Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced the launch of four exciting new cruises for 2025, setting course for locations including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Norway.

The small ship Balmoral will embark from Southampton on four uniquely crafted journeys, each timed to showcase the ultimate destinations at their peak.

Among these is the 45-night Grand Voyage, an extensive exploration of the Caribbean and Central America. This adventure promises encounters with lush tropical landscapes, cultural immersion through local foods like Colombian coffee and Jamaican jerk chicken, as well as snorkelling in Tortola. Guests will also get the rare opportunity to observe wildlife unique to Costa Rica, including sloths, raccoons, and capuchin monkeys.

For those drawn to the mysteries of the Arctic, the ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise sets sail on 18 January 2025. This 15-night expedition aims to capture the magic of the Aurora Borealis, with guidance from the Go Stargazing team and celebrates the maritime rite of passage of crossing the Arctic Circle.

Another journey, the ‘Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands’, departing on 2 February, promises a voyage filled with volcanic beauty, culinary delights like pasteis de nata, and tranquil walks through Madeira’s lush botanical gardens.

Completing the lineup, the Springtime Norwegian Fjords cruise offers an unparalleled view of Sognefjord, one of Norway’s most majestic fjords. Here, guests can engage in outdoor pursuits such as kayaking or forest hiking, embracing the natural splendour of Norway in the spring.

Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Product Development at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“These four new itineraries have been carefully hand-crafted by our team of Journey Planners. The springtime cruise in Norway has been timed to showcase the very best of the fjords and mountain scenery, while North Norway will give guests the ideal opportunity to witness the Northern Lights – with 2025 being one of the best years to observe the natural phenomenon.

“Guests will also be able to embrace the local way of life in each of the destinations they are visiting and seek out native wildlife. Whether guests are sailing for the first or 10th time, there really is a huge variety of cruises to suit everyone’s desires.”

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