Fred. Olsen’s first 2023 grand voyage underway as Balmoral arrives in Bermuda

The ship left Portsmouth on January 5 to begin the 78-night ‘Exploration of South America and the Antarctic’ cruise. Passengers will be able to learn how to dance in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of the tango, or spend time with a gaucho (cowboy) on ranches in Argentina and Uruguay. On the call at Port Stanley, they will be joined by war veteran Simon Weston MBE, known for his charity work and recovery from severe burn injuries suffered during the Falklands War.

Brazil, Chile and Peru are also on the itinerary and, for the first time in Fred. Olsen’s history, the Antarctic. 

The line's head of destination experience and itinerary planning, Martin Lister, said the line was ‘incredibly proud’ of its hand-crafted grand voyages. He explained, ‘Our smaller ships allow us to truly venture away from the well-trodden tourist path, and delve deeper into the history and culture of some truly fantastic ports.

‘Guests currently on Balmoral’s 78-night adventure have chances to visit the Galapagos islands to spot native wildlife, cruise the world-renowned Panama Canal, witness the rugged icy landscapes of Antarctica, explore the “Lost City of the Incas” on an overland tour to Machu Picchu, and even cruise the Chilean Fjords.’

Around the World in 80 Days

Borealis commences its 79-night roundtrip voyage from Southampton on February 23 that follows as closely as possible in the footsteps of fictional explorer Phileas Fogg, presenting opportunities to see Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, or visit the tomb of Tutankhamun on the 100^th anniversary of it’s opening.

An 81-night sailing from Liverpool returning to Southampton is also available, departing February 21.

There are two shorter sailings to choose from for passengers wishing to join only part of the cruise: a 26-night itinerary allows passengers to experience the Suez Canal and visit the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai; a 53-night sailing from Singapore to Southampton offers chances to encounter authentic farmers’ markets in Hawaii, the street food and architecture of Hong Kong and Japan’s Samurai heritage at Fukuoka and Osaka Castle.

The full itinerary includes: Lisbon, Portugal; cruising Strait of Messina; Brindisi, Italy; Port Said, Suez Canal and Safaga, Egypt; Mumbai. Mormugão and Kochi, India; Singapore (overnight); Nha Trang, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; Hakata, Osaka, Nagoya,and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; crossing International Date Line; Honolulu (Oahu), Lahaina (Maui) Hilo (Hawaii). San Francisco, San Diego; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; Panama Canal; Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia; Tortola, St Kitts and Ponta Delgada, Azores.

Singapore to Southampton

Borealis will embark on a 26-night sailing from Southampton to Singapore on February 23, with flights returning to London Heathrow Airport. On the itinerary are: Lisbon, Strait of Messina and Brindisi, Italy; Port Said, Suez Canal transit and Safaga, Egypt; Mumbai, Mormugão and Kochi, India.

It precedes a longer, 53-night voyage by Borealis that takes passengers from Singapore to Southampton, with flights departing from London Heathrow. Commencing March 21, the programme comprises: Nha Trang, Vietnam; Hong Kong; Hakata Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya Aichi and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; crossing International Date Line; Honolulu (Oahu), Lahaina (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), San Francisco, San Diego; Acapulco, Puerto Caldera, Panama Canal, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tortola, St Kitts, Ponta Delgada and São Miguel, Azores.

Africa and the Indian Ocean

Later this year, Bolette will operate a 93-night Africa and Indian Ocean cruise roundtrip from Southampton.