In Summer 2017, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to experience the world’s most exhilarating and prestigious yacht race – the America’s Cup – during Boudicca’s 26-night D1713 ‘Azores & the America’s Cup’ cruise. Departing from Liverpool on 9th June 2017, this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ holiday has been specially crafted for Fred. Olsen guests to be able to enjoy all the action of the 35th America’s Cup, which will be taking place in Hamilton, Bermuda on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June 2017, where Boudicca will be spending three nights.
Fred. Olsen’s unique longer voyage also offers a range of destinations rich in natural beauty and steeped in history, such as the fascinating Portuguese old towns of Oporto and Funchal; equally tempting are the stunning, varied landscapes of the Azores Archipelago…a joy to behold!
The America’s Cup was founded in 1851, when the first race took place around the Isle of Wight, and has generated intense excitement – and fierce rivalries – for over 160 years. In 2017, the drama will unfold in Bermuda’s Great Sound, a magnificent natural amphitheatre, set amid a spectacular backdrop of islands and beaches.
This nautical extravaganza combines the skills of the world’s best sailors and fastest boats, as they fly across the water at speeds close to 50mph! The reigning champions are the Golden Gate Yacht Club and Oracle Team USA, who triumphed in the 34th America’s Cup, held in San Francisco Bay in September 2013.
Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“At Fred. Olsen, we are renowned for giving our guests a very different kind of cruise experience, tailoring our itineraries to celebrate great events around the world. In 2017, our special ‘America’s Cup’ cruise is bound to appeal to any sailing fan with a taste for adventure…and what’s more, lucky spectators will get to see Olympic Gold medal winner Sir Ben Ainslie in action, hoping to succeed in finally bringing the America’s Cup hometo British waters for the first time in over 160 years!”
This ‘Azores & the America’s Cup’ cruise arrives first in Leixoes, Portugal. A short journey will take guests into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral and the Baroque Church of Clerigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the city’s delicious Port wine.
Next, 880-guest Boudicca calls at Funchal, on the ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira, where guests will be surrounded by the colours and scents of subtropical flowers and fruit.Guests cantake in the magnificent views over the sea from one of the mostpopular lookout points in Madeira, Cabo Girao, or sail on the famous Santa Maria – featured on the Discovery Channel’s ‘The Quest for Columbus’ programme – and relive part of the famous explorer’s journey of discovery.
The cruise then continues to the Azores, calling first at Ponta Delgada.Situated on the island ofSao Miguel, this cosmopolitan capital has a fine selection of parks and squares, waterfront cafés and a modern marina. Guests can experience some of the island’s most striking natural attractions, including hot sulphur springs, steaming fumaroles and the beautiful botanical garden of Furnas Valley.
Horta, on the island of Faial, comes next, where guests will find tranquil lakes, dramatic cliffs and lush valleys. Spend the day relaxing on one of the golden beaches, or take an invigorating 4×4 Jeep adventure to explore the sights.
Boudicca will then visit Hamilton, Bermuda, for a three-night stay. Here, guests can soak up the glorious sunshine on the soft-pink sands of some of the world’s best beaches; snorkel incredible coral reefs, alongside colourful tropical fish; admire the astonishing subterranean stalactites and stalagmites of the Crystal and Fantasy Caves; or discover the history of the island at The Royal Naval Dockyard, built in 1795 to defend British superiority on the seas and now a thriving visitor centre.
The highlight of Fred. Olsen’s extended stay in Hamilton is the 35th America’s Cup. The official race days are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June 2017, and Fred. Olsen will be offering a programme of exciting shore tours to allow guests to make the most of this pinnacle of international sailing.
Boudicca then returns to the Azores, for a further two calls. First is Lajes das Flores,which is located on thewesternmost island of the Azores, and is named after the abundance of flowers that flourish in its temperate climate; Hydrangeas, Cannas and wild roses line the roads and define the boundaries of the fields, high in the volcanic mountains.
The final port of call is Praia da Vitoria, where guests canenjoy unrivalled viewsfrom the soaring Serra do Cume Mountains, or venture to theharbour to visit the impressive Fort of Santa Catarina. Guests can also take a shore tour to the former capital of the Azores, Angra do Heroismo,and explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Prices for this spectacular ‘Azores & the America’s Cup’ cruise start from just £2,999 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.
This cruise is also included in Fred. Olsen’s great-value ‘Turn of Year’ campaign, where guests can choose between two tempting offers – ‘Three Cruises for the Price of Two’* or ‘Free Tips & Tipples’*, where Fred. Olsen will include complimentary drinks and gratuities on board (book before 2nd March 2016).
Fred. Olsen is delighted to have won the ‘Best for Itineraries’ accolade in the 2015 Cruise Critic ‘UK Editors’ Picks Awards’, in recognition of its commitment to ‘bringing the world closer to you’.
