Fred. Olsen has revealed its autumn and winter 2027 getaways, giving holidaymakers from Tyneside the opportunity to escape the chill for adventures spanning France, Spain, Morocco and beyond aboard its Bolette vessel. For those living in Manchester, this represents a short couple of hours on the motorway to start your ideal holiday.
Spain, Morocco & Portugal Discovery
The first offering is the Spain, Morocco & Portugal Discovery voyage, departing from the Port of Tyne on October 2, 2027. The opening port of call on this 15-night journey is the 9th-century harbour city of La Coruna, Spain, nicknamed the 'City of Glass' owing to the glass-fronted balconies lining its seafront, with centuries of heritage to explore through impressive historic architecture including the Tower of Hercules - the world's oldest Roman lighthouse still operational today.
La Coruna is also cherished by food enthusiasts, with numerous regional specialities and beverages to sample during this opening cruise stop. Next comes a call at Tangier, Morocco, a city described as 'mythical' by Visit Morocco with its Medina, the ancient walled quarter brimming with vibrant souks, and The Kasbah, a 17th century former sultan's palace positioned on the city's highest hill, representing just two standout attractions, Chronicle Live reports.
Itinerary and pricing
The cruise then heads to Melilla, Spain, where a historic quarter housing a 14th-century fortress sits alongside a modern district filled with Modernist architecture, with its location on the North African coastline creating a distinctive blend of culture and food. From there, the journey continues to Gibraltar, a legendary spot renowned for its Rock offering vistas across to Africa and its mischievous colony of wild monkeys.
The next destination is Morocco's Casablanca, before heading to Matosinhos in Portugal, with the final port of call being Honfleur in France prior to returning to Tyneside. The Spain, Morocco & Portugal Discovery starts from £2,199 per person, equating to less than £150 per night with full board dining included.
Flavours of France & Northern Spain
The second newly revealed cruise departing from the Port of Tyne next autumn is the Flavours of France & Northern Spain voyage, a nine-night break commencing on 17 October 2027 and starting from £1,099 per person or £122 per night. The journey begins with the French medieval town of Honfleur, a location that inspired numerous artists including Monet with "an architectural heritage like no other" according to Normandy Tourism.
Next on the itinerary is Spain, with calls at Gijon and Santander — two cities celebrated for their golden sandy beaches, a rich history stretching back to Roman times, and a vibrant food and drink scene. The voyage concludes at Pauillac in France, nestled within the world-renowned Bordeaux wine region, where the vineyards are famed for producing some of the finest red wines on the planet.
Other cruise options from North Shields
Fred. Olsen is not the only cruise operator setting sail from North Shields next year, with Ambassador also unveiling a number of voyages for 2027, among them an eight-night Exploring Norway's Hidden Fjords adventure departing at the end of August from £1,099 per person, a 12-night Journey Through Western France in September from £1,489pp, and a 17-night Autumn Mediterranean & Iberia Sailing holiday running into October and taking in France, Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar from £1,959pp.
For those after a shorter break, the DFDS ferry from the Port of Tyne offers an ideal option. The Newcastle to Amsterdam Mini Cruise operates daily and currently features discounts of up to 50% on bookings made before 8 October, with return fares starting from just £56 per person through to the end of November.
Traveller reviews
Many travellers who have already booked journeys with Fred. Olsen praised their experience, with one writing: "No problems embarking very quickly and efficiently. Food was good, and staff was excellent. A very personal service from the day we booked."
Another added: "I like the small ships. They are very good and very nice to be honest with you, at a very reasonable price for what you get." A third said: "From the moment we arrived at the port everything was so well organised."
Ship, staff, food and entertainment were all excellent. Shout out to our waiters, Pedro and Shubham. 10 out of 10 for service and friendliness."
A fourth added: "Our first cruise on the Borealis - very impressed from start to finish. The staff were all very friendly and efficient & nothing was too much trouble for them. Our waiters, Christopher & Julius & housekeeping team member, Julie (cabin 1865) deserve a mention also. We really enjoyed the entertainment, especially Brendo's singing!"
While a fifth said: "High quality of staff and service levels, creative and welcoming public areas and the instructive, effective and easy organisation throughout." A sixth added: "On entering our cabin we were pleasantly surprised at the size & decoration. We had a wonderful cruise made more special by our companions at dinner & the Fred Olsen staff."
However, one less pleased traveller wrote: "We would not have booked this cruise if we had known that we would be sailing slowly up and down the Irish Sea for a week. Just £50 each in our cruise account is nowhere satisfactory compensation."
Another added: "As ever we enjoyed almost all aspects of our cruise but our cabin 5018 had a few problems which I have outlined in detail in an email to guest relations. Our shower room fell far below the standard we have come to expect. I have included clear photos to back up what I have reported and I am awaiting a response from Fred Olsen."
