Visit the Beautiful Baltic with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Braemar’s cruise, M1114, is a 13-night voyage departing from Dover on 2nd July 2011. This is an exceptional itinerary, beginning with a transit of the Kiel Canal, bringing Braemar to Warnemünde in Germany, for excursions to Berlin. The cruise then visits two ports in Finland; first Turku, celebrating its status as a ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2011, then the attractive, cosmopolitan capital, Helsinki, with a wealth of galleries, museums and tempting pavement cafés to enjoy. The highlight of this cruise is a two-night stay in Russia’s stunning St Petersburg, home to some of the world’s finest works of art, and some of the most stunning architecture in Europe. The extra time spent here allows visitors to immerse themselves in all the wonders of this unique city. 

A welcome day at sea follows, to relax and enjoy life onboard, before Braemar reaches Kalmar in Sweden, where she is at anchor. This is one of the lesser-known ports on the itinerary, and well worth a visit. It has been an important seaport for hundreds of years, and it was from Kalmar that the earliest Swedish emigrants left to start a new life in North America. It is also an important cultural centre. Last port of call, on this varied and stimulating cruise, is Copenhagen, one of the most popular towns for visitors to Denmark, with its colourful Nyhaven district, the magical Tivoli Gardens – template for ‘Disneyland’ – and, of course, the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘Little Mermaid.’ After a day at sea, the cruise returns to Dover. Prices for this cruise start from £1,297 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. 

A similar itinerary is offered by Balmoral, on her cruise L1108, of 14 nights, departing from Southampton on 24th June 2011. This summer cruise also begins with a transit of the Kiel Canal, but continues on to visit two lovely ports in the Baltic state of Estonia. Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia, and still retains many national traditions, in its architecture, costumes and dialect. The only town on the island - Kuressaare - has a lovely and well-preserved old town to explore. Next port is the better-known, and always popular, capital, Tallinn, with its beautiful architecture, domed churches and cobbled streets, before Braemar cruises on to Helsinki.

Next, Balmoral, like Braemar, docks for three full days in glorious St. Petersburg. En route back to Southampton, she visits Copenhagen, and the Danish port of Ålborg. The waterfront here is of special interest, as it was designed by Jørn Utzon, who grew up in the town, and is best known for designing Sydney Opera House – his distinctive style is clearly visible in Ålborg. As well as iconic modern architecture, the town also boasts a 14th Century cathedral, offering some stunning contrasts. The cruise returns to Southampton, and prices start from £1,497 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘H’. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

This cruise additional offers Flagship Golf, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ exclusive package for golfers. It comprises four rounds of golf, played at hand-picked courses ashore, onboard tuition from a PGA professional, practice sessions, and social activity for golfers and non-playing partners, and is charged at £375 per player. Flagship Golf must be pre-booked. 

Find out more about these and other Baltic cruises by visiting www.fredolsencruises.com You can book online, through reservations on 01473 742424 or through any ABTA travel agent.