CASTLES GARDENS with the Duchess of Northumberland and Mr Fred. Olsen Senior
Inveraray Castle
Alnwick Castle
Lost Gardens
of Heligan
...and a touch of mystery
HISTORY, MYSTERY, GARDENS AND FLORA... an adventure not to be missed
Duart Castle
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tanic Garde
Benmore Bo
Here’s your chance to go in search of flora, fauna, history, myth, monsters and legend. Cover the length and breadth of the UK, from Tobermory to St. Michael’s Mount. Visit some of the most magnificent castles ever built, their stories giving fascinating insight into British history. Solid, imposing representations of power and influence, built so Nobles could control and defend their lands – and their status. Every castle has a rich story blending myth, legend and royalty. Join us and discover it all for yourself! Then, there’s the beauty, colours, scents, textures and subtlety of some of our homeland’s most impressive gardens and grounds. Lovingly tended, some through centuries, you don’t have to be a horticultural enthusiast to appreciate these magical, peaceful places which present some of Britain’s – and the world’s – most attractive plants in beautifully designed settings. Bring your camera! What’s more, we are delighted to say that the Duchess of Northumberland, will be joining the cruise. She will talk about her vision that led to the creation of the spectacular gardens at Alnwick Castle (famous as a TV and film location
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for Downton Abbey and Harry Potter) and her fascination with poison and its use throughout history. Guests booked in Premier and Marquee Suites will also have the chance to dine with The Duchess of Northumberland**. We are hopeful that Mr Fred. Olsen Senior himself will be on board too. The special on-board experience doesn’t end there; we’ll add a twist with a Murder Mystery experience, a classic British ‘whodunnit’ set in 1920s Britain. The story will unfold across a series of four ‘episodes’ with hints and clues throughout the cruise. Guests are welcome to participate if they wish, although all the usual on-board entertainment will also be in place, so the choice is all yours. There will also be a series of short vignettes that follow the theme ‘poison through the ages’. Join us on this unique cruise where you’ll experience and discover so much. You’ll return home with a wealth of stories you’ll want to share.
WHO’S ON BOARD… We have been fortunate to secure these prominent speakers, presenting on a range of fascinating subjects. Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland Jane Northumberland is the visionary behind The Alnwick Garden, the largest visitor attraction in the North East. She is particularly interested in natural poisons and aphrodisiacs and has built one of the only Poison Gardens in the world: every plant is a killer. Her Grace has had a trilogy of books published called The Poison Diaries and more recently A Little Book of Poisons, Potions and Aphrodisiacs and Jams, Jellies and Preserves, with a special range of marmalades being commercially made from the oldest known recipe in the world.
WIN CRUISE! A WORLD
On board, guests can enter a prize draw to guess ‘whodunnit’ for the chance to win a World Cruise. The lucky winner will be drawn by her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland during the cruise.
Captain David Bray
Master Mariner Drawing upon his considerable experience, author and Fellow of the Nautical Institute, Captain David Bray, will provide a running commentary as Boudicca sails past many points of interest, including castles, lochs, headlands and channels.
Dr Dan Jones
Eminent Historian and Archaeologist Dr Dan Jones will be speaking on a range of subjects, including Boudicca, the Borgia’s and Rasputin. Guaranteed to titillate with stories of murder, mystery and mayhem!
Graham Hoyle
Retired Police officer, ex Special Branch and CID Guests can look forward to both amusing and serious anecdotes from Graham’s time in the police force and experience his very own funny and interactive, ‘Catch the Killer’ mysteries.
We are hopeful that Mr Fred. Olsen Senior himself will be on board too. Mr Fred. Olsen Senior Mr Fred. Olsen is a Norwegian shipping and energy pioneer and, since the age of 26, he has been Chairman of the holding companies of the Fred. Olsen group of companies. This includes Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the famous ship builders Harland & Wolff and a number of other travel related organisations.
Inveraray Castle
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ck Garden
wi Grand Cascade, The Aln
CASTLES GARDENS Sails from Rosyth (Edinburgh) 10th July 2015 • 9 Nights Boudicca • D1516A
Tobermory Sound of Mull Duart Castle Firth of Lorn
Kirkwall Invergordon
Loch Fyne
Rosyth
Tarbert Culzean Castle
Falmouth
St. Michael’s Mount
ROSYTH Friday 10th July Board Boudicca and glide out from the Firth of Forth. Why not take a seat in the Observatory, relax and settle down, drink in hand and let the Scottish coastline drift past, on the way to Invergordon.
INVERGORDON Saturday 11th July The town is well known for the Invergorden Mutiny of 1931 where 1,000 sailors went on strike. It is also known as the mural town of Scotland and has what has often been called the best natural harbour in Europe. It is ideally positioned to discover Scottish history and legend.
Recommended experiences: Shore tour: DUNROBIN CASTLE & GARDENS Visit the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, with its fairytale spires and turrets – the aweinspiring Dunrobin Castle. Take a walk in magnificent formal gardens which overlook the sea, that were inspired by the Palace of Versailles in Paris. Shore tour: CAWDOR CASTLE & GARDENS Cawdor, not only the name
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Port of Tyne
linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but home to one of Scotland’s most enchanting and romantic medieval castles – Cawdor Castle. A truly beautiful residence, it is romantically furnished and surrounded by exceptionally pretty gardens. The approach is by a drawbridge and the Castle, dating back to 1372, with its ancient medieval tower built around the legendary holly tree, is still in the hands of the Cawdor family after six centuries. Shore tour: MYSTERIOUS LOCH NESS Loch Ness is Britain’s largest volume of freshwater. Its murky depths conjure up tales of sightings of weird creatures including its most famous legendary inhabitant. Learn about its geology, history and, of course, the tales of the monster. You should have cameras at the ready for any monster sightings as well as the dramatic mountain scenery which surrounds the loch. And for those who would like to take part… Murder Mystery - Join us for our 1920’s inspired pre-dinner Cocktail Party. This will be your first opportunity to meet with our cast of Travelling Players who will be
performing a Murder Mystery throughout the cruise. Listen carefully as they may just drop some early clues! Merely observe or dress up in your finest 1920s attire.
KIRKWALL, ORKNEY ISLANDS Sunday 12th July Situated on the beautiful Orkney Isles, Kirkwall is surrounded by wonderful rugged countryside just waiting to be explored. Alternatively, seek out the town’s impressive St Magnus Cathedral and Tankerness House, home to the Orkney Museum.
Recommended experiences: Shore tour: TRUMLAND HOUSE GARDENS Trumland House and Gardens, on the island of Rousay, are a draw for nature and garden lovers alike. Explore the woodland and water gardens, as well as the lawns, walled garden and orchard. Murder Mystery – Join us for the start of our Murder Mystery extravaganza – a classic 1920’s British ‘Whodunnit’ You’ll need to keep a close eye on our characters as the story develops – uncover who the murderer is and you could win a World Cruise!
TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL Monday 13 July th
Pretty Tobermory with its famous, brightly coloured houses fronting the main street that runs down to the pier. Admire the beautiful landscape and the picturesque isles of Mull and Iona.
Recommended experiences: Shore tour: DUART CASTLE Discover the history of Duart Castle, seat of the Clan MacLean. Standing on a clifftop, guarding the Sound of Mull, Duart enjoys one of the most spectacular positions on the West Coast of Scotland. Explore the state rooms, visit the dungeons and walk around the ramparts to admire amazing views towards Oban and Ben Nevis. Shore tour: THE BURIAL GROUND OF KINGS – ISLES OF MULL & IONA Combine the Isle of Mull and the small island of Iona, for a true taste of Scottish islands. Iona has been the cradle of Scottish Christianity since St Columba landed here in 563AD. At just three miles long and never more than one and a half miles wide, Iona is a thin cut of land steeped in history and religion. It is also the burial place of more than sixty Kings. Shore tour: GLENGORM CASTLE & WILDFLOWER MEADOWS Enjoy a wonderful wildlife walk around the Glengorm Estate taking in the beautiful
Murder Mystery
coastal scenery and delightful meadows. Visitors will be invited for tea and home baked scones in Victorian Glengorm Castle - a stunning private residence that opens its doors especially.
Scenic Cruising Cruising Sound of Mull - Flowing between the Isle of Mull and the shores of Scotland, the Sound of Mull is a beautiful stretch of water, home to wonderful wildlife - you may even spot Sea Eagles here. Cruising past Duart Castle - Set amongst a backdrop of beautiful valleys, the castle is impressive from any angle, especially from the water! Cruising Firth of Lorn - a beautiful 16 mile stretch flowing between the Isle of Mull and the Slate Islands. As you cruise along you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and protected rocky reefs.
Cruising Loch Fyne – Of all the sea lochs, Loch Fyne is the longest. Probably Scotland’s most famous, it is famed throughout the world for its amazing seafood. Medici Vignette – With the help of our Travelling Players learn more about the famous Medicis of Renaissance Italy. A family who became synonymous with assassination plots by means of poisoned food and drinks throughout the 1500’s. Murder Mystery - The story continues tonight with more murder, mystery and intrigue. Put your thinking caps on as the Inspector gives you the chance to question the suspects.
Recommended experiences:
TARBERT, LOCH FYNE
Shore tour: INVERARAY CASTLE & GARDENS The ancestral home of Clan Campbell stands on the shores of Loch Fyne. It features many fine rooms including the impressive Armoury Hall, which has the highest ceiling in Scotland, and the extravagantly decorated State Dining Room. The garden is packed with colours, including vibrant red, pink and white rhododendrons and azaleas.
Tuesday 14th July Cruising past Culzean Castle – standing on a dramatic cliff top overlooking the Firth of Clyde, the castle is a remarkable vision of turrets and battlements, surrounded by surging seas, lush forests and secret gardens. Tarbert is an idyllic Scottish village, known as the gateway to the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula. The shops, hotels and pubs snuggle nicely around the welcoming harbour.
Shore tour: BENMORE BOTANIC GARDEN In a magnificent mountainside setting, on the Cowal Peninsular, lies Benmore - an enchanting garden steeped in history, boasting a world famous collection of
Dunrobin Cast
le
Dunrobin Castle
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flowering trees and shrubs, including over 300 species of rhododendron. As well as formal gardens you will find a variety of terrain and plants from around the world, including the avenue of Sierra Redwoods.
MURDER MYSTERY AT SEA Wednesday 15th July The Umbrella Assassin – The Travelling Players present The Umbrella Assassin, where we uncover the high profile murder of Russian Georgi Markov, killed by the deadly Ricin seed when he was stabbed in the leg by an umbrella whilst waiting for a bus on Waterloo Bridge. Murder Mystery - An unexpected turn of events sees tonight plot thicken. Hear more from our villainous characters including Archie Hemlock, Colonel Datura, Lady Lily O’Valley and the rest of our Travelling Players. Find out more about the characters at www.fredolsencruises. com/murdermystery
FALMOUTH Thursday 16th July Framed by areas of outstanding natural beauty, complemented by a sandy beachfront and one of the largest deep water harbours in the world, Falmouth is a superb port of call.
Recommended experiences: Shore tour: EDEN PROJECT The spectacular Eden Project, the world’s largest global garden, is an unforgettable experience. Explore your relationship with nature in a living theatre, where science meets arts and technology. Shore tour: THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN Unveiled in 1992, after decades of overgrowth, the Lost Gardens were hailed by The Times as, “the garden restoration of the century”. Explore over 200 acres and discover Victorian gardens, get lost in an exotic outdoor jungle, walk through tunnels of towering bamboo
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and discover the Giant’s Head. Home to luxuriant foliage, impressive trees and inspiring views, don’t miss this unique time capsule. Shore tour: TREBAH GARDEN Delight in the sub-tropical paradise of Trebah Garden, with a stunning coastal backdrop. Discover the magic of this beautiful Cornish valley garden standing at the head of a 26 acre ravine. Shore tour: ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT Uncover the splendour of St Michael’s Mount - one of the most famous sites in Britain. Be immersed in legend, myth and over a thousand years of incredible history. Scale the fairytale turrets of this medieval castle for dazzling views of Mounts Bay and discover the vision of the Archangel St Michael. Murder Mystery – Tonight is the final night in our interactive Murder Mystery and your last opportunity to question the suspects.
MYSTERY & POSION AT SEA Friday 17 July th
Take this opportunity to hear from Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland as she talks about her vision for and the creation of the Gardens at Alnwick Castle, her passion for poison and how poisons have been used throughout history for murder and suicide. Shakespeare’s Poison Vignette – The Travelling Players present a ‘reduced Shakespeare piece’ with famous speeches referring to potions and poisons from Romeo & Juliet, Cleopatra and Macbeth. Murder Mystery – this is the BIG REVEAL! Submit your answers and if you’ve cracked our case, then you’re in with the chance of winning the World Cruise! The grand draw will take place in the Neptune Lounge, drawn by Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland.
NEWCASTLE Saturday 18th July United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle is a diverse and vibrant visitor destination. Take your pick: world class culture, award winning dining, inspiring heritage, acclaimed architecture or fantastic shopping. This city has it all.
Recommended experiences: Shore tour: ALNWICK CASTLE GARDENS Alnwick Garden is the most ambitious new garden created in the UK since the Second World War. It pushes the boundaries of design – at its heart is the Grand Cascade, a magnificent tumbling mass of water ending in an eruption of fountains. With ornamental, rose gardens, a beautiful giant treehouse and a bamboo labyrinth, there’s so much to experience here. It also contains the Poison Garden, home to some of the world’s most poisonous plants, so deadly they have to be kept behind bars!
ROSYTH Sunday 19th July Return to port. Post-cruise Shore tour: EDINBURGH CASTLE Visit the medieval castle, which dominates the city from on high and has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens through the centuries. Over one thousand years of history sit on top of the famous Edinburgh rock, an extinct volcano, where visitors are awarded with magnificent panoramas in every direction.
Shore tours can enhance your experience We have included a selection of the many and varied tours we offer at additional cost, to enhance your cruise experience. For the full list, visit fredolsencruises.com
HURRY AND YOU CAN STILL SAVE IN FRED.’S CRUISE SALE Save on every Fred. cruise. Fred. Olsen’s full 2015 and 2016 programme is on sale, so book your next holiday now and wherever in the world you want to explore, you’ll enjoy great value as well as a superb cruise. With prices starting from just £900 per person, this cruise is no exception. There’s so much to do and so much included. The prices quoted in this brochure include a 10% discount off our already great value Freedom Fares, available if you book by 2nd March 2015. But that’s not all, if you book more than one cruise at the same time you can save even more – up to 30% off. You’ll get the biggest discount off the highest priced cruise so you can be confident you’ll get the best deal.
Plus, you can upgrade to All Inclusive for only £10pppn*
Enjoy selected beers, selected wines, spirits and soft drinks all day, with many premium drinks and cocktails available at half price too. Please see our website for full terms and conditions.
Pricing per person
The Cruise Sale price includes the 10% saving for bookings made by 2nd March 2015. Book two cruises at the same time and save 20% off the second cruise; book three cruises and save 30% off the third!
Cabin Type
Freedom Fare Cruise Sale Price
Inside
£999
£900
Outside
£1,199
£1,080
Balcony
£1,799
£1,620
Suite prices available on request with the chance to dine with the Duchess of Northumberland or Mr Fred. Olsen Senior.
Single
£1,699
£1,530
Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time. Call for latest prices.
Chance to
WIN a World Cruise
There’s so much included in the price of your cruise: • All meals throughout your cruise, from five-course à la carte dining to casual buffets and late-night snacks • Tea and coffee throughout the day and early evening and afternoon tea with sandwiches & cakes • Air conditioned en-suite rooms • All evening entertainment, including dancing and cabaret shows • A choice of daytime activities • Leisure facilities including gym, swimming pools and Jacuzzis • Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
The Fred. Olsen difference… Everything about Fred. Olsen is more personal. We’re a family run company with a long shipping heritage. Rather than worrying about having the biggest ships, packed with gimmicks like climbing walls and zip wires, we prefer more traditionally-built smaller-scaled vessels that allow for a more personal service, where you get closer to the people and places around you.
For adult travellers only*
SAVE
10% in Fred.’s Cruise Sale*
All Inclusive upgrade for only
£10 pppn*
Chance to dine with a Duchess!
The length and nature of this sailing are suited to the adult traveller; therefore only those over 18 are able to join.
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CASTLES GARDENS
AWARD-WINNING HOLIDAYS FROM A WHICH? RECOMMENDED PROVIDER FOR CRUISES
We’ll do our best to give you the holiday of a lifetime – but don’t just take our word for it. Although we’re a small company, we were rated joint second in the 2014 Which? Cruise Survey and were named a Which? Recommended Provider for Cruises – an achievement that all the staff and crew at Fred. Olsen are very proud of. We were also delighted to have been voted Best Value for Money in the Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Awards for the third consecutive year. Most importantly, in over 10,000 independent guest reviews, 95% rated us Excellent or Good. Perhaps that’s why in 2014 more than half our guests had travelled with us before.
*These terms and conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions that apply to all bookings. Fred. Olsen’s full set of Terms and Conditions are available on our website, fredolsencruises.com and on request. We advise all passengers to review these before booking. Information shown is correct at time of going to press (February 2015). Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. We reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. pppn is per person, per night. Some of the activities mentioned are chargeable, optional tours which are bookable six weeks prior to departure, subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may change at any time. Please call for the latest prices. Itinerary is flexible, speakers and order of presentation may change. *Cruise Sale Terms & Conditions: The Cruise Sale discount is only available on Freedom Fares booked between 6th February 2014 and 2nd March 2015 inclusive. Offer excludes Suites and applies to the cruise only fare. Discount cannot be applied retrospectively or combined with any other promotional offer including, but not limited to, Anchor Fares. Multi-buy offer: Only available on 2015/2016 cruises of five nights or more, for departures upto April 2016. Book one cruise and receive a 10% discount. Book two different cruises in the same transaction and save 10% off the lowest priced cruise and 20% off the highest priced cruise. Book three different cruises in the same transaction and receive a 30% discount off the highest priced cruise, 20% off the middle priced cruise and 10% off the lowest priced cruise. If any of the booked cruises are subsequently cancelled, we reserve the right to reduce the discount on the other booked cruises. To clarify; all cruises need to be booked in the same transaction with the same lead passenger name, for the discounts to apply. All Inclusive upgrade offer covers selected house wines by the glass, selected beers, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. Refer to our website for full terms and conditions. Adult travellers only: Passengers for this cruise, D1516A, must be aged 18 or over at the time of departure. The Enjoyment Promise is only applicable to guests who have not cruised on a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (“FOCL”) ship before. It excludes Party Nights and cruises for 4 or less nights. The promise only applies to Bookings made for departures more than 12 weeks ahead. The Enjoyment Promise only applies to Passengers who have contracted with FOCL and excludes cruises on vessels operated by FOCL but booked through 3rd Party operators. Should you wish to invoke the Enjoyment Promise, you will need to inform Guest Relations within 48 hours of sailing at the latest. FOCL will arrange and pay for a flight and/or transport back to the UK. FOCL will refund the cruise cost only but will not refund other costs. **Only guests booking a Premier Suite or Marquee Suite will be eligible to dine with Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland or Mr Fred. Olsen Senior, subject to their availability. All engagements with Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland, are subject to her availability. We would like to keep you up to date with relevant offers and news from Fred. Olsen. Should you prefer not to be contacted, you can opt out at any time by advising us by email to: emailresponse@fredolsen.co.uk, by telephone or by post, specifying your full name and address. E&OE