Fred Olsen Cruise Lines will start British Isles cruises on July 5 with a three-night ‘maiden’ voyage of new ship Borealis from Liverpool, it announced today.
The other addition to the fleet, Bolette, will set off on its first cruise from Dover on August 16 on another three-day break.
The programme of 11 cruises will feature no-stop scenic sailings around the British coastline, including the Shetland and Orkney islands as well as the Isles of Scilly. One of the highlights will be seeing Fingal’s Cave on Staffa.
Fred Olsen isn’t yet saying whether it will require all guests to be fully vaccinated before sailing, as Saga and P&O Cruises will. It is awaiting further announcements from the government before deciding.
Borealis and Bolette are both ships that the cruise line bought from Holland America Lines during the pause in cruising caused by the pandemic. Traditional favourite Balmoral is also sailing two voyages.
Managing director Peter Deer said of the ships’ itineraries: ‘We are so excited to be unveiling these new summer cruises today. So often overlooked, our British Isles are home to some of the most wonderful wildlife, and so much spectacular scenery that is best enjoyed from the water.
‘With this selection of shorter sailings, guests can dip their toes back into cruising and enjoy all that they love about being on board with us, before we all begin to venture further afield again. This is an incredibly important milestone for our business, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests on board our new-look fleet this summer.”
Itineraries include:
A four-night no-port cruise on Borealis leaving Liverpool on July 8. Cruising by: Neist Point Lighthouse – Kilt Rock & Mealt Waterfall – Loch Broom – The Small Isles – Loch Hourn – Dutchman’s Cap – (Bac Mòr) & Fingal’s Cave – Sound of Mull – Duart Castle – return to Liverpool. From £549pp, with up to £75pp to spend on board.
A five-night no-port cruise on Borealis leaving Liverpool on July 17. Cruising by: The Needle, Orkney, Scotland – Old Man of Hoy, Hoy, Orkneys – Marwick Head, Orkneys – Fair Isle – Sumburgh Head, Shetlands – Cape Enniberg – Kalsoyarfjørður – Leirvíksfjørður & Djúpini – Vestmanna cliffs, Streymoy – Gásadalur – Mykines – Gáshólmur, Tindhólmur & Drangarnir – Hestur & Koltur and return to Liverpool. From £699pp with up to £100pp to spend on board.
A five-night no-port cruise on Bolette leaving Dover on August 24. Cruising by: Lerwick, Shetland Islands – Kirkwall, Orkney Islands and return to Dover. From £799pp, with up to £100pp to spend on board.
See also:
MSC to welcome children on round-Britain voyages
Fred Olsen buys two Holland America ships
P&O Cruises announces round-Britain cruises
Princess Cruises announces British Isles voyages
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