The OperaBabes return to Fred. Olsen on a ‘Classical Music’ themed cruise to the Baltic

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a real treat in store for fans of classical music this summer; Boudicca’s 14-night ‘Scandinavia and St. Petersburg’ cruise (D1317) combines stunning Baltic ports with a theme of ‘Classical Music’, through its award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. The highlight of this cultural cruise will belive performances by The Operababes, making their third appearance with Fred. Olsen, who are set to electrify audiences with Puccini’s aria ‘O mio babbino caro’, made famous by Maria Callas, amongst their repertoire.

As part of the ‘Classical Music’ theme, guests can enjoy fascinating talks, as well as star quality live entertainment. Hosting the theme is music expert, Peter Hudson, who will be speaking about the great Maria Callas, renowned as the finest opera singer of the 20^th Century. Peter is a passionate opera-lover, who has been giving talks and lectures about Maria Callas and her fascinating, tragic life story for over 20 years.

The OperaBabes – Rebecca Knight, soprano, and Karen England, mezzo soprano – will join this cruise in Copenhagen on 11^th August 2013, and will no doubt perform to packed audiences on board Boudicca; in 2011, The OperaBabes were awarded ‘Best Live Performance’ in the inaugural ‘Cruise International Awards’ for their appearance on Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch Mediterranean cruise in October 2010.

The glamorous duo were discovered by a talent scout in 2001, when they were busking in Covent Garden. They have performed for Her Majesty The Queen on several occasions – including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and the launch of the Commonwealth Games, and have sung with many of the world’s leading orchestras. 

Boudicca departs from Liverpool on 31^st July 2013, calling first at Kristiansand in Norway. Founded by King Christian IV in the 17th Century, it boasts some of Norway’s finest beaches. Next is Visby in Gotland (Sweden), the setting for hundreds of historical sites, including burial mounds, medieval churches and fortresses, with many treasures from the Viking era. Moving further east, the ship then calls into Tallinn, the lovely capital of Estonia, with its domed churches and cobbled streets, one of the most popular ports in the region and always a delight to visit.

A major highlight of the cruise is the magnificent city of St. Petersburg, Russia’s most European city and a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. There is an overnight stay here and guests can choose an optional tour to visit the ballet or enjoy a classical music performance. The next port is Finland’s attractive and cosmopolitan capital, Helsinki, created by the czars as a ‘miniature’ St. Petersburg. On the return voyage, the final port of call is another capital – Copenhagen in Denmark – which has so much to offer; from the delightful Tivoli Gardens to the charming Little Mermaid statue and the colourful buildings of the former sailors' district, Nyhavn, there really is something for everyone. Two relaxing days at sea bring Boudicca back to Liverpool.

Prices for this stunning cruise start from £1,599 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. The OperaBabes will perform live during the cruise, and there is no extra charge for enjoying the  Vistas ‘Classical Music’ themed activity and entertainment.