Some interesting new ports of call become available next winter when cruise ship Braemar will be based in the Canary Islands for the first time and Senegal, The Gambia and Cape Verde Islands are added to its itineraries.
The Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship has spent the past few winters in the Caribbean, but will be withdrawn after this season because of the high cost of flights to the region. The Canaries have long been a popular winter destination for cruises from the UK – usually involving the risk of a rough crossing of the Bay of Biscay.
Braemar will be based in Tenerife between January and March, sailing a programme of seven to 14-night cruises packaged with exclusive charter flights from London and Manchester, or sold on a cruise-only basis so passengers can make their own flight arrangements.
Fred Olsen sales and marketing director Nathan Philpot said: “This is a really exciting, innovative development for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. While we know that many of our regular cruise guests relish several days at sea, there are many would-be cruisers who are slightly younger and cannot take time for a leisurely voyage, or simply prefer to start enjoying their sun-seeking as soon as possible.
“The short and easy flight to Tenerife means that guests can start to enjoy their cruise holiday in the sun within hours. This is a great new product to help agents sell cruises to those who might otherwise take a traditional package holiday.”
Fares for a seven-night cruise to Lanzarote, Madeira, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera begin at £799 including flights. The most interesting itinerary, is a 14-night voyage to Fuerteventura, Cape Verde, Senegal, the Gambia and Gran Canaria, with fares from £1,299.
The packages are on sale from today. Details at www.fredolsencruises.com.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
WE have just booked the African Beaches and Tropical Island Cruise.
You are right when you say the flights are to dear to USA and long.
With this we get a short flight but still good weather.
Good luck as you try to save us money and explore different places other than the MED
WE have just booked the African Beaches and Tropical Island Cruise.
You are right when you say the flights are to dear to USA and long.
With this we get a short flight but still good weather.
Good luck as you try to save us money and explore different places other than the MED