Home > Baltics Explorer Cruise (from Dover) - 20 Aug & 12 Sep 2012 departure

Baltics Explorer Cruise (from Dover) - 20 Aug & 12 Sep 2012 departure

Discover the splendours of the Baltics, sailing the picturesque Kiel Canal to visit hidden gems and historic capitals including magnificent St Petersburg.

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Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

Aerial view of Toompea, Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia
Hermitage, St Petersburg
Church of the Resurrection, St Petersburg
Senate Square, Helsinki
Senate Square, Helsinki
Nyhavn Canal, Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

DAY 1: Dover, UK.

Make your own way to Dover to join your cruise ship, Black Watch. Your ship departs late afternoon, latest embarkation time is 4pm. (D)

DAY 2: Kiel Canal.

Enjoy the views today as your ship enters the Kiel Canal, the 19th century waterway linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Only smaller ships can use this 60-mile stretch, that flows through Germany's Schleswig-Holstein region from Brunsbüttel to Kiel-Holtenau. After entering through Brunsbüttel lock, cruise through a series of smaller locks, gliding under bridges and past rolling farmland and parks filled with cyclists and picnickers. Your ship emerges out onto the Baltic through Holtenau lock, passing the famous Holtenau lighthouse on the way. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Warnemünde (for Berlin).

After arriving at this seaside resort, you can explore at leisure or join the optional coach excursion to Germany's capital, Berlin. Crammed with reminders of its torrid past, this vibrant city has undergone a renaissance since its infamous dividing wall was torn down in 1990. Famous sights range from the Brandenberg Gate and buzzing Potsdamer Platz to the poignant Eastside Gallery, where the last remaining fragment of wall has been covered in striking graffiti. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 5: Tallinn.

Estonia's capital is a medieval jewel in every sense of the word. Once one of the Hanseatic League cities that ruled Baltic trade during the Middle Ages, its old town is one of Europe's best preserved. Today, why not explore this captivating district, where fairytale turrets and high walls encircle cobbled squares, half-timbered townhouses and tall spires? Maybe see the upper quarter of Toompea Hill, with its fairytale 13th century castle now home to the Estonian Parliament, or admire the vast Town Hall Square, home to a huge Gothic Town Hall and Europe's oldest working pharmacy. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 to 7: St Petersburg.

Located on the Gulf of Finland, Russia's second largest city is one of Europe's finest gems. Enjoy plenty of free time to explore this exquisite place, which was established by Peter the Great in 1703 and extends across the islands of the Neva River delta. Admire its arched bridges and canals, see the imposing Peter and Paul Fortress and marvel at treasures such as the spectacular Hermitage, stuffed with over 2 million artworks, and St Isaac's Cathedral, crowned by a gold-covered dome. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Helsinki.

Called the 'White City of the North' because of its many light-coloured granite buildings, Helsinki retains a small-town feel, with no high-rise buildings and many charming parks and waterways. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Turku.

Sitting on the River Aura in southern Finland, Turku is the country's former capital and oldest town and is surrounded by an archipelago of islands, which lend it a relaxed and scenic feel. Founded in 1229, this lovely city is peppered with impressive historical buildings, including a fine 14th century cathedral - the oldest in Finland - and Turku Castle, originally built in the 13th century as an administrative centre for Swedish kings. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 11: Copenhagen.

Once home to Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark's lovely capital enchants everyone who visits. Today, experience its best-known landmarks, from the fun-packed Tivoli Gardens to bustling markets, royal palaces and picture-postcard Nyhavn, where candy-coloured houses, bars and restaurants line the harbour front, on an optional city sightseeing tour. There's also a chance to see the 'Little Mermaid' statue honouring Andersen's fabled tales. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Aalborg.

Situated in northern Jutland, this charming town was one of Denmark's wealthiest ports in the 17th century and is filled with handsome merchant's houses, art galleries and museums. Popular sights here include Jens Bang Stenhus, one of Europe's finest examples of renaissance houses and the harbour front Utzon Centre, a masterpiece of surreal architecture by Jorn Utzon, the genius behind Sydney Opera House. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 14: Dover, UK.

Arrive in Dover and disembark after breakfast. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.

Your Holiday Map

Baltics Explorer Cruise (from Dover) - 20 Aug & 12 Sep 2012 departure

Black Watch
Inside cabin, Black Watch
Superior outside cabin, Black Watch
Glentanar Restaurant, Black Watch
The Orchid Room, Black Watch
Lido lounge bar, Black Watch
Observatory Lounge and Bar, Black Watch
Pool and Jacuzzis, Black Watch
Golf practice net, Black Watch
Theatre lounge, Black Watch
Library, Black Watch

Black Watch

A truly world-class cruise ship, Black Watch is sleek and elegant with the intimacy and sophistication for which all traditional cruise ships are renowned. You will feel a warm sense of welcome from the moment you step aboard, with large windows and the soft tones of a subtle, stylishly elegant décor, broad teak decks, generous promenades, bright and unconfined public areas and roomy cabins.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools; 2 restaurants; cafe; bars and lounges; fitness centre; health and beauty salon; deck sports; library; photo gallery; indoor games; internet access; gaming tables; 150 seat film theatre; glamorous cabarets and shows.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Black Watch offers her passengers an impressive range of dining choices from the inviting elegance of the Glentanar Restaurant or the more intimate Orchid Room, to the convenience and informality of the delightful Braemar Garden or a snack in the sun at the Poolside Café or Marquee Pool Bar.

Cabins

All cabins have en suite facilities with shower; wardrobe and drawer storage; twin or double beds; TV; telephone; hairdryer. Your holiday price includes a category I cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

I Twin inside lower deck cabin

E Twin outside lower deck cabin with porthole

D Twin outside lower deck cabin with porthole

C Superior twin outside aft middle deck cabin with picture window

B Superior twin outside middle or upper deck cabin with picture window

Tipping

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines operate an automated tipping system whereby an amount of £4 per adult per day will be added to your on board account at the end of the cruise. Gratuities will be shared equally between the cabin stewardesses and dining room waiters. Anyone wishing to vary the amount will be able to do so via the Reception desk.

Black Watch

Black Watch Sun Deck 10
Black Watch Marquee Deck 9
Black Watch Bridge Deck 8
Black Watch Lido Deck 7
Black Watch Lounge Deck 6
Black Watch Main Deck 5
Black Watch Atlantic Deck 4
Black Watch Marina Deck 3

Category I Marina Deck 3 twin inside cabin with shower

Located on Marina Deck 3, all cabins have single beds that can be converted into a double bed, individually controlled air-conditioning, and a bathroom with shower and hairdyer. Cabins feature TV and telephone. Each cabin has a lockable drawer but safety deposit boxes are available from Reception at a charge.
42.5 sq m

Category E Marina Deck 3 or Atlantic Deck 4 twin outside cabin with shower & bath or shower only, and porthole window

Category D Atlantic Deck 4 twin outside cabin with shower & bath or shower only, and porthole window

Category C Atlantic Deck 4 Superior twin outside cabin with shower & bath or shower only, and porthole window

Category B Main Deck 5 or Lido Deck 7 superior twin outside cabin with shower & bath or shower only, and picture window

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