fred olsen cruise to norway from liverpool

Passengers on a round-the-world cruise now stuck at port have to get off every evening and stay at hotels while the cruise company tries to 'reactivate' the vessel

• Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey cruise ship was set to embark on a round-the-world voyage in May.
• But the vessel has been undergoing repair work at a shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• Villa Vie Residences said the ship could start sailing again this week.

Passengers looking to embark on a 3 ½-year round-the-world voyage on Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey cruise ship have been left hanging for the past three months.

In December, the company announced it had bought Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' Braemar vessel, which it later named Odyssey.

The ship, which is more than 30 years old, was meant to set sail in May.

On the planned 1301-day journey, the cruise liner is set to visit 147 countries across seven continents, including destinations such as France, Mexico, and Japan, according to Villa Vie Residences' itinerary.

But mechanical problems have left the Odyssey stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland, instead.

Sebastian Stokkendal, a marketing manager for Villa Vie Residences, told the Associated Press that the company was "humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup."

According to a Villa Vie Residences' webpage on the Odyssey, the cruise ship was lengthened in 2009 and refurbished in 2019.

The vessel is now docked at Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard, which is best known for being where the ill-fated Titanic ocean liner , was built.

The need for repairs means the Odyssey's passengers have also been stuck in Belfast.

The AP reported that roughly 200 passengers had been residing in the city, with Villa Vie Residences paying for their living expenses.

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Notably, passengers are allowed to stay on the ship during the day but have to disembark every evening, and the AP reported that they could spend the night at hotels in Belfast or other European cities.

"We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off," a passenger, Holly Hennessey, told the BBC in a report published Wednesday.

"We can have all of our meals, and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock," she added.

Stokkendal told the AP that the Odyssey could set sail soon once the repair work on its rudder shafts, steel work, and engine overhauls was completed.

"We expect a very anticipated successful launch next week where we will head to Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Lisbon, then across the Atlantic for our Caribbean segment," Stokkendal said.

Representatives for Villa Vie Residences didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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Simply unforgettable experiences and some of the world’s most sought-after destinations are within your reach on Fred. Olsen cruises from Liverpool. Situated on the coast of Northwest England, this port is the ideal starting point for voyages to Scotland, Northern Europe and Scandinavia, bringing you closer to the beautiful unspoilt waterways and landscapes of the Norwegian fjords and the Scottish lochs; the astonishing natural wonders of Iceland and Greenland; and remote locations within the Arctic Circle.

Fred. Olsen’s tempting range of Liverpool cruise departures also includes cruises to gorgeous Atlantic Ocean islands such as the Canaries, Cape Verde and fragrant Madeira; explorations of the culture-rich Baltic and stunning Adriatic; journeys to scenic regions of France or Spain; and more.

In 2026, cruise from Liverpool on an epic journey around the world aboard Bolette, visiting iconic cities such as Syndey, Kuala Lumpur and Auckland; and idyllic paradise islands in Thailand, Indonesia and the Maldives.

Liverpool is easy to access via car or coach journey from Merseyside, Lancashire, or North Wales. It is also well connected via rail, with direct connections from across the UK including direct links to Manchester, Newcastle, London, and Norwich. In addition, Liverpool can also be accessed via flight services from across the UK to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

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© Fred. Olsen Travel 2024. Registered in England and Wales No. 02287241. 2nd Floor, 36 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH

Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority's Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your money is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Reasons to book with us... Financial protection afforded by our ABTA and ATOL industry bonding, giving you complete peace of mind. Dedicated team of experienced travel advisors waiting to tailor your holiday to your personal requirements. We can arrange all of your car hire, airport lounges and much more to make your holiday as easy as possible.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils brand new programme of sailing from Liverpool for summer 2023

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled a brand new programme of cruising from Liverpool for summer 2023, offering a host of scenic sailings, cultural discoveries and calls that coincide with special events ashore.

The new sailings feature the chance to cruise the scenic Prins Christiansund and explore the lesser-known port of Narsarsuaq in Greenland; witness the Midnight Sun in sailings to Arctic Norway and Spitsbergen; and sail the Amalfi Coast at sunrise and sunset.

Guests will be able to take advantage of up to £250 per person to spend on board, or up to £500 per person when booking a suite. In addition, on selected July and August 2023 cruises, there is the option to add a third guest from £199 when sharing with two others, plus a number of no single supplement offers for solo travellers too.

The new programme offers 12 brand new sailings departing from Liverpool between June and October 2023.

Members of Fred. Olsen’s Oceans loyalty scheme can take advantage of an exclusive early booking period from today, ahead of the new itineraries going on general sale on Friday (18 th March) at 9am.

Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experience at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Our new summer programme really showcases what makes us special, and we have hand-crafted each cruise to really celebrate our smaller ships and the opportunities they allow us to offer our guests. “So much has been curated around the best time to visit, whether that’s to witness a destination at its seasonal best, or to coincide with a special event ashore. In October, for example, Borealis will venture to Canada in time for guests to witness the spectacular autumnal foliage. “We enjoyed a successful first season of sailing from Liverpool in 2021, and it will be great to have Borealis based from the city again next summer.”

Highlights of Fred. Olsen’s new Summer 2023 programme from Liverpool include:

Borealis ’ 25-night S2309 ‘Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic and Amalfi Coast’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 22 nd May 2023. Prices start from £3,999 per person, with £250 per person to spend on board.

Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Cartagena, Spain – Livorno, Italy – Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy – Sorrento, Italy – Cruising Amalfi Coast and Capri, Italy – Amalfi, Italy – Cruising Strait of Messina, Italy – Venice, Italy – Zadar, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor, Montenegro – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Valletta, Malta – Malaga, Spain – Liverpool, England

For more details: Visit S2309 ‘Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic and Amalfi Coast’

Borealis ’ 15-night S2312 ‘Exploring Northern Norway – the Land of the Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 4 th July 2023. Prices start from £2,499 per person, with £200 per person to spend on board.

Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Kristiansund, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten (Hat Mountain), Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Crossing Arctic Circle, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Alta, Norway – Honningsvåg, Norway – Cruising by North Cape and The Horn, Norway – Cruising by Devils Jaw, Norway – Bodø, Norway – Olden, Norway – Cruising by Hornelen at sunset – Cruising Nordfjord and Innvikfjord – Kirkwall, Orkney – Liverpool, England

For more details: Visit S2312 ‘Exploring Northern Norway – the Land of the Midnight Sun’

Borealis ’ 14-night S2315 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 4 th August 2023. Prices start from £2,599 per person, with £200 per person to spend on board.

Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland – Reykjavík, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Cruising Prins Christiansund, Greenland – Qaqortoq, Greenland – Narsarsuaq, Greenland – Nanortalik, Greenland – Liverpool, England

For more details: Visit S2315 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’    

The summer programme comes ahead of the launch of Fred. Olsen’s full 2023/24 brochure, which is set to be released by the small-ship operator in late April 2022.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ two new cruises, visit fredolsencruises.com/just-released . Book online, call our Reservations team on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

With Columbus Day just days away, then what better time to remind you that the details and finer points of the schedule are now available for you to read,...

MSC Cruises revealed today further details of the recently announced short breaks and week-long summer sailings around the British Isles departing from the port of Southampton.

The Cruise Season in Liverpool got underway in grand style in at the end of May with inaugural visits by Ruby Princess and an overnight stay by Queen Victoria...

Telegraph Events are delighted to announce that the first Liverpool Cruise Show, which took place from the 11th – 12th October at the Echo Arena was a huge success,...

This year the Liverpool Cruise Terminal has welcomed more than 100,000 international passengers and crew and approximately 50,000 spectators to the waterfront during cruise ship visits, generating an economic...

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines   Reviews

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We are always served with the utmost care

We are always served with the utmost care and attention by all staff. The lectures are useful as an introduction to your next destination. This time, from Dover to Iceland in July we were surprised to see young children in the theatre area, allowed to run around and disturb and distract quite a few guests, even when the cast were performing. We have no problem with children on board, but someone should have noticed and perhaps offered some advice, particularly as it happened more than once. As they were sitting in front of us on one occasion we left as did others. We have used Fred for many years and will continue to do so. This small inconvenience won’t deter us. Just thought we would mention it this time as others appear to have the same thoughts……

Date of experience : 18 July 2024

Reply from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Good afternoon Thank you for your feedback and for being a loyal Fred Olsen customer over the years. It's wonderful to hear that you consistently receive excellent care and attention from the staff, and that you find the lectures helpful for preparing for your next destinations. I’m sorry to hear that the behavior of some of the children on board impacted your experience during the theatre performances. It’s certainly important that all guests are able to enjoy the shows without distractions. Your feedback will be shared with the ship's management for future consideration. We’re glad that this inconvenience hasn’t deterred you from continuing to sail with Fred Olsen, and we look forward to welcoming you on board for many more enjoyable voyages in the future. Kind regards Stuart Guest Relations

Balmoral to iceland

Balmoral to iceland, food below average, like been at a back street cafe. Entertainment could be improved, clean and friendly ship.

Date of experience : 01 September 2024

smaller ships and personal service.the…

I appreciate the smaller ships and the opportunity the itinaries bring for sailing to less visited places and scenic cruising. The crew are invariably friendly and helpful and there is a relaxed friendly atmosphere catering to a range of interests. Good enrichment talks, craft and art classes. Something for every one in fact; bingo, quizes and games, singing, cards and drama as well as the first class evening shows and guest artists. Not to forget the wonderful food with great healthy choices and tasty meals and delicious deserts. Good job that there is a gym and dancing available. I can't wait for my next cruise adventure on Fred Olsen

Date of experience : 15 August 2024

Dear Margaret Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience during your recent cruise. It's great to hear how much you appreciate the smaller ships and the unique itineraries that allow for visits to less crowded destinations and scenic cruising. Your kind comments regarding the entertainment offering, the food and our wonderful crew are very much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back on board in the near future. Kind regards, Stuart Guest Relations

We went on the Canada, Greenland and Iceland cruise, 27 nights. I was a bit wary of the 5 day passage to Canada but there was more than enough activities to keep us busy. The staff are amazing and it was a really happy crew. It was a shame that the Canadian authorities wouldn't let us go round Baffin island which limited our chances of whale spotting and meant we had 2 days in Nuuk, Greenland instead. I would have preferred 2 days in Halifax as it had more to see and do. We are not cruise experts but we have already booked another cruise with Fred to try to see the Northern Lights. In fact 80% of the passengers on this cruise were repeat guests and we can understand why.why they have such a loyal following. Our only quibble was the cost of the trips which were prohibitive although we didn't have a bad one.( £50 each for a hop off hop on bus). BTW the food was fabulous and the choices were excellent.

Dissapointing.

We visited the Azores on board Borealis. Check in very quick at Dover and lunch was available. A big dissapointment was the amount of children on board, Fred Olsen is not geared for children which resulted them running through entertainment areas whilst artists were playing, the Lido area was overtaken by them and you were wondering when you were going to be dive bombed in the pool. We did hear that Head Office staff and families were given a deal, if this was true they weren't very good ambassadors for Fred Olsen brand. There was an autistic adult swearing at guests, she had no adult supervision. There were a number of people vaping around the pool even though Fred Olsen states they have a strict non smoking policy, I did report this to Guest Services. As a gold oceans member I didn't receive my welcome onboard gift, I asked the cabin stewardess on day 1, guest Services and future cruise staff on day 2 and eventually day 4 a small bag of truffles were left in cabin. On the plus side the service was excellent, meeting with old and new staff. Food was very good but a lot of meat was tough. The entertainment from Matt Bruno (who actually took requests) and Steve Thiebault (country session was great) was excellent. If this had been my first cruise with Fred Olsen, I don't think I would have returned. Learning curve , is not to book school holidays.

Date of experience : 31 July 2024

First ever cruise, one of the best holidays ever!

Sorry so late in writing this review but over two months later my wife and I are still buzzing with the great experience on board the Bolette cruising to Norway! Our first ever cruise, to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary, and very apprehensive about so many aspects before we left home but this quickly disappeared as everything exceeded our expectations. Everybody so friendly and everything so well organised, we quickly settled in. We had opted for a cheaper inside cabin and this proved to be just right for us as we found it more inviting and spacious than some hotel/guest house rooms than we have been in of late. The food and the amount on offer was fantastic and we were glad that we had opted for an 8.30 sitting for evening meal on a table of six as we made great friends with two other couples. The waiters were so attentive and engaging, in fact all the staff and crew seemed so happy to be working on board. The activities and entertainment on board were of a very good standard and we did use the well stocked gym and swimming pools during our days at sea. Four lovely days in Norway, scenery as promised was stunning and we would certainly recommend this destination. My wife and I are not heavy drinkers so we opted for the on board spend rather than the drinks package. Again a good choice for us as it covered one or two drinks per day, staff gratuities and some left over spent on duty free for presents to be taken home. Compared to other cruise lines Fred Olsen at first glance does not appear to be the cheapest but I think if you are looking for value for money they are pretty unbeatable. Thankyou Fred Olsen for giving us such a wonderful time.

Date of experience : 30 May 2024

Usual 1st class welcome

Usual 1st class welcome from all the staff as we boarded and efficiently taken to our comfortable cabin. Entertainment 1st class and the classes of craft and singinng for fun. Borialis is a long ship and there was a lot of walking from one end to the other for food and entertainment at the other. Our first main course meal in the dining room was not good (chicken Kiev) but the food improved over the cruise and there was plenty of choice on the buffet each day. Not so keen on the art class only went once clashed with singing.

Date of experience : 31 May 2024

Good afternoon Thank you for your valuable feedback. I was sorry to read of the disappointing first meal but was pleased that you felt the food offering improved during the cruise. If you would like to us to investigate any of your concerns, please contact our Guest Relations team via [email protected]. We hope to welcome you back on board in the near future. Kind regards Stuart Guest Relations

My wife terrible treatment by Fred olsenfractured her arm in aledsun

My wife fractured her arm in aledsun. Had to leave the ship but we were promised that except for a few items they would transfer the suitcases, 4, back to our home. Despite this, when we arrived at the hotel the cruise ship dropped off the 4 suitcases at the hotel. The hotel did not have any meals for the weekend except for breakfast. I had to go out to get meals. My wife has Parkinson s disease and I have diabetes. We struggled for two days before we had a fleight. We had booked another holiday with another company but my wife was not well enough to go. As soon as we disembarked Fred Olsen tried to take £1000 off us for disembarkation fees. The credit card I had used was near the limit and so capital one stopped the transaction. My funds were in wales but during the next two days they continually harassed us for the money, ignoring our predicament. I sent the paperwork tha said they re promise to get our luggage home but they have totally ignored the letters. This was approximately our 20th cruise and we are seasoned travellers but this was our last because of the experience with Fred Olsen. Small ship but you will be looked after, not in our experience. We have been on Cunard, Costa, msc, princess and p and o. We missed a cruise with Costa because of bad weather at scipol. Costa reimbursed the half we missed and also gave us a half price cruise, which they did not have to because insurance covered. Neverthe less they did it. What a contrast. Why have we taken 6 months to submit this, simply put, trauma.

Date of experience : 14 February 2024

Dear Mr Lewis I was very sorry to learn of your experience during your Fred. Olsen cruise earlier this year. This is certainly not our usual level of service. If you would like us to investigate your concerns further, please contact our Guest Relations team via [email protected] I hope your wife has since made a full recovery following her accident. Kind regards Stuart Guest Relations

Rosyth to norway cruise 2nd to 7th August

Just back from Norway today on cruise from rosyth. Had a lovely time food lovely and staff very nice only major complaint. Our toilet was forever not working. Didn't work from 1st day. Reported nearly every day. They fixed it then happened again. Worst time was Saturday night after 11pm went to reception no plumber available as fred olsen will not pay them to be on call we were given another room card to use the toilet on another deck. Guess what this toilet also wasn't working. Through the night we had to get dressed and visit the toilet at the dining room. Not acceptable. I met a few People on our deck doi g the same. Absolutely shocking. Not good PR this is our 2nd cruise with you. We love it but surely toilets should be in good working order 24/7. Not sure about next year

Date of experience : 02 August 2024

Dear Anne Thank you for your feedback following your recent cruise on board Balmoral. I was sorry to learn of the plumbing issues that affected your cabin throughout the cruise; this is most unusual and there should be a plumber on call at all times. If you would like us to investigate your concerns, please contact our Guest Relations team via [email protected] I do hope that you will consider a future holiday with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Kind regards Stuart Guest Relations

Cruising how it should be

We've always enjoyed our cruises with Fred Olsen. It's homely and comfortable yet still offers an excellent level of luxury. The service is second to none, all of the staff, without exception are friendly, polite and professional. There are no night clubs, skating rinks, casinos etc or thousands of people milling around just good , old fashioned fabulous cruising with like-minded people.

Date of experience : 19 June 2023

A cruise line that really looks after you

Fred Olsen staff - well trained and efficient - treat guests with great respect.Nothing is too much trouble.Bollette is beautiful.A full and enjoyable daily programme (with first rate lectures) and fun evening entertainment.To top it all the food is excellent. Our only reservation - the queues on disembarkation in Liverpool for those leaving their cars at Q Park and waiting for the shuttle minibuses were overlong (50 minutes). Elderly/disabled passengers had to stand for lengthy periods.Suggest at least 4 (or more) minibuses needed to speed the process.

Date of experience : 03 May 2024

Good afternoon Muriel Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback with us, following your recent cruise on board Bolette. I was pleased to read that you enjoyed the food, entertainment and the service from our wonderful crew. We hope to welcome you back on board in the near future. Kind regards, Stuart Guest Relations

The crew were all so friendly and…

The crew were all so friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was relaxed and chilled. So many activities was spoilt for choice. The captain came across as really caring about his crew. Food amazing.

Date of experience : 04 September 2023

Good afternoon Thank you for your wonderful feedback, following your recent Fred. Olsen cruise. We were pleased to learn that you felt the crew were all friendly and welcoming, and you enjoyed the food and activities on offer. We very much hope to welcome you back on board in the near future. Kind regards, Stuart Guest Relations

Wonderful staff

Wonderful staff, nothing too much trouble. Unfortunately the handle of my case was damaged during boarding - it was fixed with a much stronger handle very promptly without charge. Icelandic ports were stunning and the complimentary rib tour which was organised at the last minute was marvellous - just a shame more ports don't give permission for these.

Date of experience : 23 April 2024

Love cruising with Fred Olsen

Cruising with Fred Olson is a wonderful experience. The service and attention to detail provided by all crew members is second to none. The waiters in our restaurant were exceptional. Great choice of food and drink and exceptional service. Lots of outside space and communal areas but always able to find a quiet corner if we wanted to be alone. Enjoyed our destinations very much and have already booked our next cruise with Fred.

Date of experience : 26 April 2024

EXCELLENT ALL ROUND!!!

This was our first time with Olsen although it was our cruise number 40 and having been with most of the cruise lines, I have to say we were very impressed with the personal experience and quality of the service. The people who crew this ship (Balmoral) take a personal interest in their passengers - this is something we have not witnessed in other lines. Our cabin steward (Theresa) was a gem who made our stay very pleasant. Although the style of the ship did not suit some, we enjoyed being able to walk along an open deck in the evenings. The theatre entertainment was excellent, the food menu limited but exceptionally well cooked and presented. One aspect that requires a special note is the guided seat placings in the buffet with teas/coffee brought to our table - - something unique to the Olsen line. The Rosyth Port is difficult to find if you travel from the west as there are no visible signage. However, on finally arriving at the port the management too and from the ship was good. Overall this was an unexpected and uplifting experience and I recommend the Fred Olsen cruises.

Date of experience : 04 July 2024

Good morning. Thank you for your review. Your feedback is very much appreciated and I will ensure that your thanks is passed on to Theresa and the team on board Balmoral. We hope to welcome you back on board in the near future.

Fred Olsen cruises is the perfect fit

We have been on two Fred Olsen cruises, both to Norway, first for the Northern Lights in Feb 2022 and then the fjords in May 2023 - we are about to go on our third, this time to the Adriatic. Fred Olsen are perfect for us, smaller ships, personal service and everything we have experienced has been 1st Class. People have suggested other Lines but we just love the experience and do not wish to cloud our opinion of cruising by switching to someone else.

Date of experience : 28 May 2023

Great all round experience

Well appointed cabin, fantastic crew especially our table waiters. Plenty of space to just sit and watch the World go by but also loads to do if you want a more active day. Fred Olsen cruises are designed for adults who don't want Karaoke, water flumes, fun fairs and drunken louts swearing everywhere. They do have live music, disco and entertainment and for those that like ballroom dancing or would like to learn they have dance hosts and daily dance sessions. We have only ever cruised with Fred Olsen and having heard from friends of our age (50's/60's) about their cruises on much bigger vessels I don't think we would try any others.

Date of experience : 25 May 2023

Nothing seems too much trouble for the…

Nothing seems too much trouble for the crew on Fred Olsen ships. Within a couple if days at the most dining room staff and bar staff know you and what you like. Restaurant staff pick up on likes and dislikes and ensure you have the best of service. Cabins on Bollette and Borealis are very roomy with plenty of storage space. Intenaries are well put together and excursions give you a variety of places to visit as well as time to go it alone. The smaller number of people on board means that before long you know several new people and friendships are easily formed.

Date of experience : 30 September 2023

Fabulous cruise

We enjoyed our Fred Olsen cruise very much. It’s like a big family with very friendly staff in all roles throughout the ship. We enjoy the smaller number of passengers creating a more intimate atmosphere on the ship. The captain was excellent and engaged with passengers on a very informal level and was often seen around the ship. We enjoyed the captains daily announcements too with quotes is great wisdom. Overall a great experience.

Date of experience : 19 July 2023

Attention to detail

Attention to detail The cabins are well appointed, with every care is taking to keep them up to standard. Even the smallest detail is of importance, the slightest niggle being taken seriously, dealt with promptly and followed up. We were in a Junior Suite and had canapés delivered to us every day between 16:30 and17:00 hours - if we away from the cabin they were delivered with a typed note that told us what the ingredients were. We are always treated as VIPs on Fred Olsen cruises and hesitate to try any other company, fearing the FOC standards would not be met!

Date of experience : 27 March 2024

Last Days of Summer

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New programme of sailing from Liverpool for summer 2023 announced by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

2 years ago

By The Guide Liverpool

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled a brand new programme of cruising from Liverpool for summer 2023, offering a host of scenic sailings, cultural discoveries and calls that coincide with special events ashore.

The new sailings feature the chance to cruise the scenic Prins Christiansund and explore the lesser-known port of Narsarsuaq in Greenland; witness the Midnight Sun in sailings to Arctic Norway and Spitsbergen; and sail the Amalfi Coast at sunrise and sunset.

Guests will be able to take advantage of up to £250 per person to spend on board, or up to £500 per person when booking a suite. In addition, on selected July and August 2023 cruises, there is the option to add a third guest from £199 when sharing with two others, plus a number of no single supplement offers for solo travellers too.

The new programme offers 12 brand new sailings departing from Liverpool between June and October 2023.

Members of Fred. Olsen’s Oceans loyalty scheme can take advantage of an exclusive early booking period from today, ahead of the new itineraries going on general sale on Friday (18 th March) at 9am.

Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experience at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Our new summer programme really showcases what makes us special, and we have hand-crafted each cruise to really celebrate our smaller ships and the opportunities they allow us to offer our guests.

“So much has been curated around the best time to visit, whether that’s to witness a destination at its seasonal best, or to coincide with a special event ashore. In October, for example, Borealis will venture to Canada in time for guests to witness the spectacular autumnal foliage.

“We enjoyed a successful first season of sailing from Liverpool in 2021, and it will be great to have Borealis based from the city again next summer.”

Highlights of Fred. Olsen’s new Summer 2023 programme from Liverpool include:

_______________________________

Borealis ’ 25-night S2309 ‘Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic and Amalfi Coast’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 22 nd May 2023. Prices start from £3,999 per person, with £250 per person to spend on board.

For more details: Visit S2309 ‘Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic and Amalfi Coast’

 ____________________________

Borealis ’ 15-night S2312 ‘Exploring Northern Norway – the Land of the Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 4 th July 2023. Prices start from £2,499 per person, with £200 per person to spend on board.

For more details: Visit S2312 ‘Exploring Northern Norway – the Land of the Midnight Sun’

Borealis ’ 14-night S2315 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 4 th August 2023. Prices start from £2,599 per person, with £200 per person to spend on board.

For more details: Visit S2315 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’

The summer programme comes ahead of the launch of Fred. Olsen’s full 2023/24 brochure, which is set to be released by the small-ship operator in late April 2022.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ two new cruises, visit the website.

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Fred. Olsen unveils new cruise programme from Liverpool in 2025/26

Destinations include the Mediterranean, North Africa, Iceland and further afield to the Caribbean, South America and Australia

• 12:15, 5 MAR 2024
• Updated 13:03, 5 MAR 2024

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled its brand new cruise programme for 2025/26 from Liverpool.

The new programme, from Liverpool cruise terminal, has been curated so that guests are visiting destinations at the very best time of year with opportunities to experience events such as the Rio Carnival and witness powerful waterfalls and geysers in Iceland.

Destinations include the Mediterranean and North Africa, the Baltic, Arctic Norway, Iceland and Greenland, the British Isles and far-flung gems in the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Australia. Those making a booking can take advantage of dedicated launch offers, with up to £20 per person per night to spend on board on selected five to 13-night cruises.

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There's also the choice of up to £20 credit per person per night or free door-to-door transfers within up to 200 mainland miles from the port on sailings of 14 to 28 nights. A series of dedicated offers are also available for solo travellers.

Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , said: "Guests who join us on board in 2025 and 2026 can expect to see some breathtaking scenery including eye-catching fjord mountains, dramatic coastlines, icebergs, remote islands and beautiful bays.

"They can visit captivating cities, fairytale castles and charming old towns packed with ornate and striking architecture and experience natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, stunning sunsets and flowers in bloom at the very best time to see them.

"Some of the highlights include chances to visit the beautiful Norwegian Fjords in the spring, when the waterfalls are at their strongest; to see fields of lavender and sunflowers in bloom in the French Riviera and enjoy a world cruise discovering idyllic islands and cities rich in culture."

The Fred. Olsen 2025/26 cruise programme from Liverpool includes:

Bolette ’s 16-night T2514 ‘Discovering the Colourful French Riviera’

The cruise is departing from Liverpool on June 23, 2025 with prices starting from £2,599 per person.

• Visit Provence when lavenders and sunflowers are in bloom
• Enjoy scenic cruising past Cap de Formentor at sunset
• Experience life in Provence, such as watching locals play pétanque

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruising by Cap de Formentor, Mallorca, Spain – Port-Vendres, France – Marseille, France – Villefranche, France – Toulon, France – Palamos, Spain – Cadiz, Spain – Liverpool, UK For more details: Visit T2514 ‘Discovering the Colourful French Riviera’

Bolette’s 15-night T2518 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’

The cruise, departs from Liverpool on August 7, 2025 with prices starting from £2,299 per person.

• Discover the wild and rugged landscapes of Iceland and Greenland
• Experience the Inuit community tradition of kaffemik
• Enjoy scenic cruising of Tasermiut and Tunulliarfik fjords

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Reykjavik, Iceland – Cruising Prins Christiansund, Greenland – Narsarsuaq, Greenland – Cruising Tunulliarfik Fjord, Greenland – Qaqortoq, Greenland – Cruising Einarsfjord, Greenland – Nanortalik, Greenland – Cruising Tasermiut Fjord, Greenland – Cruising Prins Christiansund, Greenland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruising Eyjafjörður, Iceland – Liverpool, UK For more details: Visit T2518 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’

Bolette’s 14-night T2526 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise

It leaves from Liverpool on November 3, 2025. Prices start from £1,999 per person.

• Take the chance of witnessing the Northern Lights
• Visit a local Sami community and discover their way of life
• Uncover the scientific wonders of the Aurora Borealis

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Alta, Norway (overnight stay) – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Molde, Norway – Liverpool, UK For more details: Visit T2526 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’

Bolette’s 24-night T2609 ‘Mountains, Islands and Lakes of the Dalmatian Coast’

This cruise leaves from Liverpool on April 28, 2026 with prices starting from £3,699 per person.

• Enjoy unforgettable scenic cruising of the Dalmatian Coast
• Indulge in local red wines and watch a Picigan ball game
• Visit Lake Bled and Plitvices Lakes’ cascading waterfalls

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruising Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Malta – Valletta, Malta – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Hvar, Croatia – Koper, Slovenia – Zadar, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising by Mount Biokovo, Makarska Riviera, Croatia – Cruising Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor, Montenegro – Kerkira, Corfu, Greece – La Goulette, Tunisia – Tangier, Morocco – Liverpool, UK For more details: Visit T2609 ‘Mountains, Islands and Lakes of the Dalmatian Coast’

John Mawer, Head of Cruise Operations at Liverpool City Council, said: "We are thrilled to have Bolette sailing from Liverpool for the next three years. She will call a total of 24 times in 2025 and already has four scheduled cruises for 2026, embarking in the region of 32,000 guests on a wide variety of amazing voyages.

"As well as Liverpool being a convenient and reliable embarkation port for Northern England, this also represents a significant economic impact to the Liverpool area in the region of £3.2million. We thank Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for their commitment to Liverpool and look forward to welcoming Bolette ’s guests."

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2025/26 sailings, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/new-cruise-programme Book online or call reservations on 0800 0355 242

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