Cruisers leave North East in search of the Northern Lights
FRED. Olsen became the first cruise operator to depart from Newcastle this season, as holidaymakers set sail in search of the Northern Lights.
More than half a million passengers passed through the Port’s International Passenger Terminal last year, with cruises also on offer from a range of companies including TUI, Saga, and Norwegian Cruises. However, it’s Fred. Olsen who have been first out of the traps.
One of the company’s smaller ships, the Balmoral, set sail on her first cruise of the season from Port of Tyne at North Shields, on a ninenight “In search of the Northern Lights cruise” last week.
Other destinations throughout the season include Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Iceland and islands of the Mediterranean.
The Balmoral is set to be a regular visitor the Port of Tyne this year, although it is the only Fred. Olsen ship so far confirmed on the Port of Tyne’s annual schedule.
Clare Ward, director of product and customer service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are delighted to have returned to Newcastle for another busy cruising schedule for 2024, and in particular, to be the first cruise line to sail from the Port of Tyne this year.
“Guests joining us can look forward to a host of specially-timed cruises on board our smaller-sized ship Balmoral where they can embrace the local way of life, seek out native wildlife and witness spectacular natural phenomena.
“Opportunities in our hand-crafted itineraries include the chance to see the Midnight Sun, visit the Norwegian Fjords when the waterfalls are at their strongest in the Norwegian fjords and seek out the Perseid Meteor Shower.
“Whether guests are sailing for the first, fifth or 15th time, there truly is a wonderful variety of cruises to suit everyone.”
Jak Johnston, international passenger terminal manager at the Port of Tyne, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines back to Newcastle for another exciting season of cruising from the Port of Tyne. Our friendly team is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to provide exceptional service and ensure unforgettable experiences for all passengers.”
Other Fred. Olsen cruises leaving from Newcastle this year include the Norwegian Fjords in five nights, and a 19-night Mediterranean islands cruise.
For more information on Fred. Olsen cruises leaving Newcastle this year, visit the website https://www. fredolsencruises.com