5 March 2024
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is the first cruise operator to depart from Newcastle this year. Balmoral set sail on its first cruise of the season from the Port of Tyne, taking passengers on a nine-night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ voyage.
Other destinations throughout the season include Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Iceland and islands of the Mediterranean.
‘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,’ remarked Clare Ward, director of product and customer service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. ‘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.’
Ward added, ‘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.’
Jak Johnston, international passenger terminal manager at the Port of Tyne, stated, ‘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.’
A selection of upcoming cruises operated by Balmoral from Newcastle include a nine-night ‘Natural Wonders of Iceland’ cruise, leaving on April 17, a five-night ‘Springtime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, leaving on May 3, and a 14-night ‘Rugged and Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sund’ cruise setting sail June 12.
A longer, 19-night ‘Exploring the Islands of the Mediterranean’ cruise leaves on September 14, while a 10-night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise commences October 10.