Fred. Olsen lets its passengers control the cruise ship

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is gearing up for its latest mystery cruise whereby passengers are free to vote on which destination they head to each day.

Known as the ‘You Choose Your Cruise’ itinerary passengers of the 929-passenger Braemar get to choose from a couple of destinations each day, forming a unique and bespoke itinerary.

Departing Southampton on 10 October 2015 passengers will spend two days at sea crossing the Bay of Biscay. Passengers then get to choose between calling at Vigo with its pretty avenues in the historic quarter, or Oporto with its delicious port wines on tours from Leixoes.

A day at sea follows before the second choice of port: Malaga or a maiden call to the bustling port city of Algeciras. Two sea days follow before the third choice between Barcelona, home to the world-famous Sagrada Familia, or the picturesque town of Palamos. This is followed by a choice between the ancient sites of Cartagena and the sandy beaches and esplanades of Alicante.

Another sea day gives guests the chance to relax before making the choice to call at either Cadiz for tours to the stunning city of Seville or to Portimao. Following a day at sea is the final choice between the Galician city of Ferrol for tours to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, or charming La Coruna, home to the world’s oldest lighthouse. A final day at sea follows before a non-optional call back at Southampton to disembark. This 15-night itinerary is priced from £1359 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin.

This is one of four itineraries in a collection of sailings branded as “Do Something Different” voyages:

• Boudicca‘s 11-night Myths & Legends cruise departs from Newcastle on 6 October and will call at Portsmouth, Falmouth, Cobh, Dublin, Belfast, Kirkwall, Invergordon, and Edinburgh. Dr. Patrick McCafferty, a guest speaker on Irish Mythology, will present talks throughout the voyage. Prices start from £770 per person based on two sharing an Outside cabin.
• Braemar will be embarking on a five-night Sea is for Comedy fly-cruise, departing from Southampton on 25 October and ending in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. Jon Clegg, a comedy impressionist who was a finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform for guests and Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel will pay homage to legendary comedy double act Eric and Ernie. Miki Travis will showcase some risqué late night laughs and Fred. Olsen favourite Don Reid will also be on-board. The sailing will also host a comedy ‘Murder Mystery’ dinner in association with The Black Watch Theatre Company. Prices start from £249 per person based on two sharing an Inside cabin on a cruise-only basis.
• Balmoral’s 13-night Canaries Collection cruise will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. Departing Southampton on 8 November 2015 the ship will call at Funchal in Madeira, Santa Cruz in Tenerife, Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Arrecife in Lanzarote and Lisbon in Portugal. Guests will enjoy talks from Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson, as he unveils a personal insight into the life and times of the famous British writer, and Julius Green, the author of Curtain Up: Agatha Christie: A Life in the Theatre. Performances from the Agatha Christie Theatre Company will also take place on-board. Prices start from £1,040 per person based on two sharing an Outside cabin.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “These four cruises, setting sail in October and November, showcase our commitment to giving guests a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. They are the perfect opportunity to escape daily routines and try something completely new!”

(Photo credit to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)