Lesser-known cities introduced by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines for summer 2023

Scenic sailings, cultural calls and stops coinciding with special events ashore feature in the latest raft of summer 2023 itineraries released by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines across all four ships in the fleet.

The new sailings feature the Adriatic’s lesser-known cities of Durrës in Albania, Neum in Bosnia and Koper in Slovenia.

Sailings to Arctic Norway to witness the Midnight Sun and Spitsbergen and Amalfi Coast cruising also feature.

A programme of shore excursions is being developed for the new sailings, including opportunities to make Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon and hike Bergen’s Mount Floyen with a local resident away from the typical tourist vantage points.

The new programme includes more than 40 sailings between June and October 2023, with departures from Southampton, Dover, London Tilbury, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth and Belfast. 

Up to £250 on board spending is being offered, rising to £500 per person when booking a suite.

There is also the option to add a third passenger from £199 when sharing with two others, plus a number of no single supplement offers for solo travellers on selected July and August 2023 cruises. 

The new itineraries go on general sale on March 18 at 9am following an early booking period for members of the line’s Oceans loyalty scheme.

Head of itinerary planning and destination experience Martin Lister said: “This is our first programme where we will have all four ships in our new-look fleet sailing, and we can’t wait to welcome guests, both new and returning, on board with us next summer.”

He added: “We have hand-crafted each cruise to really celebrate our smaller ships and the opportunities they allow us to offer our guests.

“So much has been curated around the best time to visit, whether that’s to witness a destination at its seasonal best, or to coincide with a special event ashore. 

“In July, Braemar will call into Fredericia, Denmark, in time for the annual 6th July celebrations, for example, while in October Borealis will venture to Canada in time for guests to witness the spectacular autumnal foliage.”