"See and Stay" in Europe's Most Popular Cities with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' New "City Break" Cruises

Ipswich, United Kingdom, January 07, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new ‘City Break’ cruises allow guests to discover some of Europe’s very best destinations, with overnight stays in each city. The new itineraries – such as Black Watch’s nine-night ‘Bright Lights & Overnights’ cruise, W1402, departing from Southampton on 8th May 2014, and Braemar’s 13-night ‘Scandinavian City Explorer’ cruise, M1425, departing from Dover on 31st August 2014 – offer a cost-effective and convenient way to explore some of the world’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Fred. Olsen’s fleet of four smaller-sized ships are also able to take guests right to the ‘heart of the destination.’

Popular cities visited on Fred. Olsen’s ‘City Break’ cruises include Stockholm – recently voted ‘Best European Cruise Destination’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’ – and Copenhagen, which won the prestigious accolade, ‘Destination of the Year’, in the ‘Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards 2013’.

Examples of Fred. Olsen’s great-value new ‘City Break’ cruises include:

- Black Watch’s nine-night ‘Bright Lights & Overnights’ cruise, W1402, departing from Southampton on 8th May 2014. Prices start from £799 per person.

This is the first European city break for the Fred. Olsen in 2014. Taking in the fantastic sights of Paris (from Rouen, France), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Hamburg (Germany), this cruise offers guests the chance to explore these magical cities all in one trip.

First stop on this ‘see and stay’ cruise is Rouen, a city that Black Watch is able to access along the Seine due to her small size. Here, guests can visit the many museums and monuments, including a statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, or they can choose to venture further afield and take a tour to Paris. The ‘city of romance’ boasts a wealth of extra special discoveries, from the unmissable Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomph and the Champs-Élysées.

Black Watch then cruises on to Amsterdam, where guests can enjoy culture and a vibrant nightlife. With tours to Anne Frank’s house – a very moving, unforgettable experience – Van Gogh’s Museum, or the Dutch countryside – to see windmills and Edam cheese being made – there is plenty on offer. An evening canal cruise is also a great way to see some of the city’s best architecture, and offers a chance to sample some of the best Dutch Gins.

Cruise guests’ final overnight stay is in Hamburg. Full of history and architecture, this city offers guests the chance to visit the infamous Reeperbahn, which, with its improved image and the influx of hit shows and trendy restaurants, is a mix of popular culture and high-end artistic influences.

- Braemar’s 13-night ‘Scandinavian City Explorer’ cruise, M1425, departing from Dover on 31st August 2014. Prices start from £1,299 per person.

Stopping first at Copenhagen (Denmark) for an overnight stay, guests can explore this city’s eclectic mix of history and cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants. The Tivoli Gardens is fantastic place for an evening meal or a ride on the oldest roller-coaster in the world!

Whilst on an overnight stay in Tallinn (Estonia), cruise guests can visit a number of the picturesque churches and towers, Toompea Castle or the magnificent Kadriorg Palace – this grand building, with manicured gardens, is an impressive example of Tsarist extravagance.

Braemar then continues on to the opulent city of St. Petersburg (Russia), for a further overnight stay. In this regal city, there is an abundance of fascinating and historical buildings to explore, including the Hermitage and St. Catherine’s Palace. An evening at one of the world-class ballet performances is highly recommended.

The final port of call on this exciting cruise is Helsinki (Finland). Taking time to enjoy the Art Nouveau buildings and museums, guests can also try out one of the elegant café bars, or enjoy a drink at the world’s largest ice bar.

- Balmoral’s 14-night ‘Russia, Sweden and Estonia’ cruise, L1405, departing from Southampton on 17th May 2014. Prices start from £1399 per person.

As well as taking in the beautiful cities of Copenhagen (Denmark), St. Petersburg (Russia) and Tallinn (Estonia), guests on board this cruise will also visit Stockholm (Sweden) and Kristiansand (Norway).

Staying in award-winning Stockholm for an overnight stay, cruise guests will be able to wander around Skansen, the world’s first-ever open-air museum, the beautiful 18th Century Seglora wooden church, or discover more about Sweden’s fashion at the local boutiques and shops.

Kristiansand is the last port of call on this cruise and, with all day to explore the charm of this interesting town, there is plenty of time to take it its Renaissance style, formal street plans and elegant buildings.

Prices for these cruises are based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Fred. Olsen was recently voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the prestigious ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, as well as being named ‘Best Value Cruise Line’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 150 (Monday Friday, 8am 8pm; Saturday, 9am 5pm; Sunday, 10am 4pm, or visit an ABTA travel agent.