I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, MS Black Watch while it was in Dublin Port in December. Fred. Olsen Cruise lines are offering six cruises direct from Ireland this year.
One of Great Britain’s most loved cruise lines, a fifth generation family business, Fred. Olsen have been cruising for over 50 years. You won’t find any rock climbing walls or robotic barmen on board. You will however, find a warm welcome, from friendly, personal staff.
The MS Black Watch carries 850 people so when you compare that with Harmony of the Seas that carries 5,500 guests, you can see why Fred. Olsen cruise lines appeal to those looking for a smaller, more intimate ships. The smaller vessels also enable them to reach ports that are inaccessible by bigger ships. You can cruise through the fjords in Norway, dock closer to the heart of St Petersburg and overall, tendering is rare. Disembarking is easier too, you will find you are ashore quickly without having to queue with thousands of fellow passengers.
The value on board is hard to beat, at €14 per day for all inclusive drinks, this must be one of the most inexpensive drinks packages at sea. There are ample cosy bars and restaurants which are loved by its guests, which incidentally the average age is 60 years. The ships although considered small are actually very spacious, with no shortage of quiet corners to relax and admire the views.
So where will Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines be cruising to in 2016?
Want to try a cruise but not sure if it is for you? The five night taster cruise around Ireland this year might just be what you have been looking for. And you don’t even need a passport! This cruise departs from Belfast on the 31st of May with prices from €879 and includes an overnight in Dublin and a trip to the Giant’s Causeway!
The German canals, rivers and cities cruise is a popular choice. Over twelve days you will have plenty of time to discover the highlights including an overnight in Hamburg and a sail along the Alster Lake. This cruise departs 1st of August from Belfast with prices from €1,949 per person.
Alternatively, discover the Norwegian fjords on a nine night cruise which allows you get up close and personal on Fred. Olsen’s MS Boudicca. Depart from Belfast on the 23rd of July and sail along National Geographic’s top rated Natural World Herigage sites. With prices from €1479 you also get the opportunity to visit Skjolden at the end of the world’s longest fjord.
There are also transatlantic offerings. Enjoy a two week voyage to Canada’s east coast from Kilybegs on the 14th of May or 7th of September with prices from €2269. Or if you are feeling really adventurous discover Old England to New England on this thirty two day unique voyage. Visit six American states with overnight stays and have the opportunity to disembark in Ringaskiddy. This amazing adventure departs on the 16th of April from Southhampton with prices from €4099 and even includes two days in Bermuda!
If you are looking for the latest innovation at sea, with water slides and ice skating rinks – then Fred. Olsen cruises are not for you. If however, you want great value on an intimate ship, offering personal service and convenient cruising from Ireland, then look no further than the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Click here for more details or Visit your local ITAA Travel Agent.
Prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change.
