Watch F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton defend his title at the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix with Fred. Olsen

On Fred. Olsen’s ‘Sun, Sea & Monaco Grand Prix’ cruise, which departs on 21^st May 2016 from Dover aboard Black Watch, guests can experience the undisputed jewel in Formula 1’s crown and the race that every driver wants to win – the Monaco Grand Prix. On a tour from Nice in France, guests can witness first-hand the noise, speed and atmosphere as racing stars, including Lewis Hamilton – who will make history as the first Brit to win four titles, if he can defend his title in 2016 – charge through the narrow, winding streets of the glamorous Mediterranean principality.

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

“This cruise highlights our commitment and focus on bringing our guests closer to the world’s best attractions and finest destinations. We have made this experience really easy, with ready-made shore tour packages, meaning that our guests can be present at one of the sporting world’s most renowned and spectacular events.

“In addition, it could be an opportunity to see our own World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, take one step closer to becoming the first-ever British F1 racer to bring home four world championship titles – a truly memorable moment!”

Fred. Olsen is offering guests a choice of two special tours packages for the Monaco Grand Prix, 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 £2,588 per person, and include:

• En-suite accommodation in an ‘Ocean View Cabin’, 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

There are also ‘Private Terrace’ and ‘General Admission’ packages available to book.

The first stop on this exhilarating cruise holiday is to Gibraltar, where guests can take a trip to see the famous Barbary apes, indulge in some duty-free shopping or board a cable car to enjoy the impressive views of nearby Spain and Africa.

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

Next, is glamorous Cannes (France); this picturesque city, located on the French Riviera, is home to beautiful beaches, luxury casinos, fascinating museums and glorious sunshine most of the year round. Guests can take a stroll along ‘La Croisette’, which is a palm-lined boulevard bordered with sun-kissed sand, lush public gardens and boutiques and cafés.

Black Watch then calls at Nice (France), also known as ‘The Queen of the Riviera’ for an overnight stay. It is from here that 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 of interest, guests can stay in Nice and visit the Italian Baroque Church of Saint Giaume, the Cathédrale Sainte Réparate, the Museé Matisse and the Chagall Museum.

While in Alicante (Spain), guests can enjoy a leisurely walk along the wide esplanades to soak up the Mediterranean sun, or take a shore excursion to visit Huerto De Cura Botanical Gardens and the city of Murcia.

Black Watch 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’.

Price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, port taxes and Monaco Grand Prix shore tour – Grandstand K or T. Guests can also choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night.

Fred. Olsen is delighted to have won the ‘Best for Itineraries’ accolade in the 2015 Cruise Critic ‘UK Editors’ Picks Awards’, in recognition of its commitment to ‘bringing the world closer to you’.

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 visit an ABTA travel agent