Friday, August 16, 2024
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has partnered with Jet2.com for an exciting new fly-cruise programme set for 2025. From October to November 2025, the intimate Balmoral ship will offer a series of Mediterranean voyages, with Jet2.com providing charter flights from London Stansted and Manchester.
These cruises, spanning seven to 12 nights, will give guests the chance to explore the stunning cliff-top villages of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, the picturesque Bay of Kotor, and the captivating Greek islands. Onshore, travelers can immerse themselves in the rich cultural experiences of Flamenco dancing, savor Jerez sherry, explore vibrant Dalmatian markets, and marvel at the majestic Krka Waterfall.
Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Services at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“We are really excited about this new partnership with Jet2.com for Balmoral’s 2025 Mediterranean fly-cruise programme.
“They are renowned for their customer service, and as such will complement the high standard of service that our guests come to expect from us. This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests, before they even step foot aboard one of our ships.
“A fly-cruise is perfect for guests who want to maximise their time ashore, by reducing the time in sailing from the UK. Plus, guests can tailor their holiday by booking onto consecutive fly-cruises for those looking to enjoy a longer autumnal break in the sunshine.”
Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruise package includes economy flights, transfers to and from the ship, a 22kg luggage allowance, and 10kg of hand luggage.
In 2025, Balmoral will offer six fly-cruise voyages in the Mediterranean, detailed as follows:
Balmoral’s 10-night ‘Spanish Colours and Cultures’ cruise (L2524) departs from Southampton on September 17, 2025, with prices starting at £1,599 per person.
Highlights of this journey include:
- Witnessing Ibiza’s famous sunset from the deck of Balmoral
- Savoring authentic Spanish dishes, including tapas and Jerez sherry
- Visiting the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral
Itinerary: Southampton, UK – La Coruna, Spain – Cadiz, Spain – Ibiza, Spain – Sunset cruise by Benirras Beach, Ibiza, Spain – Barcelona, Spain – Valencia, Spain (overnight stay).
Balmoral’s 10-night ‘Colourful Cliffside Towns of the Amalfi Coast’ cruise (L2525) departs from Valencia, Spain, on September 27, 2025, with prices starting at £1,799 per person.
Highlights of this cruise include:
- Exploring the stunning landscapes of Cinque Terre, Bonifacio, and the Amalfi Coast
- Immersing yourself in Italy’s ‘la dolce vita,’ the culture of savoring life’s pleasures
- Enjoying local delicacies like limoncello, scialatielli pasta, and authentic Italian pizza
Itinerary: Valencia, Spain (overnight stay) – Sunset cruise by Benirras Beach, Ibiza, Spain – Mahon, Menorca, Spain – Propriano, Corsica, France – La Spezia, Italy – Salerno, Italy – Cruising the Amalfi Coast and Capri, Italy – Naples, Italy – Sorrento, Italy – Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (overnight stay).
Balmoral’s 10-night ‘Bays, Mountains, and Islands of the Dalmatian Coast’ cruise (L2526) departs from Civitavecchia, Italy, on October 7, 2025, with prices starting at £1,799 per person.
Highlights of this journey include:
- Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Dalmatian Coast from the comfort of Balmoral
- Discovering the natural beauty of Lake Bled, Lokrum Island, and Krka Waterfalls
- Delving into the rich Croatian culture
Itinerary: Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (overnight stay) – Cruising past Stromboli, Italy – Cruising the Strait of Messina, Italy – Cruising the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor, Montenegro – Koper, Slovenia – Cruising St Anthony Channel, Croatia – Sibenik, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising by Mount Biokovo, Makarska Riviera, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia (overnight stay).
Balmoral’s eight-night ‘Greek Island Odyssey’ cruise (L2527) departs from Dubrovnik, Croatia, on October 17, 2025, with prices starting at £1,599 per person.
Highlights of this cruise include:
- Exploring the picturesque island of Santorini and the stunning coastline of Zakynthos
- Savoring authentic Greek cuisine and enjoying traditional dancing
- Visiting the famous Acropolis ruins in Athens
Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Croatia (overnight stay) – Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece – Cruising along the Zakynthos coastline, Greece – Kalamata, Greece – Piraeus (for Athens), Greece – Thira, Santorini, Greece – Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece – Rhodes, Greece (overnight stay).
Balmoral’s 12-night ‘Discovering Turkish Treasures’ cruise (L2528) sets sail from Rhodes, Greece, on October 25, 2025, with prices starting at £1,999 per person.
Highlights of this voyage include:
- Exploring a host of iconic European landmarks
- Immersing yourself in Turkish traditions and savoring the aromatic local tea
- Wandering through the vibrant streets of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
Itinerary: Rhodes, Greece (overnight stay) – Bodrum, Turkey – Kusadasi, Turkey – Istanbul, Turkey – Valletta, Malta – Malaga, Spain (overnight stay).
Balmoral’s seven-night ‘Mountain Landscapes of Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar’ cruise (L2529) departs from Malaga, Spain, on November 6, 2025, with prices starting at £1,099 per person.
Highlights of this journey include:
- Exploring the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of Iberia
- Experiencing the vibrant rhythms of flamenco and the soulful melodies of fado
- Savoring local delicacies like gazpacho, sardines, and pasteis de nata
Itinerary: Malaga, Spain (overnight stay) – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruise the Mouth of the River Tagus, Belem Tower, and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruising by the Monument of the Discoveries, Portugal – Cruising by Cristo Rei and the April 25 Bridge, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal (overnight stay) – Southampton, UK.
