TORONTO — GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours, which represents Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Canada, is now offering a selection of mini cruises designed for those who don’t have time for a longer cruise or who want to discover if cruising is for them without spending a lot of money.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for travel agents to expand their cruise client base in getting people to either try a cruise vacation for the first time or if they only have a shorter period of time for their holidays,” said Alan Law, director of sales and marketing for GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours.

“A client may already be in England for example or even on business and may want to extend a trip for a few days and these mini-cruises are ideal for having a relaxing cruise experience and no hassles in organizing all the details,” added Law.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines created seven ‘mini-cruises’ – including a new product of two-night ‘Introductory’ cruises – for the 2014/15 cruise season. Fred. Olsen’s mini-cruises of two and three nights include city breaks to Paris and Dublin, and are the perfect opportunity for guests to have a weekend escape or for first-time cruisers to “test the water”. The mini-cruises will sail from four regional departure ports and take passengers to culturally significant destinations that can be explored in a weekend.

Fred. Olsen’s mini-cruises for the 2014/15 season are:
Balmoral’s three-night ‘Easter Chocolates’ mini-cruise, L1402, ex Southampton on April 19 2014.

On this ‘chocolate connoisseurs’ cruise, Balmoral sails to Antwerp, for an overnight stay, allowing guests the chance to explore this interesting city. There will be plenty of opportunity to see, taste and buy handmade Belgian chocolates – perfectly timed for Easter – as well as discover other cultural highlights of the area, including the Wellington Museum, in the nearby town Waterloo, which was chosen by the Duke of Wellington as headquarters for army staff during the defeat of Napoleon. Prices start from Can$385 per person.

Braemar’s two-night ‘Honfleur’ mini-cruise, M1420, ex Dover on July 18 2014.
On this summer cruise, Braemar calls at Honfleur, a pretty and enchanting harbour town, where lofty slate and timber fronted houses overlook the colourful yacht and fishing harbour. Guests can explore the 15th century wooden church and impressionist paintings of the Musée Eugene Boudin, or visit the village of Cormeilles, and enjoy tasting the cider and Calvados at the local traditional distillery. Prices start from $420 per person.

Braemar’s three-night ‘Paris City Break’ mini-cruise, M1430, ex Southampton on Nov. 20 2014. Braemar takes guests on a cruise along the River Seine on this winter city break, before arriving in Rouen for an overnight stay. Rouen is rich in history, with the medieval quarter, gothic cathedral and Place de Vieux Marché, the latter being where Joan of Arc was executed. Rouen is also the perfect base from which to explore Paris; guests will have ample time to take a day trip to discover the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the delightful and chic boutiques. Prices start from $445 per person.

Black Watch’s two-night ‘Pre-Christmas mini-cruise to Belgium’, W1419, ex Tilbury on Dec. 13 2014. On this pre-Christmas mini-cruise, Black Watch will take guests to Zeebrugge, the gateway for tours to one of northern Europe’s most picturesque old cities, Bruges. Explore the UNESCO-listed twisting cobbled streets, picturesque ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled facades, whilst getting any last-minute presents at the wonderfully festive Christmas markets. Prices start from $285 per person.

Black Watch’s two-night ‘Pre-Christmas mini-cruise to Belgium’, W1422, ex Tilbury on Dec. 18 2014 (cruise details as above) Prices start from $285 per person.

Boudicca’s two-night ‘Dublin mini-cruise’, D1423, ex Liverpool on Dec. 19 2014. Given her smaller size, Boudicca is able to take guests right to the heart of bustling Dublin city. Soaking up some true Irish hospitality and ‘craic’ in the many pubs, bars and cafés at Temple Bar, guests can also make the most of this city by taking a stroll along the River Liffey, hopping on one of the fascinating bus tours or visiting the Guinness Factory to see how the famous ‘black stuff’ is made. Prices start from $370.00 CAD per person (with limited availability).

Balmoral’s two-night ‘Pre-Christmas mini-cruise to France’, L1418, ex Southampton on Dec. 19 2014. On this festive cruise, Balmoral will take guests to the UNESCO-listed town of Le Havre, where there will be the opportunity to spend a full day exploring the Malraux Museum, which claims to have the second largest collection of Impressionist paintings in France, with works by Monet, Renoir and Pissarro, or take a tour to Monet’s house and gardens in the pretty village of Giverny. Prices start from $385 per person.

Prices are based on two adults sharing a twin, inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board and port fees.

Itineraries, pricing and terms and conditions on Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines are online at glpworldwide.com. Pricing is in Canadian dollars.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruises, contact GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours at 905-480-0525; 1-866-534-1748, fax: 905-258-7779 or e-mail: focruises@glpworldwide.com.

GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours, makes available to retail travel agencies a variety of Canadian-dollar priced brochures at Envoy. Visit envoynetworks.ca to order. For large quantities, call 905-258-7778 or 1-866-760-1987, visit glpworldwide.com or e-mail sales@glpworldwide.com.