Take Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ‘Far East Explorer’ ‘Grand Voyage’ in 2015 for the ultimate cruise of a lifetime

For 2015 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ is offering guests the chance to experience some of the world’s most incredible destinations on board Balmoral’s 119-night ‘Far East Explorer’ (L1501). Departing from Southampton on 4th January 2015, this cruise, which is Fred. Olsen’s longest-ever sailing, is the ultimate experience of a lifetime. Stepping foot in 51 destinations, in 24 countries, experiencing three different continents, sailing through three oceans and 10 seas, whilst passing through 13 time zones, this cruise is packed full of iconic, exotic and overwhelmingly impressive places.

Whether celebrating a momentous birthday, anniversary or even a retirement this cruise, which is aboard Fred. Olsen’s flagship Balmoral, is an amazing exploration of the ‘Far East’ and a great-value, comfortable and relaxing way to ‘tick-off’ a vast number of those ‘bucket-list’ destinations.

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

“This stunning ‘Far East Explorer’ cruise aboard Balmoral, is a very special cruise. Seven days longer than any ‘Grand Voyage’ we have ever offered to guests, this cruise has been especially planned so that half of the guests’ time is spent actually in the destinations, meaning more time to discover ancient, lost and modern cities, cultural wonders, illusive wildlife and mesmerising sights.

“In addition to the amazing destinations visited on this cruise, the price, which starts from just £85 per person per night, includes guests’ accommodation, meals, tea and coffee, entertainment, on board activities and leisure facilities! Plus there is also the opportunity to benefit from up to £600 per person on board spending credit*.”

This epic journey begins when Balmoral travels east via Malaga (Spain), Valletta (Malta), and Port Said (Egypt), before taking in the dramatic Suez Canal in a daylight transit. The cruise then continues to Safaga and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, Aqaba (Jordan), Muscat (Oman), and the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, before visiting the Indian ports of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and Cochin, Galle in Sri Lanka and Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

Balmoral then makes an overnight stop in Yangon, or ‘Rangoon’, the capital of Myanmar (formerly Burma), and continues to Port Klang (Malaysia, for Kuala Lumpur), Semarang (Indonesia), capital of Java, and Komodo Island – where the ferocious-looking Dragons are a sight to behold! Ujang Pandang (or ‘Makassar’, Indonesia) is the next port of call, followed by Cebu in the Philippines, which will have a special resonance for Fred. Olsen’s predominantly Filipino crew, before Balmoral takes in the Japanese ports of Naha (Okinawa), Tokyo, Kobe (Osaka) and Nagasaki, with a scenic cruise of the Ryukyu Islands.

Fascinating to the cruise adventurer will be Balmoral’s next calls in South Korea – Jeju City on Jeju Island and Incheon (for Seoul), followed by China’s Tianjin Xingang (for Beijing) – with an overnight stay – Dalian and Shanghai, the country’s most populous city. Next stop, Hong Kong, is undoubtedly one of the cruise highlights, with its iconic skyscrapers and famous harbour. Balmoral then calls at Chan May in Vietnam, for visits to the UNESCO-recognised city of Huế, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where there is an overnight stay.

The cruise continues to Sihanoukville in Cambodia, and Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), for an overnight stay, then Nathon (Koh Samui) in Thailand, before reaching that city of colonial splendour, Singapore, where there is another stopover. Malacca and Georgetown (Penang) in Malaysia follow, before Balmoral arrives in Phuket (Thailand), and continues to Hambantota and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The Maldives is the next destination, with inaugural calls at Utheemu (North Thiladhunmathee Atoll), for an overnight stay, and Uligamu (Ihavandhippolhu Atoll), before heading to Salalah in Oman. Balmoral then makes a return visit to Sharm el-Sheikh – for an overnight stay – and continues to Alexandria, with an enthralling daylight transit of the Suez Canal, Piraeus (for Athens, Greece) and Catania in Sicily (Italy).

Balmoral then calls at Algiers (Algeria), Cartagena (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal), before arriving back in Southampton.

Prices for this unique ‘Far East Explorer’ cruise start from just £9,999 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

Fred. Olsen is proud to be the only UK travel company to receive a coveted ‘Gold Award’ from leading consumer review website Feefo, having achieved a 95% service rating of 'Excellent' or 'Good' in over 5,600 genuine, independent guest reviews in 2013.

Fred. Olsen was also delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value for Money’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’.

*See the website www.fredolsencruises.com for full Terms and Conditions.