CRUISE NEWS JULY 2025 with Woods Holidays
COMES CLOSE
THE ONLY FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE RECOMMENDED SHIP SAILING FROM SOUTHAMPTON IN
Mini Cruises
A mini cruise is the perfect way to experience cruising without committing to a long journey. It’s a short, hassle-free getaway that fits into a busy schedule, offering a quick escape without the stress. Explore multiple destinations in just a few days, and enjoy this affordable way to experience luxury, with all-inclusive accommodation, meals, and entertainment.
Ideal for first-timers, a mini cruise lets you dip your toes into the cruising lifestyle. With something for everyone - We’re sure that after your first taste of cruising, you’ll be eager to set sail again!
Short Break to Rotterdam QUEEN ANNE
26 November 2025 | 4 nights
Inside Cabin - £429pp
Ocean View Cabin - £479pp
Balcony Cabin - £499pp
Southampton – Rotterdam, Netherlands (Overnight) – At Sea – Southampton
Amsterdam VENTURA
23 February 2026 | 4 Nights
Inside Cabin - £379pp
Ocean View Cabin - £419pp
Balcony Cabin - £499pp
Southampton – Amsterdam, Netherlands (Overnight) – At Sea – Southampton
Bruges Weekend Getaway Cruise INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS
19 September 2025 | 3 Nights
Inside Cabin - £499pp
Ocean View Cabin - SOLD OUT
Balcony Cabin - SOLD OUT
Southampton – At Sea – Bruges, Belgium – Southampton
Norwegian Fjords CELEBRITY APEX
15 August 2026 | 7 Nights
Inside Cabin - £999pp
Ocean View Cabin - £1,099pp
Balcony Cabin - £1,499pp
Southampton – At Sea – Haugesund, Norway – Ålesund – Flåm – Bergen –At Sea – Southampton
Escorted Cruises
At the end of June 2025, I was lucky enough to escort an amazing 77 people from all over the south on a wonderful cruise through the Norwegian Fjords on Borealis. Everyone was picked up from their door by taxi, and taken by coach to Dover to embark our cruise. It was great to chat with everyone at our exclusive cocktail party in the comfort of the Botanic Lounge, and to be able to give help and advice where needed in the Piano Bar in the afternoons. So many people reboarded their taxis at the end of the holiday saying they were converts to cruising and to Fred. Olsen! I hope you will join us on one of our future escorted cruises below.Kristy
03 October 2025 | 7
| S2527
Price from £809pp
Southampton – One day cruising – Getxo (Bilbao) Overnight – Gijon – La Coruna – One day cruising –Southampton
Italy’s Scenic Riviera & Charming Cinque Terre
05 May 2026 | 17 Nights BOREALIS | S2610
Price from £2,699pp
Southampton – Three days cruising – Gibralter –One day cruising – Palamos, Spain – Savona, Italy –Genoa, Italy (Overnight) – Portofino, Italy –Livorno, Italy – La Spezia (for Cinque Terre) Italy –One day cruising – Cartagena, Spain – Three days cruising – Southampton
Mountains, Glaciers & Fjords of Norway
18 June 2026 | 8 Nights
BOREALIS | S2614
Price from £1,199pp
Southampton – Two days cruising – Olden –Cruising Nordfjord & Innvikfjord – Bergen – Ulvik –Cruising Maurangerfjord & Furebergsfossen –Sandnes – One day cruising – Southampton
Please note: Prices and offers are subject to availability and based on two sharing an inside cabin unless otherwise stated. Prices correct at time of publication. These cruises are operated by Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, for whom Woods Holidays act as agent. The transport is provided by Woods Holidays and does not form part of the FOCL cruise package and is not covered by the FOCL bond. Full Ts & Cs are available www.fredolsencruises.com Door to door transfers by taxi and coach are included within the Woods pick
area. Escort, transport to the port and cocktail party based on minimum numbers and can be withdrawn at any time and doesn’t form part of the FOCL
package and is not covered by the FOCL bond. E&OE.
Fly Cruise with Fred. Olsen
Set sail to some of the world’s most captivating and diverse destinations, where each port offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the sun-kissed cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast to the ancient ruins of Greece, and the vibrant streets of Morocco, Fred. Olsen’s expertly crafted itineraries promise extraordinary experiences. With included flights and transfers, all you need to do is pack your bags for the journey of a lifetime.
Don’t miss the wonderful chance to take part in the reunion of the Fred. Olsen fleet at the Fleet Fiesta! On Monday, 01 December 2026, all three Fred. Olsen ships—Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral—will converge in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, for a day packed with unforgettable celebrations. Guests will have the unique opportunity to board each ship, explore the decks, meet the crew, and connect with fellow travellers. With a vibrant carnival atmosphere both on board and ashore, the day will be filled with excitement, from treasure hunts and live music to friendly competitions like a thrilling tug of war. The festivities will culminate in a dazzling fleet sailaway party, as the ships bid farewell to Las Palmas and sail off into the sunset.
Amalfi Coast, Italian Riviera & Corsica
08 October 2026 | 11 nights | BALMORAL | L2634
Price from £1,899pp
Flight from London – Overnight in Alicante, Spain – Mahon – One day cruising – Savona – La Spezia, Italy – Corsica, France – Propriano, Corsica –Cruising Amalfi Coast – Salerno, Italy (Overnight) –Cruising Stromboli & Strait of Messina – Valletta, Malta – Flight to London
Discovering Greece, Italy and Morocco
19 November 2026 | 11 nights | BALMORAL | L2638
Price from £1,599pp
Flight from London – Athens, Greece (Overnight) – Kalamata – One day cruising – Sicily, Italy – Two days cruising – Tangier – One day cruising – Agadir – One day cruising – Tenerife – Flight to London
Scenic Gems of Croatia with The Bay of Kotor
19 October 2026 | 10 nights | BALMORAL | L2635
Price from £1,899pp
Flight from London – Valletta, Malta – One day cruising – Dubrovnik – Split –Koper – Zadar – Cruising Bay of Kotor – Kotor, Montenegro (Overnight) –Corfu, Greece – One day sailing – Crete, Greece – Flight to London
Canaries Escape with The Fleet Fiesta
30 November 2026 | 10 nights | BALMORAL | L2639
Price from 1,299pp
Flight from London – Tenerife – Gran Canaria – Lanzarote – Madeira (Overnight) – One day cruising – Lisbon – Matosinhos, Portugal –Two day cruising – Southampton
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
Everything we do is thoughtfully designed to give our guests the best cruise experience possible. We’re so confident you’ll love cruising with us that we make you this promise: if within 48 hours of boarding you feel it’s not right for you, we’ll fly you home from the next available port at our expense and your cruise fare will be refunded in full.
Canary Islands Festive Winter Warmth
02 December 2025 | 14 Nights | BALMORAL | L2532
Price from £1,299pp
INCLUDES£210PP ONBOARDSPEND
Southampton – Three days cruising – Funchal, Portugal (Overnight) –San Sebastian, Spain – Tenerife – Lanzarote – One day cruising – Cruise by Belem Tower & Discovery Mon – Cruise by Cristo Rei – Lisbon, Portugal (Overnight) – Two days cruising – Southampton
December in Spain and Portugal offers mild weather, festive charm, and unique experiences. Funchal's Christmas lights, San Sebastian’s coastal beauty, Tenerife and Lanzarote's warm climate, and Lisbon’s historic landmarks make for an unforgettable escape. Enjoy vibrant culture, scenic cruising, and cozy atmospheres, all while avoiding the British winter.
Fairytale Castles & Old Towns of The Baltic
08 December 2025 | 14 Nights | BOREALIS | S2532
Price from £1,399pp
ONBOARDSPEND
Portsmouth – Two days cruising – Warnemunde, Germany – One day cruising – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia (Overnight) – Helsinki, Finland (Overnight) – One day cruising – Copenhagen, Denmark (Overnight) – Two days cruising – Portsmouth
Have a magical winter experience in these wonderful Baltic destinations, including the magnificent castles of Schwerin, Frederiksborg and Rosenborg, and the charming old towns of Vanalinn and Vecrīga. Your stays have been specially timed so you can visit the enchanting Christmas markets of Copenhagen, Tallinn and Riga and sample the delicious festive food and wine. Dive into the Hanseatic history of four magnificent cities, including Helsinki, with three overnight stays for extra exploration.
Mystery Cruise
15 December 2025 | 7 Nights | BOLETTE | T2527
Price from £799pp Sailing from Liverpool
A hugely popular cruise where the itinerary is a secret! An atmosphere of anticipation will begin the moment you step on board, with everyone having their theory as to which European port will be appearing on the horizon next. Every destination will be kept secret until the last possible moment, and your time on board will be filled with the usual fantastic dining, entertainment and fun. Transfers to and from Liverpool can be arranged (enquire when booking).
Winter Warmth in The Canary Islands
06 January 2026 | 14 Nights | BALMORAL | L2601
Price from £1,399pp
Southampton – One day cruising – La Coruña, Spain – Two days cruising – Funchal, Portugal – San Sebastian, Portugal – Tenerife –Lanzarote – Two days cruising – Matosinhos, Portugal –Two days cruising – Southampton
Set sail for winter sun in the Canary Islands, where stunning natural landscapes await. In Tenerife, take in the towering views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Explore La Gomera’s enchanting laurisilva forests and visit Madeira’s dramatic Cabo Girão cliffs. In Lanzarote, marvel at the volcanic beauty of Timanfaya National Park and sip local Malvasía wine. Relax on the beaches and dive into the vibrant Canarian way of life. For wildlife enthusiasts, explore the rich marine life around La Gomera and Tenerife, and discover the Olsen family's historic ties to these captivating islands.
Christmas Markets of France & Belgium
16 December 2025 | 6 Nights | BALMORAL | L2533
Price from £599pp
Southampton – Rouen, France (Overnight) – One day cruising –Antwerp, Belgium (Overnight) – Southampton
Embark on a river cruise through the heart of France and Belgium, where the charm of Balmoral’s smaller size enhances your experience of Europe’s festive magic. As you cruise the scenic River Seine, enjoy views of historic bridges, charming villages, and idyllic countryside. In Antwerp, wander the cobbled streets, savouring warm glühwein and Belgian delicacies, while discovering Flemish art, sampling world-class chocolates, and exploring the famous diamond district. Rouen offers easy access to Paris, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s holiday spirit with Christmas shopping, stunning festive lights, and Parisian culture.
Cultural Spanish Discovery Cruise
14 January 2026 | 14 Nights | BOREALIS | S2602
Price from £1,399pp
Portsmouth – One day cruising – La Coruna, Spain – One day cruising – Cruise by Rock of Gibraltar – Palma, Spain (Overnight) – Valencia –Cartegena – Malaga – Cadiz – Cruise by Belem Tower – Cruise by Cristo Rei – Lisbon, Portugal – Two days sailing – Southampton
This cruise from Portsmouth is crafted to showcase some of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. Discover Palma’s stunning Gothic Cathedral, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, and the Moorish Alcazaba fortress with its lush gardens in Málaga. Immerse yourself in ‘la vida Española’ - a celebration of food, conversation, and community. Savour bold Andalusian tapas, sip Jerez sherry, feel the passion of flamenco dancing, and taste authentic paella in Valencia, the birthplace of this iconic dish, before returning to Southampton.
Cruise at Christmas
Christmas Scandinavian EscapeAdults Only
19 December 2025 | 10 Nights | AURORA
Prices start from £1,599pp
Southampton – At Sea – Copenhagen, Denmark (Overnight) – Oslo, Norway (Overnight) – At Sea – Rotterdam, Netherlands (Overnight) –At Sea – Southampton
Portugal & Canary Islands
21 December 2025 | 14 Nights | QUEEN ANNE
Prices start from £2,099pp
Southampton – Two Days At Sea – Cadiz, Spain – At Sea – Funchal, Portugal – Lanzarote, Spain – Gran Canaria, Spain – Fuerteventura, Spain – Lisbon, Portugal (Overnight) – Two Days At Sea – Southampton
Christmas & New Year in The Caribbean
19 December 2025 | 14 Nights | ARVIA
Prices start from £2,349pp
Fly UK to Barbados – Barbados (Overnight) – At Sea – Martinique –Saint Kits & Nevis – St Maarten – At Sea – Tortola, Virgin Islands –Antigua (Overnight) – At Sea – St Lucia – At Sea – Fly Barbados to UK
Northern Lights at Christmas
22 December 2025 | 15 Nights | BALMORAL
Prices start from £2,099pp
Southampton – Three Days At Sea – Narvik (Overnight) – Leknes – Pilot Station Lødingen – Alta (Overnight) – Tromsø (Overnight) – Pilot Station Lødingen – Cruising Seven Sisters Mountain Range – Scenic cruising Torghatten – Ålesund – Two Days At Sea – Southampton
Canary Island Christmas & Lisbon New Year
22 December 2025 | 13 Nights | BOREALIS
Prices start from £2,099pp
Portsmouth – Three Days At Sea – Funchal, Portugal – San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Arrecife, Lanzarote – One Day At Sea – Scenic Cruising, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – One Day At Sea – La Coruña, Spain – One Day At Sea – Portsmouth
Prices are correct at time of publication (July 2025). All fares and benefits in this leaflet are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice. Individual tour/cruise operators Terms & Conditions apply and can be supplied on request. Offers shown are for new bookings only and cannot be added retrospectively or in conjunction with any other promotional offers. All fares are per person and are based on two people sharing the lead-in price accommodation, unless otherwise stated. There may be additional charges to pay: Fuel supplements, gratuities or taxes – please check at the time of booking. Some ports may be at anchor. Where shown, door to door transfers apply to passengers residing in the Sussex Cruise Club Pick Up Area, unless otherwise stated – please call for further details. Transfers may be by taxi or coach and may be shared. The Sussex Cruise Club is a trading name of the Woods Travel Group. E&OE.
