Destinations


Q&A with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Itinerary & Experience Development Manager, Martin Lister


A ‘behind the scenes’ look at our exciting 2018/19 itineraries.


What are the ingredients that make a good itinerary? A key factor is having enough time in port to explore so that you get the most out of the holiday. We work hard to identify the truly authentic experiences for each destination, piecing them together to give guests the chance to delve deeper and discover the essence of a place. In doing so we aim to exceed guest expectations every time. That’s why it’s so important that we have a varied Shore Tours programme for each port too.


A good itinerary has a balance of port days, sea days and scenic cruising. The added benefit of a port call coinciding with an event is always popular, as is docking close to the centre of the destination. Often Fred. Olsen feature all of these in one cruise!


Which cruise(s) would you recommend to someone new to Fred. Olsen? The Norwegian Fjords. We use our long Norwegian heritage and the experience of Norway’s Intercoastal Pilots to divert away from regular routes used by larger ships and head into narrower, size-restricted fjords that bring something unique to the itinerary, showcasing what this stunning country is all about. We know the real appeal is the spectacular scenery – after all it’s a Norwegian Fjords cruise (not a Norwegian ports cruise!).


What are your top destinations to visit in 2018/19 – and why? A destination I believe is on everyone’s wish list – but often without them fully knowing why – is India. It’s a spiritual delight and melting pot of experiences, from the chaotic megalopolis of Mumbai to the more relaxed, Portuguese-influenced region of Goa, to authentic Porbandar – birthplace of Gandhi. Boudicca’s dedicated ‘Authentic India’ exotic fly- cruise is the best chance to immerse yourself in this fascinating country.


And then there’s Italy. Following the popularity of our 2017 Amalfi Coast cruise, we’re exploring further in 2018/19. Boudicca will not only return to the Amalfi Coast and Rome, but also uncover two other beautiful regions: Tuscany and the Italian Riviera.


Sydney surely deserves a mention. Few would dispute that it’s one of the best places in the world to spend New Year’s Eve, and Black Watch’s 2018/19 world voyage will calling here to join the unforgettable celebrations.


Which cruises are best for experiencing the benefits of Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships? ‘Cruising to the Heart of the Baltic’ (M1823, p210) – Many Baltic cities cater for big ships with ports on the outskirts, but smaller and shallower Braemar can dock much closer to the centres of big-hitters such as Riga, Helsinki and Copenhagen, without the need for shuttle buses.


‘French River Cruising to Bordeaux’ (M1808, p133; M1816, p142; M1821, p145) – Experience river cruising on an ocean ship as Braemar transits the tidally-restricted Gironde, Garonne and Seine rivers to reach Bordeaux and Rouen. Bordeaux is a particular highlight – with Fred. Olsen the city centre starts at the end of the gangway!


Itineraries featuring Seville (M1806, p96; M1809, p134) – Don’t always believe larger lines when they tell you they cruise to Seville, because the chances are they dock in coastal Cádiz with a 90-minute bus ride to reach the city. Aboard Braemar you can sail along the tidally-restricted Guadalquivir River and dock in the centre, courtesy of shorter, shallower dimensions. What’s more, in 2018 the two calls here purposely coincide with the fragrant orange blossom season and the firework-filled final night of the annual Seville Fair respectively.


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