In preparation for the 2015/16 season, this is the first time so many Fred Olsen ships have undergone refurbishment within such short succession. All ships will enter Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany in November and December 2014.
Work has already began on Black Watch who entered the ship yard last week. On completion of her refurbishment she will sail to Tilbury for the first ever ‘Mystery Cruise’ that sold out in record time.
Braemar will begin her refurbishment on 12th November 2014 and Balmoral on 9th December 2014.
Some of the changes include; Black Watch gaining 27 new cabins on Lido Deck 7 with balcony terraces. Balmoral and Braemar will gain ‘Café Venus’ serving high-quility coffee and luxury chocolates.
Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said "We experience extremely high demand for balcony cabins across our fleet, and in particular on board the smaller-sized Black Watch, and our new Balcony Terrace cabins are an innovative response to this. We are also looking forward to being able to give guests the experience of fine coffee and chocolates on board Balmoral and Braemar, as they have already been enjoying on Boudicca and Black Watch."
The 5-day cruise will head to Aarhus, Denmark where guests will visit Graceland Randers – an impressive replica of the King of Rock and Roll’s Graceland home. Inside you’ll be able to explore the extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia, including pictures, vinyl, film posters and stage costumes. You’ll even have the chance to see the King’s high school graduation photo, one of his beloved guitars and the famous trousers that he wore during the I Want You, I Need You, I Love You recording session. Finish your day at Graceland Randers with a classic American meal at their very own 1950s style eatery, the Highway 51 Diner, all whilst enjoying classic tunes from the jukebox.
But the fun’s not over just there – you can also expect to experience Elvis themed disco nights, film showings and top class performances from two top Elvis tribute performers, Ben Portsmouth and Ben Thompson, all during your time spent at sea.
]]>Taking place over 16 nights in July 2015, this cruising experience is set to host many industry firsts as a fully immersive Murder Mystery, passengers will travel back to the 1920s in full character. Fred. Olsen will take cruisers on a journey of the mind as well as body; and the lucky passenger who solves the mystery on board will win a world cruise for two – a once in a lifetime experience.
The cruise will depart from Rosyth in Newcastle and capture various ports around the Mediterranean and Canaries as well as some captivating days at sea. Passengers can take part in shore excursions such as a guided tour of Alnwick Castle in Newcastle, and the Pyramids of Guimar in Tenerife.
Each day will encompass a new theme within the mystery, from arsenic to witches’ brews, explored through lectures, films, parties and outstanding performances from the Fred. Olsen players. Passengers will also enjoy hands on poison making-demonstrations as well as canapés and five course meals in-keeping with the theme.
The Murdery Mystery experience is the brainchild of Fred. Olsen Senior, and Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland, who are also said to be in attendance during the cruise.
Taking place on board Fred. Olsen’s Boudicca on 10th July 2015, prices start from £2,474, further information can be found here, or, you can call one of our travel specialists to book today on 0208 544 6537.
The Black Watch will visit three of Sir Bobby Robson's former footballing homes. Beginning with a trip to Ipswich, with the cruise departing from the nearby Harwich, on 15th June 2012, followed by an overnight in Amsterdam before finishing at the legend's hometown, Newcastle. Though, it's a shame they couldn't fit in the sunny climates and passing football of Porto and Barcelona too.
Fred. Olsen have organised the cruise in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and have already made a donation to the cause. The cruise will also feature special fundraising activities onboard as well as offering guest speakers — who are yet to be announced.
The three night mini-cruise will no doubt pay homage to the former England legend in an understated, yet elegant way and trips to his old haunts will no doubt appeal to fans of the great man.
Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort
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