The Mediterranean could be said to be the ‘cradle of civilisation’. Enclosed by three continents, the world’s largest inland sea stretches more than 2,200 miles from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Black Sea. It’s not surprising, then, that the history of the Mediterranean is sea-based. The transfer of goods, languages, religion, rituals, fashions and... The Mediterranean could be said to be the ‘cradle of civilisation’. Enclosed by three continents, the world’s largest inland sea stretches more than 2,200 miles from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Black Sea. It’s not surprising, then, that the history of the Mediterranean is sea-based. The transfer of goods, languages, religion, rituals, fashions and...
The flagship of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet has a colourful pedigree. Originally built in 1988 for the now defunct Royal Cruise Line, the 1,350-passenger Balmoral sailed with NCL as Norwegian Crown before it was purchased by Fred. Olsen in 2007. The vessel underwent a major refurbishment the following year, including the addition of a...
The gateway to the fjords is full of surprises. Founded on an old Viking settlement in 1070, the city of Bergen has a proud history and is famous for its blend of old and new architecture – little wonder it was European City of Culture in 2000. One of Norway’s most enjoyable cities, Bergen is...
Few voyages offer such enchantment as cruises to the Norwegian fjords. While Norway’s rugged western coastline and Arctic latitudes offer a magnificent mix of natural splendour, it is the serene fjords that are Instagram hotspots. Created during a succession of ice ages, when glaciers carved out deep chasms, these most spectacular geological formations are long, narrow inlets that...