FRED OLSEN CRUISES 2015
S H I P
I N F O R M A T I O N
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Welcome A brief selection of highlights is listed for each cruise, giving a taste of what you can choose to enjoy during your holiday. All the cruises depart from Liverpool and a transfer from your home address to the port is included in all of the prices along with all meals on board, port taxes, entertainment each evening and access to a wide variety of leisure facilities to ensure you relax when on board. Fred. Olsen offer a wide variety of shore excursions* in each port of call in order that you can tailor your experience to your tastes and interests. On board ship there are informative and entertaining lectures/discussions so you can find out in advance about the places you will visit, so when you step ashore you know make the most of your time. A selection of cabins are available so please call for prices and availability. *Not included in the price.
To board Black Watch is to sense at once a classic pedigree that harks back to cruising values of a bygone age. She is truly a worldclass cruise ship where you will feel a warm sense of welcome from the very first moment you step aboard. Subtle, stylishly elegant décor, broad teak decks and generous promenades - these all contribute to the spontaneous feeling of
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freedom and comfort that lies at the heart of the time-honoured Fred. Olsen cruising concept. There is an impressive range of dining choices from the inviting elegance of the Glentanar Restaurant or the more intimate Orchid Room, to the convenience and informality of the delightful Garden Café or a snack in the sun at the Poolside Café or Marquee Pool Bar. The contrasting venues
Tel: 01706 648126
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of the nautically-themed Lido Lounge and popular Scottish Piper's Bar provide congenial settings. With two swimming pools, a fitness centre, health and beauty salon, library, casino, 150-seat film theatre, glamorous cabarets and shows and dancing, Black Watch boasts a dazzling spectrum of more active diversions to fill your days - and nights!
Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
Vigo ©Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
3 C A N A R I E S C R U I S E Oporto ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Canary Islands Easter Lisbon, Portugal Spread out over seven hills on the north of the River Tagus, Lisbon is a delightful mix of palaces, art-nouveau cafés, museums, gardens, ancient castles and splendid bridges. Don’t miss a visit to the Centro Commercial Colombo – the biggest shopping mall on the Iberian Peninsula!
DEPARTS LIVERPOOL 31 S T MARCH 13 T H APRIL 2015 13 N IG HTS Black Watch W1503 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Vigo, Spain The old quarter of Vigo, with original fishermen’s cottages, is on the terraces that lead up from the original port. At the centre is the Iglesia Concatedral de Santa Maria; here there are several charming plazas with open-air cafés and bars. ITINERARY
DESTINATION
Tue 31 Mar
Liverpool, UK
Arrecife, Lanzarote Lanzarote is bathed in almost endless sunshine. Experience a camel ride through the hissing rocks of Fire Mountain in the Timanfaya National Park or visit the lovely saltwater lagoon of
ARRIVE
DEPART
Late Night
Wed 1 - Thu 2 Apr
Cruising
Fri 3 Apr
Vigo, Spain
Early AM
Early PM
Sat 4 Apr
Lisbon, Portugal
Early AM
Late PM
Sun 5 Apr
Cruising
Mon 6 Apr
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Early AM
Late PM
Tue 7 Apr
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Early AM
Late PM
Wed 8 Apr
Funchal, Madeira
Early AM
Late PM
Thu 9 Apr
Cruising
Fri 10 Apr
Leixos (for Oporto), Portugal
Early PM
Late PM
Sat 11 - Sun 13 Apr
Cruising
Mon 13 Apr
Liverpool, UK
Jameos del Agua Cave and Cesar Manrique’s unique cactus garden. Santa Cruz, Tenerife Santa Cruz is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. A tour to the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical and intriguing Pyramids of Guimar is a must. Funchal, Madeira Funchal has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this floating garden with the year-round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Indulge in afternoon tea at Reid’s Hotel, explore the botanical gardens or try the island’s famous wine. Leixos (for Oporto), Portugal From Leixos, take a tour to Oporto, where you can visit one of the many port cellars, the legendary names of which are emblazoned along the River Douro. The city is a stylish mix of imposing streets and squares, ornate baroque towers and chaotic medieval alleyways.
CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
Tel: 01706 648126
Early AM
•
Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
From £1,359.00
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Venice ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
V E N I C E
A N D
A D R I A T I C
C R U I S E
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Centre of Venice and The Adriatic DE PARTS LIVERPOOL
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
13 T H APRIL - 8 T H MAY 2015
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25 NI GHTS
Black Watch W1504 ITINERARY Mon 13 Apr
DESTINATION
Tue 14 - Thu 16 Apr
Cruising
Fri 17 Apr
Gibraltar
Early AM
Early PM
Sat 18 Apr
Cartagena, Spain
Early AM
Late PM
Sun 19 - Mon 20 Apr
Cruising
ARRIVE
Liverpool, Uk
DEPART
Late PM
Tue 21 Apr
Catania, Sicily
Early AM
Early PM
Wed 22 Apr
Corfu, Greece
Early AM
Late PM
Thu 23 Apr
Kotor, Montenegro
Early AM
Late PM
Fri 24 Apr
Hvar, Croatia*
Early AM
Late PM
Sat 25 Apr
Venice, Italy
Early AM
Sun 26 Apr
Venice, Italy
Late PM
Mon 27 Apr
Split, Croatia
Early AM
Late PM
Tue 28 Apr
Dubrovnik, Croatia*
Early AM
Late Night
Wed 29 Apr
Cruising
Thu 30 Apr
Valletta, Malta
Fri 1 May
Cruising
Sat 2 May
Algiers, Algeria
Sun 3 May
Cruising
Mon 4 May
Cadiz, Spain
Tue 5 - Thu 7 May
Cruising
Fri 8 May
Liverpool, UK
Early AM
Late PM
Early AM
Late PM
Early AM
Late PM
Early AM
Cartagena, Spain Cartagena was originally built on five small hills: in Roman times, they surrounded a bay which has now dried up. The old town was carefully planned within city walls and includes a natural harbour that is watched over by the medieval Castillio de la Concepcion, from which there are superb views. Catania, Sicily Over the years it has survived earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Its indomitable spirit reflected in the many sumptuous noble Baroque buildings and monumental streets of great overall harmony. Corfu, Greece One of the greenest Greek islands with thousands of olive trees and sleepy villages and history in abundance. Hvar, Croatia (Anchor Port) Queen of the Croatian Dalmatian Islands, and considered one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world; Hvar has a rich history of Mediterranean architecture, tradition and nature. Venice, Italy Even the briefest encounter with Venice's enchanting waterways,
*Anchor Port.
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Tel: 01706 648126
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Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
Dubrovnik ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Sicily ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
5 V E N I C E A N D A D R I A T I C C R U I S E
ancient buildings, squares and narrow streets will have you mesmerized. Don't miss the 14th century Doge's Palace, the magnificent mosaicdecorated interior of St. Mark's Basilica and a fabulous gondola ride. Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia* Discover Croatia exploring mesmerizing Split with its vast lakes and earthy vegetation before heading to Dubrovnik, a bustling city of terracotta roofs and historical churches encased by a large fortress. Valletta, Malta The Maltese capital was founded by the knights of St John and created a late Renaissance city which has barely changed over the centuries. The St John’s co-cathedral is ordinary from the outside but incredible on the inside. Algiers, Algeria Modern Algiers is built close to the Mediterranean coast, crowned by the Kasbah. In the old quarter are the remains of the citadel, as well as ancient mosques and palaces from the Ottoman era.
CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
From £2,859.00
Tel: 01706 648126
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Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
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Eidfjord ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Bergen ©Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
N O R W A Y
C R U I S E
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Norwegian Celebration DE PARTS LIVERPOOL 11 T H - 22 N D MAY 2015 11 NI GHT S Black Watch W1506 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Alesund, Norway A cruise from the UK calling at Alesund will allow you to experience this town, now regarded as one of Europe’s marvels, with its art-nouveau epic of towers and turrets, ornaments and balconies, steeples and spires.
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Hellesylt and Geiranger The scenery along the attractive town of Geiranger is some of the most breathtaking in Europe; Geirangerfjord itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small town of Hellesylt is near to Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord and is surrounded by mountains.
Bergen, Hordaland The 900 year old Bryggen Wharf in Bergen is a delight to explore: its narrow streets climb away from the waterfront, lined by interesting shops, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled stairways, with alleyways and tiny open spaces that beg to be explored.
Olden, Nordfjord, Norway Olden is utterly delightful, a charming village set in green meadows which are ablaze with colourful flowers throughout the summer, and through which babbling brooks meander between pretty houses.
Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord The quaint village of Eidfjord is perfectly perched at the head of the fjord, on moraines left behind after the Ice Age. The incredible glassy waters and towering cliffs encompass some of Norway’s finest fjordland scenery.
ITINERARY Mon 11 May
DESTINATION
Tue 12 - Wed 13 May
Cruising
Thu 14 May
Alesund, Norway
Early AM
Late Night
Fri 15 May
Hellesylt, More og Romsdal
Early AM
Late AM
Fri 15 May
Gerianger, More og Romsdal
Early PM
Late PM
Sat 16 May
Olden, Nordfjord, Norway
Early AM
Late PM
Sun 17 May
Bergen, Hordaland
Early AM
Late Night
Mon 18 May
Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord
Early AM
Late PM
Tue 19 May
Stavanger, Norway
Early AM
Late PM
Wed 20 - Thu 21 May
Cruising
Fri 22 May
Liverpool, UK
ARRIVE
DEPART
Late PM
Liverpool, UK
Stavanger, Norway The old town, Gamle Stavanger, has narrow winding streets and ancient wooden houses gathered round the market where fresh fish and vegetables have been sold for over a thousand years. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries abound, along with intriguing museums.
CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
Tel: 01706 648126
Early AM
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From £1,259.00
Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
La Rochelle ©Atout France.Daniel Gallon - Dangal
7 S P A I N & F R A N C E C R U I S E
Medieval Towns and Museums DEPARTS LIVERPOOL 19 T H - 26 T H JUNE 2015 7 N IGHTS Black Watch W1508 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS La Coruna, Spain La Coruna is a delight for sightseeing, not least because of the broad array of ITINERARY
DESTINATION
Fri 19 June
Liverpool, UK
different architectural styles on show, ranging from the traditional in the splendid medieval quarter to excellent modernist buildings. Don’t miss the Torre De Hercules – said to be the world’s oldest lighthouse. Getxo (for Bilbao), Spain From Getxo, take a tour to visit Bilbao, where you can discover the city’s wonderful mix of architecture, explore the ARRIVE
DEPART
Late Night
Sat 20 - Sun 21 June Cruising Mon 22 June
La Coruña, Spain
Early AM
Late PM
Tue 23 June
Getxo (for Bilbao), Spain
Early AM
Late PM
Wed 24 June
La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France
Early AM
Late PM
Thu 25 June
Cruising
Fri 26 June
Liverpool, UK
old town and its medieval church, or simply relax with a glass of Rioja. Don’t miss the world-famous Guggenheim Museum: its curvaceous, metal-clad exterior rivals the immense collection of art housed inside. La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France La Rochelle is a lively, well-preserved city with arcaded streets, ancient wooden houses, stately mansions, pretty gardens and parks. See the Porte de La Grosse Horloge (Tower of the Big Clock) – the former gateway to the entrance of the city – and the famous towers standing proudly at the opening of the port.
CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
Tel: 01706 648126
Early AM
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Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
From £739.00
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Hassan II Mosque
San Sebastian ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
M O R O C C O
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Casablanca and the Islands of the Canaries DE PARTS LIVERPOOL
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
28 T H JUNE - 12 T H JULY 2015
Casablanca, Morocco Made famous by the movie, Casablanca is home to chic bars and stylish restaurants, bustling shops in the Old Medina, and the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque.
14 N IG HTS Black Watch W1510
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Gran Canaria has year-round warmth, ITINERARY Sun 28 June
Liverpool, UK
Mon 29 June - Wed 1 July
Cruising
Thu 2 July Fri 3 July
Casablanca, Morocco Cruising
Sat 4 July
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria San Sebastian, La Gomera
Sun 5 July
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DESTINATION
ARRIVE
DEPART
Late PM Early AM
Late Night
Early AM
Late PM
Early AM
Late Night
Mon 6 July
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Early AM
Late PM
Tue 7 July
Funchal, Madeira
Early AM
Late PM
Wed 8 July
Cruising
Thu 9 July
Leixos (for Oporto), Portugal
Early PM
Late PM
Fri 10 - Sat 11 July
Cruising
Sun 12 July
Liverpool, UK
Tel: 01706 648126
making the island the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. San Sebastian, La Gomera La Gomera has historic links to Christopher Columbus – legend tells of the famous explorer stopping here on his way to America. Santa Cruz, Tenerife Santa Cruz is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. A tour to the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical and intriguing Pyramids of Guimar is a must. Funchal, Madeira Funchal has a benign climate that fills this floating garden with the year-round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Leixos (for Oporto), Portugal From Leixos, take a tour to Oporto, where you can visit one of the many port cellars, the legendary names of which are emblazoned along the famous River Douro. CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
Late Night
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From £1,559.00
Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
Lisbon ©Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
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Portuguese Cities and Islands built to protect the natural harbour from invaders. Praia was the capital of the Azores until the mid-15th century and the historic centre still has many colourful old houses as well as a couple of interesting churches.
DEPARTS LIVERPOOL 1 S T - 14 T H A UGUST 2015 13 N IGHTS Black Watch W1513 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Praia da Vitoria, Azores Praia da Vitoria was heavily fortified and parts of the old town can still be seen, along with the Fort of Santa Catarina,
Ponta Delgada, Azores Ponta Delgada has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a fine selection of parks, narrow cobbled streets, squares, and a modern marina. The island of Sao Miguel is lovely, with lakes, mountains and lush valleys, together with
ITINERARY
DESTINATION
Sat 1 Aug
Liverpool, UK
Sun 2 - Tue 4 Aug
Cruising
Wed 5 Aug
Praia da Vitoria, Azores
Early PM
Late Night
Thu 6 Aug
Ponta Delgada, Azores
Early AM
Late PM
Fri 7 Aug
Cruising Early AM
Late PM
Sat 8 Aug
Funchal, Madeira
Sun 9 Aug
Cruising
ARRIVE
DEPART
Late Night
Mon 10 Aug
Lisbon, Portugal
Early AM
Late PM
Tue 11 Aug
Leixos (for Oporto), Portugal
Early AM
Late Night
Wed 12 - Thu 13 Aug
Cruising
Fri 14 Aug
Liverpool, UK
Tel: 01706 648126
fine sandy beaches lapped by the deep blue ocean. Funchal, Madeira Funchal has a benign climate that fills this floating garden with the year-round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Indulge in afternoon tea at Reid’s Hotel, explore the Botanical gardens or try the island’s famous wine. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon is a delightful mix of palaces, art-nouveau cafes, museums, gardens, ancient castles and splendid bridges. Don’t miss a visit to the Centro Commercial Colombo – the biggest shopping mall on the Iberian Peninsula. Leixoes (for Oporto), Portugal From Leixoes, take a tour to Oporto, where you can visit one of the many port cellars, the legendary names of which are emblazoned along the famous River Douro.
CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
Early AM
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Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
From £1,459.00
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Funchal, Madeira
Santa Cruz, La Palma ©Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
C A N A R I E S
&
M A D E I R A
C R U I S E
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Canaries Christmas and Funchal Fireworks buildings. From here you can take a day tour to Sevilla, which warmly envelops visitors in its maze of courtyards, and ornate churches and cathedrals.
DE PARTS LIVERPOOL 20 T H D ECEMBER 2015 - 5 T H JANUA RY 2016 16 NIG HTS Black Watch W1525 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Cadiz, Spain Cadiz hugs Andalusia’s sunlit Atlantic coast and is characterised by palm trees, lookout towers and weathered old
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ITINERARY Sun 20 Dec
DESTINATION
Mon 21 - Wed 23 Dec
Cruising
Puerto Del Rosario, Fuerteventura The town of Puerto del Rosario has a selection of interesting shops and familyowned bars serving tapas, local wines and Canarian cuisine. It is also host to many migratory and nesting birds. San Sebastian, La Gomera La Gomera is also known as ‘Isla Colombiana’ for its historic links to ARRIVE
Liverpool, UK
Thu 24 Dec
Cadiz, Spain
Fri 25 Dec
Cruising
Sat 26 Dec Sun 27 Dec
DEPART
Late PM Early AM
Late PM
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Early PM
Late PM
San Sebastian, La Gomera
Early AM
Late Night
Mon 28 Dec
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Early AM
Late Night
Tue 29 Dec
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Early AM
Late Night
Wed 30 Dec
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Early AM
Late PM
Thu 31 Dec
Funchal, Madeira
Early AM
Late Night
Fri 1 Jan
Funchal, Madeira
Early AM
Late Night
Sat 2 - Mon 4 Jan
Cruising
Tue 5 Jan
Liverpool, UK
Tel: 01706 648126
Early AM
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Christopher Columbus – legend tells of the famous explorer stopping here on his way to America. The Casa de la Aguada has an interesting exhibition on the island. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria The island was founded over 500 years ago and the historical heritage is very much in evidence in Vegueta, the oldest part of the city. At its centre are the twin towers of the Santa Ana Cathedral, building work started in 1500 but took almost four centuries to complete which explains the mix of architectural styles! Santa Cruz, Tenerife Tenerife’s wonderful climate and resorts have been attracting tourism for decades and rightly so. Santa Cruz is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. San Juan, the best preserved castle on the Canaries, known as the Black Castle is worth seeing or perhaps a visit to the Museum of Open Air Sculpture with works from Miro to Henry Moore displayed amongst exotic trees. Santa Cruz, La Palma The charming island of La Palma boasts an abundance of beautiful flora
Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
Tenerife ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
11 S I N G A T S E A
and striking, varied landscapes. The capital, Santa Cruz, has a number of cafes and bars serving local dishes. Funchal, Madeira Funchal has a magnificent natural harbour protected by hills that rise up over 1,200m. With rich volcanic soil and a magnificent climate, Funchal has many stunning gardens. The Botanical Gardens, set high in the hills offer wonderful views over the city. The firework display is considered to be one of the most spectacular in the world. Fireworks are stretched out around Funchal’s bay and as the clock strikes midnight on the 31st December, the skies are lit with fireworks making this one of the most magnificent shows ever and a memorable moment for everyone. Please note: On Christmas Day a traditional Christmas Dinner is served with all the trimmings, you may even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas! A Christmas service is held as well as a Christmas show in the evening.
CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
From £1,959.00
Tel: 01706 648126
•
Web: www.ellensmith.co.uk
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All Inclusive Package from £10.00pppn At the Bars: • Selection of soft drinks by the glass; Post mix Pepsi, lemonade, tonic water, juices and mineral/spring water
Not included in the All Inclusive Package: •
Cocktails (incl. Cocktail of the day and non alcoholic cocktails)
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House wines by the glass
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Selected branded beers in cans or on draught
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Speciality Coffee*
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House spirits: rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, brandy
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Branded & Premium drinks that are not listed in the All Inclusive Package
At the Restaurants and Buffets: • Selection of soft drinks, mineral/spring water & juices by the glass
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Wines that are not listed in the All Inclusive Package
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Champagne*
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House wines by the glass
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Drinks ordered on room service other than those listed in the cabin
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Selected branded beers in cans
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Service menu*
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Drinks taken ashore
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Mini bar drinks*
Plus Discounted Drinks: • Guests with the All Inclusive package can save 50% off premium & branded drinks, wines (not Champagne), cocktails, and bottled water
*Chargeable at full price. Offers are subject to availability, can be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice and cannot be applied retrospectively. Not available on Mini Cruises or Christmas cruises (supplements apply) Upgrade must be purchased for full duration of the cruise by all guests on a booking. FOCL reserves the right to exclude specific cruises, or to change the selling price at any time. Please check at time of booking.
Booking Conditions • • • • • •
A non-refundable deposit of 15% per person is required to confirm your booking along with a completed booking form Balance is due 14 weeks prior to travel (exact date will be outlined on confirmation paperwork) Prices are subject to cabin availability All cruises are operated by Greatdays Holidays ABTA Y0380 for whom Ellen Smith are an authorised agent Cheque payments are made to Greatdays Holidays Limited or call to pay credit/debit card* Shore excursions are booked direct with Fred. Olsen, approximately 6 weeks prior to travel
*Card charges may apply
For more information, contact us Ellen Smith Tours, Newgate, Rochdale OL16 1BA Tel: 01706 648126 Printed September 2014. All information correct at time of going to press. Prices based on 2 adults sharing a cabin. Bookings subject to terms and conditions. Images for illustrative purposes only. Front cover image: © Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. All images are for illustrative purposes only. Greatdays Holidays Limited are a member of ABTA (YO380) which means you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct.