Fred. Olsen Launches Second Programme of Civilisations Cruises

Civilisations is an add-on package on selected cruises, that offers a more in-depth experience. It allows travellers to learn more about the history and culture of destinations, escorted by expert guides and lecturers and appeals to those who want a more mentally challenging holiday. Previously exclusive to Black Watch the programme has now been extended and is offered by both Black Watch and her sister ship Boudicca.

The subjects covered in this programme include Maritime History, Greek Mythology, Polar Exploration, Clash of Empires, Ancient Polynesian Culture, Renaissance and Colonial History. Each cruise is escorted by a dedicated, on-board host, who will help participants achieve greater fulfilment from their vacation and open their eyes to the culture and history of the destinations visited.

The price of the Civilisations package includes all on-board and tours gratuities, meals, specialist lecturers, privately escorted tours, port and passenger taxes and a beautiful leather-bound journal to record the highlights of the cruise.

There are some highly respected experts in their various fields among the lecturers. They include:-

• Professor Sir Arnold Wolfenden, the 14th Astronomer Royal. Professor Wolfenden was President of the Royal Astrological Society from 1981-83, the Institute of Physics from 1994-96 and 14th Astronomer Royal from 1991-95. He is now President of the European Physical Society and was knighted in 1995.

• Dr Helen Doe, Maritime Historian. Dr Doe specialises in sailing vessels and her lectures will reveal the human element behind the ships, from builders of warships to smugglers. She has published many articles and two books as well as appearing on several television documentaries.

• Professor David Owen – Polar Exploration. Dr Owen was formerly Expedition Logistics Director for the explorer David Hempleman Adams and is also a qualified balloon pilot with 25 years’ experience. His unique set of skills will make him a fascinating lecturer on the challenges facing polar explorers from the 19th to the 21st centuries.

• Catherine Pollock – Russian History. Catherine Pollock is Russian exert and visiting lecturer at the Universities of Moscow, St Petersburg, Savator and Ekaterinburg She has delivered papers in Russian to conference and writes books of Russian-English dialogue for university entrance examinations. She is also involved in a research project at Oriel College, Oxford.

BW852 – Maritime History & Napoleonic Wars, departs Dover on 21st April 2008 for 11 nights. The Civilisations cruise is to Iberia and shore excursions include Aix Island, Panoramic Bilbao, Cape Trafalgar, La Coruna City Tour and Guernsey Maritime History. Cruise prices start from £911 per person and the Civilisations package is priced at £399 per person.

BW854 – Greek Mythology and History, departs Dover 6th May 2008 for 22 nights. This Eastern Mediterranean cruise has special excursions including Ancient Cartagena, National Museum of Archaeology and Inquisitors Palace in Malta, Delphi, Discover Delos and Legends of Old Greek Cities. Cruise prices start from £2,220 per person and the Civilisations package is an extra £599 per person.

BW857 – Polar Exploration departs Dover 24th June 2008 for 15 nights. Excursions including Giske Island and Arctic Museum, Polar Museum and Polaria, and Norway Old and New in Bergen. Cruise prices start from £1,797 per person and the Civilisations add-on is £379 per person.

BW95123 – Ancient Polynesian Culture. This holiday of 19 nights is part of Black Watch’s World Cruise, and departs by air from London on 4th February 2009. This fly/cruise holiday comprises the sector from Tahiti to Sydney, Australia. Special excursions include Tahiti and her History, Trails of the Ancients, Suva – the Jewel of Fiji, Myths of the Kanak Culture, and O’Reilly’s Rainforest in Brisbane. Prices for the cruise start from £2,330 per person and the Civilisations package is priced at £549 per person.

Boudicca’s Civilisations cruises include her Italian Renaissance – BD068 - a 16-night cruise departing Southampton on 15th September 2008. The theme is Renaissance Culture and excursions include Cultures of Jerez, Middle Ages in Mahon, Florence and its Renaissance, Renaissance Rome, Pompeii, and Tangiers Museums. Prices for the cruise start from £1,785 per person and the Civilisations package is an extra £469 per person.

BD073 is Boudicca’s Colonial History Caribbean fly/cruise, departing 20th November 2008 with flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle to Bridgetown, Barbados. The Civilisations theme is Colonial History and excursions include Colonial History of Barbados, St Joseph in Port of Spain, Gouyave Town and Hudson’s Forest in Grenada, Natural Wonders, Historical Tortola, Historical Antigua, and Plantation Tour in St Kitts. This cruise is priced from £1,334 per person and the Civilisations package is priced at a further £429 per person.

Full information on all the Civilisations cruises will soon be available on www.fredolsencruises.co.uk/civilisations To book, call Reservations on 01473 742424 or see your local ABTA travel agent.