Fred. Olsen gears up for 2025 fly-cruise season launch
Sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is gearing up to take guests to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean this winter, with capacity still available before the end of the year and into 2026
The line’s carefully crafted Mediterranean fly-cruise itineraries include calls to iconic and lesser-visited destinations across Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
Whether exploring ancient ruins, strolling through charming cliffside towns or sampling local delicacies, these cruises are designed to immerse guests in the region’s culture and history.
Doug Glenwright, guest experience director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said the Mediterranean offers many architectural, cultural and culinary highlights, and exploring this exciting region on a Fred. Olsen Fly-Cruise is “especially rewarding”.
To make these itineraries even more accessible, the company has introduced new domestic flight options from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and Newcastle to connect with flights from London Heathrow. All trips are ATOL protected and include one hold bag and cabin bag.
“Adding these new domestic flights to our fly-cruise programmes makes it even easier for our guests across the UK to join one of our fly-cruises, offering fewer days at sea and the chance to be exploring one of the region’s enriching destinations much quicker,” Glenwright added.
A dedicated Fred. Olsen guide will meet guests in the arrival area and once they are taken to their transfer, the next time they will see their luggage will be in their well-appointed stateroom.
Moreso, guests can fly with peace of mind with the knowledge that their ship will wait for them in the unlikely event of a flight or transfer delay.
The fly-cruise season kicks off with a 10-night Vibrant Cities of Spain cruise aboard Balmoral, calling in La Coruna, Cadiz, Palma, Cape Bernat, Barcelona and Valencia. The itinerary departs Southampton and includes return flights from Valencia.
During their time in Spain, guests will have the chance to discover Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, a visionary complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, which harmonises futuristic architecture with a cultural and scientific institution. Notable structures include L’Hemisfèric, El Museu de les Ciències, and Palau de les Arts, collectively showcasing a combination of visual arts, interactive science exhibits, and performing arts.
Balmoral will also sail an eight-night Greek Island Odyssey fly-cruise from Dubrovnik on 17 October 2025, including flights and transfers from London or Manchester and £100 per cabin onboard credit.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit the renowned ruins of the Acropolis in Athens, indulge in authentic Greek cuisine while watching traditional dancing in Zakynthos and soak up some rays on Santorini’s golden coastline.
If you have customers looking to book further out, Balmoral will sail a 10-night Scenic Gems of Croatia with the Bay of Kotor fly-cruise on 19 October 2026. This itinerary departs Valetta for Heraklion, calling at Dubrovnik, Split, Koper, Zadar, Kotor and Kerkira. Flights and transfers are included in the £1,949pp fare.
In Kotor, guests can marvel at steep mountain peaks and rocky shorelines while exploring the Old Town’s crisscrossed streets and squares lined with centuries-old buildings, like the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.
