Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is giving guests the perfect opportunity to visit three cultural European cities – Oslo (Norway), Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Antwerp (Belgium) – with Balmoral's ten-night L1416 'European Cities & Waterways' cruise, departing from Southampton on 24th October 2014 – all from just £79 per person, per night*. With overnight stays in each destination, guests can get the chance to relax and explore these bustling capitals at their leisure.
The first port of call on this 'Artistic City Break' cruise is Oslo. Found between the Oslofjord and surrounded by dense forests, Norway’s lively capital boasts an extraordinary combination of city life and 'the great outdoors'. Guests can explore Oslo’s artistic side, with a visit to the National Gallery, home to Munch’s world-famous 'The Scream'. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is wonderfully unique, containing 212 of Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures reflecting all stages of the human lifecycle. For modern art and culture, go to the Waterfront area, which blends new museums with restaurants and contemporary living; and do not forget the eye-catching ‘Barcode’ buildings!
Balmoral then continues onto Amsterdam, for another overnight stay. Part of what makes this city so appealing is the perfect contrast of 17th Century history and modern city life, creating a relaxed and friendly environment. Don’t miss the three most famous museums of the 40 within the city: the Rijksmuseum, with important paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals; the Van Gogh Museum, housing 200 paintings; and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, with major works by Picasso. Why not take a canal cruise, the ideal way to see this diverse city.
Antwerp is the final port of call on this European exploration of art and culture. For a different view of the city, guests can discover more by taking a tram, boat or horse and carriage. Ruben’s House is also to be recommended; the Baroque artist lived here for over 25 years, and created the majority of his work from this palatial dwelling. Be sure to pay a visit to the Cathedral of our Lady, which took 169 years to build! This iconic building houses a number of major art works, including a series by Rubens. And, of course, there is always the famous Belgian chocolate to sample and perhaps purchase when in this stunning city.
Prices for this fascinating European city break cruise start from just £790 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded Outside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen's 'all-inclusive' drinks package from just £10 per person, per night*.
Fred. Olsen has been named one of the Top 3 cruise lines in the UK and awarded Which? Travel’s prestigious ‘Recommended Provider’ accolade, in its first-ever dedicated cruise survey. The influential independent consumer body conducted an online poll of 1,327 Which? members in April 2014, and FOCL was voted joint second out of the 14 cruise companies rated, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 85% out of 100%. Fred. Olsen was delighted to be voted 'Best for Enrichment' in the 'Cruise International Awards 2014', for the third time.
