As the 100th anniversary of the iconic cruise liner Titanic approaches, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is renewing its links with her historic home – Belfast – by offering a very special commemorative mini cruise aboard its own flagship, Balmoral. This five-night mini cruise, L1202, departs from Southampton on 3rd April 2012, and visits Liverpool and Belfast, returning to Southampton. Each of the ports on this mini cruise has a rich history of ship-building and seafaring.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has long-established links with the city of Belfast, having cruised from the city and visited it many times over the years. Significantly, Fred. Olsen will be returning to Belfast in 2013, with 880-guest Boudicca making two turnaround visits in October 2013.
Nathan Philpot, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Sales and Marketing Director, said:
“We are delighted to be offering cruises direct from Belfast. The addition of this new regional departure port in 2013 means that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is able to operate a vessel within a radius of only 100 miles from 90% of the UK population, further enhancing our reputation as the UK’s local cruise line with a global choice of itineraries.”
Fred. Olsen’s historic connections run deep; the Fred. Olsen group of companies includes Fred. Olsen Energy, which comprises Offshore Drilling and Engineering & Fabrication; the latter part of this company owns the Harland and Wolff Shipyard, where the Titanic was built.
Joe O’Neill, Commercial Director, Belfast Harbour, said:
“We are delighted to once again have the opportunity to work with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and offer the Northern Ireland public the opportunity to begin a cruise from their local port. Belfast Harbour previously worked alongside Fred. Olsen in 2007, when 500 local people embarked on the Black Prince to begin their cruise.”
There are some very special Titanic-related excursions available on Fred. Olsen’s Titanic Mini Cruise L1202. They include ‘In the Footsteps of the Titanic’, a visit to Queen’s Island in Belfast and a guided tour of the Titanic Quarter. This includes a visit to the former headquarters of shipbuilders Harland and Wolff, where visitors can see the Titanic’s slipway and visit the Dock and Pumping House. Being here in person gives guests an idea of the massive scale of this world-renowned ship, and the great feat of engineering that went into her constriction.
Another tour with a Titanic theme on this mini cruise is a full city tour by coach, culminating in a visit to the newly opened ‘Titanic Belfast’ exhibition. This impressive exhibit has nine galleries, telling the full story of the Titanic, using film, video, archive material and scale models. A highlight is a ride through the Titanic’s construction, making guests really feel a part of the experience.
There is still some availability on this historic cruise; prices for a Superior Suite start from £449 per person with a Latesaver deal, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. Shore excursions are charged separately; see the website for more details www.fredolsencruises.com
Boudicca will be offering a 12-night ‘Iberian’ and 2-night mini cruise to Liverpool from Belfast in October 2013.
Boudicca’s cruise to ‘Portugal, Madeira and The Canaries’, D1323, departs on 3rd October 2013, for 12 nights, and visits Leixoes (for tours to Oporto, Portugal), Funchal, (Madeira), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Arrecife (Lanzarote) and Lisbon (Portugal), before returning to Belfast. Prices for this cruise start from just £999 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. This price is available until 26th April 2012, as part of Fred. Olsen’s ‘Pre-Launch Offers 2013/14 Brochure’. The price will rise to £1,079 with effect from 27th April 2012.
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