If you have ever cruised before with Fred Olsen you will know that the service, ambience, and food are smashing. Fred’s are always looking to improve either in new destinations or having a makeover on the ships. The Black Watch had a recent upgrade, 4 weeks of extensive engineering work, maintenance and refurbishment. One of the things I have said for a while is they really do need to update the cabins as the furnishings look a bit tired. All cabins on decks 4, 5, 7, 8 & 9 now have brand new carpets, bed frames and mattresses. The bathrooms are completely refurbished and have a more contemporary look, well done Fred!
This last week Fred have also announced details of it’s new 2018/2019 programme. The fleet of 4 ships are going to travel to 228 destinations in 73 countries. The big difference this time is they are increasing their fly cruise programme. New fly-cruise itineraries for 2018/2019 include Arabia and India, this I think will be huge as there going down to the Seychelles which I hear is a fantastic area to cruise around. The Balmoral will also introduce a California, Mexico and Panama Canal voyage — departing from Southampton on a 62-night itinerary in January 2019, another smashing trip, – P&O watch out!
I particularly like the thought they put into some of the destinations they go to. For example, the Boudicca will sail on a 16-night Film Stars & Classic Cars itinerary in May this year, coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival and the Braemar will sail into the heart of Seville on a 14-night Authentic Andalusia & Seville Orange Blossom itinerary in March 2018 — coinciding with the period when the orange blossom is at its most fragrant.
Fred are departing from five UK departure ports – Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh (Rosyth) so if you don’t want to fly you should at least have a port of destination near you. This is another reason why I like Fred – they do not just sail from the South – us Northerners need something!
Fred are also introducing more river and fjord itineraries with more mini cruises of five nights and under. More and more people are going for the smaller durations now.
Lastly Fred are also going to do more “mystery cruises” – only the Captain knows where your going!!
If you have not tried Fred before maybe now is the time, they certainly are on the up!
Till next time
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