Fred Olsen Cruise Lines issues autumn and winter 2027 programme

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has released details of autumn and winter sailings for 2027.

The programme comprises 20 departures between October and December, visiting destinations including Norway, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

The fleet will make four maiden calls during the season, stopping at Alanya in Turkey alongside Milazzo, Taranto and Golfo Aranci in Italy.

The Mediterranean fly-cruise programme will be hosted on board Balmoral, featuring ports of call across the Greek islands, Italy, Croatia and the French and Turkish rivieras.

Itinerary highlights include a 15-night Spain, Morocco and Portugal Discovery cruise departing Newcastle on October 2, leading in at £1,599.

Alternatively, a 12-night Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece and Egypt fly-cruise from Piraeus on Balmoral costs from £1,149, including flights from London or Manchester.

Head of product innovation Martin Lister said the new schedule “offers such a breadth of experience”, combining shorter sailings for the new-to-cruise market with longer, “more-immersive voyages”.

Lister added: “From the UK you can soak up the cultural wonders of Morocco or explore some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, from Rome’s Colosseum to Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

“There’s a shorter-than-usual cruise to Northern Norway going in search of the Northern Lights, a five-night Mystery Cruise for something a little different, as well as a longer voyage to enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean in winter.”

He said the Mediterranean fly-cruises were driven by strong demand. “They take guests straight to the destination, with more time ashore to explore regions such as the Greek islands, Italy, Croatia and the French and Turkish rivieras, including an itinerary visiting six islands in just 10 nights.

“And as the programme spans the festive season, guests can also look forward to the magic of Christmas, from traditional markets to celebrating the season in the Caribbean.”