cape, where the distinctive pastel buildings attract visitors the world over.

After a stop at picturesque Ålesund (Norway), Balmoral calls at historical Bergen, Norway’s second city, before returning home.

– Balmoral’s 14-night L1412 ‘Baltic City Breaks’ cruise, ex Southampton on 31st August 2014. Prices start from £899 per person

Tallinn (Estonia) combines the comforts of the modern world with rich culture and historic settings, making it an intriguing place to explore. Guests can stroll along the cobbled streets and marvel at the houses dating back as far as the 11th Century in the Old Town, visit the ornate Alexander Nevskij Cathedral; or venture into the new part of the city and take a walk in Kadriorg Park.

Balmoral continues on to Helsinki (Finland), for the first of three overnight stays. Known for being ‘pocket-sized’, it was recreated by the Tsars of Russia as a miniature St. Petersburg, and everything is within easy reach. The Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, with its distinctive domed roof, dominates the city’s skyline, and is well worth a visit.

The next overnight stay is in St. Petersburg (Russia), giving guests plenty of time to see all that this great city has to offer. The opulent Hermitage has to be seen to be believed, and houses an impressive set of priceless works by Rembrandt, Michaelangelo and Rubens.

With an overnight stay in the royal city of Copenhagen (Denmark), home to the world’s oldest monarchy, guests will find numerous castles, palaces and royal statues to explore. The Little Mermaid is synonymous with the city, now over 100 years old; for the adventurous, visit Tivoli Gardens and brave the white-knuckle rides; or take time out to admire the lakes, fountains and flowers.

All prices are based on two adults sharing an inside, twin-bedded cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

Guests taking advantage of these special Summer holiday deals can choose to upgrade to the popular ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, for a special price of just £10 per person per night, which includes selected wines, spirits beers and soft drinks. When you upgrade, premium branded drinks are also available at half price.