DESTINATIONS MEDITERRANEAN | CRUISE
WHAT’S NEW?
FROM FAR LEFT: The agent fam trip group; Balmoral moored in Mahón port, Menorca; Valencia’s Old Town; Propriano, Corsica; writer Jo making mayonnaise in Menorca PICTURE: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines/rico; Jo Fernández
at the aft on deck seven. Despite the ship’s smaller size, there’s plenty of space to spread out, with thoughtfully designed, peaceful public areas such as the library-like Earth Room and the pretty plant- themed Botanical Room lounge.
MAKE A MEAL The following day’s port call was Mahón, the attractive capital of Menorca. I’d never visited the easternmost Balearic island and had intended to revel in its coastal charms with a swim in a sparkling bay. However, my head was turned by a shore excursion to a cheese-making farm that revealed Menorca’s rural interior, with surprising amounts of greenery framing the sun-drenched fields and whitewashed houses. In this pastoral bliss, we learnt how to whip up creamy mayonnaise (known locally as ‘Mahónnaise’, as the popular condiment comes from this island) by blending simple, high-quality ingredients: olive oil,
salt and egg yolks. Once it was sufficiently aerated, we dipped rustic bread and cubes of salty white cheese into our handmade mayo, feeling pleased with our efforts. Back in Mahón, we strolled
through the well-kept streets, which were heady with the enticing smell of garlic, as locals and tourists enjoyed tapas on its shaded terraces. We passed handsome Georgian buildings from the 18th-century British occupation of Menorca, the opera house – said to be the oldest in Spain – and the 13th-century church of Santa Maria, which presides over the old town. Mahón is an atmospheric place made for lingering until the sun goes
down – and on certain itineraries, Balmoral stays here until late, so clients can do just that.
LAND AND SEA While there was plenty of entertainment on board – from quizzes to quoits – getting close to nature in each destination
was a rewarding aspect of this smaller-ship cruise. Our final excursion was a speedboat ride from the petite port of Propriano in Corsica. The experience was undeniably glamorous, as we zoomed around the bay with sea spray in our hair, but it felt much deeper than that.
As we zipped past the
protected Belvédère-Campomoro coastline, the rock formations where the sea meets Corsica’s forested hills were so weathered that each resembled an animal. I spotted a lion with a rocky mane here, an elephant’s stone trunk there – and discovering and discussing each shape was an enjoyably mindful experience. Above us, seabirds soared over shoals of sea bream darting in unison under the clear green-blue water. Exploring this nature
reserve up close was a true highlight – a natural high to go with my low-stress cruise.
TW
E Fellow Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship Borealis will be adult-only from this year.
EBorealis has also just emerged from a dry-dock refurbishment, with the most significant addition being Fresco, an open-air, Mediterranean-inspired lounge and dining venue.
E The line’s Freedom Fare – one step above the basic category – now covers tips and selected beers and wines with meals.
E Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is also introducing a Chef’s Table experience across its fleet, which costs £100 per person and can be booked on board.
BOOK IT
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ 11-night Amalfi Coast, Italian Riviera and Corsica sailing on Balmoral costs from £2,149 per person, based on two sharing an interior cabin. Includes transfers and flights from London or Manchester, based on an October 8 departure.
fredolsencruises.com
travelweekly.co.uk 22 JANUARY 2026 63
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
