Fred Olsen unveils epic 87-night Grand Voyage for winter 2028

UK-based, Norwegian-owned cruise line Fred Olsen^* has released details of its brand new, nearly three-month-long voyage to the Amazon and Antarctica in 2028.

The Turia Fountain in the Plaza de la Virgen, Valencia, Spain © Brian Kinney - Adobe Stock Image

The lengthy round-trip cruise, Grand Voyage^*, which goes on sale on 22 July 2026, will depart from Southampton on 5 January 2028, calling at 28 ports across 17 countries and five continents onboard Borealis^*, with a maximum capacity of 1,400 passengers.

Highlights will include cruising along the Amazon River, stopping at Manaus and Santarém, rounding Cape Horn, before three days of scenic cruising in the Antarctic Peninsula, where guests will likely see penguins, seabirds and wildlife from the deck.

It will also offer overnight stays in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires and lesser-visited destinations in the Caribbean, such as Dominica.

Martin Lister, Head of Product Innovation at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "This is an incredible journey, carefully crafted to bring together some of the world's most extraordinary places on one round-trip sailing from the UK.

"This is our first return to the Amazon for nine years, and has been designed to offer something truly distinctive, with scenic cruising along one of the world's greatest rivers, bringing guests closer to the rainforest and its diverse wildlife, from colourful birdlife to pink river dolphins.

"In contrast, Antarctica offers the chance to experience a region few ever visit, with three days of scenic cruising past ice-strewn waters, vast glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

"Combined with time in some of South America's most iconic cities and across the Caribbean, this is a journey designed to offer both depth and variety, with memorable experiences throughout."

Ready to book? Search the latest online cruise offers from Fred Olsen today.

Fred Olsen partners with Jet2.com for new 2025 fly-cruises

Fred Olsen has announced a new partnership with Jet2.com^* as part of its new fly-cruise programme^* launching in 2025.

From mid-September to early November 2025, Fred Olsen's ship Balmoral^* will operate a number of Mediterranean itineraries that will connect with Jet2.com flights from Manchester and London Stansted.

Those booking a Fred Olsen fly-cruise will get economy flights and transfers to and from the ship, a luggage allowance of 22 kg, plus 10 kg of hand luggage included as standard.

Balmoral will run six cruises ranging from seven to 12 nights:

7-night Mountain Landscapes of Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar^* from Malaga, Spain on 6 November 2025
8-night Greek Island Odyssey^* from Dubrovnik, Croatia on 17 October 2025
10-night Spanish Colours and Cultures^* from Southampton, UK on 17 September 2025
10-night Colourful Cliffside Towns of the Amalfi Coast^* from Valencia, Spain on 27 September 2025
10-night Bays, Mountains and Islands of the Dalmatian Coast^* from Civitavecchia, Italy on 7 October 2025
12-night Discovering Turkish Treasures^* from Rhodes, Greece on 25 October 2025

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Services at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "We are really excited about this new partnership with Jet2.com for Balmoral's 2025 Mediterranean fly-cruise programme.

"They are renowned for their customer service, and as such will complement the high standard of service that our guests come to expect from us. This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests before they even step foot aboard one of our ships.

"A fly-cruise is perfect for guests who want to maximise their time ashore, by reducing the time in sailing from the UK. Plus, guests can tailor their holiday by booking onto consecutive fly-cruises for those looking to enjoy a longer autumnal break in the sunshine."

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