Discover the Beautiful Baltic on a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Cruise

East Anglia, United Kingdom, July 05, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a great choice of Baltic itineraries to offer this summer, and there is still some availability, on selected cruises, at very competitive prices. There is no more fascinating and cost-effective way to visit the "Jewels of the Baltic" than by cruise ship, where all your accommodation, food and entertainment is included, with reasonably-priced drinks on board…whereas lunch and a night out in a Scandinavian city can easily set you back hundreds of Pounds.

The Baltic offers cruisers some of the most varied and cultured itineraries in the world; for lovers of great art and architecture, it provides an inspiring insight into the heritage and customs of some of Europe’s most interesting ports.

Black Watch’s W1207 13-night "Baltic with Norway" cruise, ex Dover on 24th June 2012

Antiques fans will be especially interested in this summer 2012 departure, as it features the added attraction of an "Antiques" theme through the onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. The cruise calls first at Kiel (Germany), a long-established maritime port, linking the North Sea to the Baltic. The next port of call is picturesque Tallinn, Estonia’s lovely capital, which was declared a ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2011. Guests can explore the medieval quarter and visit Toompea Castle, the cathedral, and the Baroque Kadriorg Palace.

St. Petersburg (Russia) is a major highlight of any Baltic cruise, and Black Watch remains here for an overnight stay. The extended stay allows for evening shore visits, with more time to explore Peter the Great’s "Window on the West," with its unparalleled architecture and art collections. The famous Hermitage is only one of 125 museums and galleries in this extraordinary city.

Helsinki (Finland) is the next port of call. Recreated by the Tsars of Russia as a "miniature" St. Petersburg, Helsinki is rich in fine architecture and museums, and also has a bustling "street café" atmosphere. The former capital of Finland, Turku, is also its oldest town, founded in 1229, and the approach on this cruise, through a myriad of small islands, is very picturesque. Like Tallinn, Turku was a "European Capital of Culture" in 2011.

Copenhagen in Denmark is one of northern Europe’s loveliest and most popular cities. The delightful Tivoli Gardens (blueprint for Disneyland), the colourful Nyhavn district and Hans Christian Andersen’s "Little Mermaid" statue are just a few of the treats for visitors to enjoy.

The final port of call on this cruise is Kristiansand in Norway.

A town of charmingly mixed architectural styles, the Posebyen district is packed with tiny, traditional houses, dating from the 17th Century, while the Kvadraturen Quadrant is an area of formal streets and elegant buildings.

The Vistas theme on this cruise is hosted by two regular experts from the "Antiques Roadshow," Lars Tharp and Clive Stewart-Lockhart.

Prices start from £799 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin, with a "Latesaver" deal. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Black Watch’s 13-night W1211 "Baltic Cities" cruise, ex Dover on 20th August 2012

This delightful Baltic cruise visits many of the same ports – Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia), Helsinki (Finland), Turku (Finland) and Copenhagen (Denmark) – but additionally calls at Rostock in Germany, and Denmark’s Aalborg, an attractive port that presents a fascinating combination of historic and traditional buildings, before returning to Dover.

This cruise also has a Vistas theme of a very different kind; "Food and Drink of the North," hosted by the renowned food and wine writer, Stuart Walton. Stuart is the author of a number of books on wines, spirits and cocktails, and is an Inspector for the"Good Food Guide."

Prices start from £1,329 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin, Grade "E."

Balmoral's 14-night L1209 "Baltic" cruise, ex Southampton on 28th June 2012
This cruise travels through the Kiel Canal (Germany) to call first at Rønne (Bornholm, Denmark), then two ports in the former Soviet states of Lithuania and Latvia. In Klaipeda (Lithuania), guests can tour the Old Town and visit the lovely Botanical Park and Amber Museum; in Riga (Latvia) there are many historic buildings remaining from its time as a major Hanseatic port, including Riga Castle. In common with all Fred. Olsen Baltic itineraries, this cruise has an overnight stay in the incomparable port of St. Petersburg, then goes on to visit Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and, finally, Visby (Gotland, Sweden), before returning to Southampton.

Prices start from £1,039 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, with a "Latesaver" deal.

All cruise prices are per person, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. The Vistas onboard enrichment programme is free to all guests (although there may be a small charge for wine-tasting).