Cultural seekers and classical music lovers alike may be interested to hear that Fred. Olsen Cruises has launched a new add-on package on selected Black Watch and Boudicca cruises. The Package, known as ‘Civilisations’, offers a programme of exclusive on-board lectures and escorted shore excursions with such subjects as astronomy, polar exploration, colonial history and Renaissance culture included.  Charges vary depending on which excursion programme you choose but Cruise Maestro are only too happy to advise you. 

Culture on cruises is becoming more and more a necessity to cruise guests where cruises visit such areas as the Baltics and cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and Fred Olsen Cruises are showing their awareness of this.

With a large number of UK travellers having not yet taken a cruise Norwegian Cruise Lines has a series of 2 night mini-cruises from Southampton this year.These cruises are excellent for those still unsure as to whether they will enjoy a cruise and are particularly good if you prefer the informal type of holiday. Norwegian Cruise Lines has 2 cruise-ships sailing out of the UK. They are the Norwegian Jade and her sister ship the Norwegian Jewel. The freestyle cruising approach from NCL appeals to many as there are no set dining times or dress code but for those who may want an occasional ‘special’ evening out NCL do offer alternative dining options with waiter service. There is however an extra charge for dining in these venues. August 9^th sees the Norwegian Jewel cruise from Dover on a 2 night weekend cruise to Amsterdam with prices from £169 per person whereas from the same price the Norwegian Jade cruises from Southampton on July 11^th with a full day in Bruges and 2 nights cruising. Norwegian Jade departs Southampton 27^th June to Le Havre  on a 2 night cruise with prices again starting from £169 per person. All of these prices are based on 2 people sharing an inside cabin.