1. cruises Exclusive Garden themed
2008/09
Meet
s
the expert
Up to
55%
• EXCLUS
IVE Talks SAVINGS
• Cocktail
Party on selected
• FREE To
ur sailings
China · Mediterranean · Canary Islands · Madeira · Amazon · Caribbean

2. A Garden Club Welcome
I am delighted to write to you personally enclosing our latest
Sail with garden themed cruises programme - a selection of cruises,
Alan Titchmarsh hand-picked to some fabulous destinations and ones which we are sure will appeal.
down the Danube Choose to travel with Victoria Travel and you will be accompanied by some of the country’s
finest and most knowledgeable horticultural experts including such household names as
Onboard Peter Deilmann’s 5 Star Mozart Alan Titchmarsh, Roy Lancaster, Matthew Biggs, Pippa Greenwood, Ashley Stephenson,
ship we have arranged for an exclusive 7 Tony Russell, David Hurrion and John Cushnie. Each one of our hosts eager to share with
day Danube river cruise with special guest you their enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for plants and gardening. Working closely with
Alan Titchmarsh. During the cruise Alan will our hosts we are constantly looking at new itineraries to offer our clients as well as repeating
be giving 2 informal talks, hosting a cocktail
successful destinations like the Canaries and Madeira, the Amazon and Caribbean.
party and be available for a personal book
signing and photo session. Space is limited
to only 100 couples on this superb cruise All our group departures are exclusive and as part of our special garden group you will
so early booking is recommended! benefit from the following:
from • Hosted by a well-known expert
River Danube Passau – Passau £999 • Fabulous savings on brochure fares (selected cruises)
7 Nights on the MV Mozart • • Free car parking or return national express coach transfer at the port/airport
Departure date – 03 May 2009 • Free garden tour on each sailing (some cruises have 2 free tours)
Passau (Germany), Durnstein • Exclusive on board programme of talks plus question time hosted by an expert
(Austria), Vienna (Austria), • Exclusive cocktail party for the group
Esztergom (Hungary), Budapest
(Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Finally, for even more cruises, then visit our website www.cruise.co.uk
Melk (Austria), Grein (Austria),
Passau (Germany) Happy cruising!
Vanessa
Vanessa Behan - Garden Cruises Manager
Victoria Travel also operates
www.cruise.co.uk - the UK’s most What’s included?
popular source of on-line cruise • Cabin accommodation with en-suite • Free on board lectures
holidays. Our combined businesses facilities, TV, hair dryer, telephone*,
help us to negotiate the best, and • Evening entertainment
sometimes exclusive deals with cruise individual air conditioning, tea &
• On board leisure facilities including
lines - so register on-line today for coffee making facilities*
swimming pool, jacuzzis & gymnasium
great up-to-minute offers! • Cabin safe and safety deposit boxes
• Free birthday celebration on board
• All meals throughout the cruise (for passengers who have a birthday
• Late night snacks whilst on board)
• Gala late night buffet • All ports and air taxes
• Ice cream at selected on • No extra service charge added
board venues to your on board drinks
How to book • Tea and coffee during the day
and early evening
• Baggage porterage to and from
your cabin from drop off point
Call FREEPHONE • Welcome and farewell • Direct flights from regional airports
0800 091 6498 (open 7 days a week) cocktail parties plus transfers
Email: sales@victoriatravel.co.uk • Daily on board activities
Disclaimer: All fares contained within this brochure are per person based on double occupancy unless stated otherwise. All offers are subject to availability, capacity controlled
and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. For full terms & conditions please refer to individual tour operator brochure (available upon request). ABTA 78024. ATOL
3385. E&OE. Please be aware that prices are correct at time of going to print. Every effort has been made to ensure that fares are correct, however customers are advised
to confirm by calling Victoria Travel.Victoria Travel are accredited members of the cruiselines featured in this brochure. Please note: The experts hosting any of our cruises
are subject to personal circumstances permitting and we cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of a host for this reason. In the extreme event that a host has to
cancel the cruise, we will, where possible, find a suitable replacement. All cruises will be hosted unless stated or advised otherwise or unless the group does not reach the
2 minimum number of passengers. Printed March 2008.

3. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
Food and wine
Superb foods coupled with friendly, attentive service are hallmarks of the
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines experience.
• Full English breakfast served in the conviviality of the main restaurants or
in the privacy of your cabin.
• Lunch can be a casual affair served al fresco by the pool, or try the
brasserie-style cafes.
• In the evening assume an air of dignity, at the Captains Dinner.
• If you prefer informal dining you can experience mouth watering Oriental
Dine out on deck and Indian themed treats in the less formal cafes.
Show time spectacular
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines bring you a special blend of entertainment as the
sun goes down.
• The Neptune Lounge brings the night alive with specially choreographed revues,
comedy and lavishly costumed West End shows.
• Special ‘Theme Nights’ such as 50’s, 60’s and 70’s nights or Western nights bring
their own magic.
• If you are counting on Lady Luck then a night in the Casino will be ideal.
• If that doesn’t take your fancy, then indulge in the graceful art of ballroom dancing.
• Why not linger over a quiet drink of single malt, or Brandy in one of the
Lively entertainment many bars that stay open late.
Activities and leisure
To experience the best of Fred. Olsen you really need to be at sea.This
allows you time to truly explore your home from home and have as
relaxing or energetic day as you like.
• The ArtsClub programmes allow you to indulge in a special interest close to
Socialise with the Captain
you heart. The programmes range from Antiques with lectures and presentations,
practical hints and tips to Painting which will sharpen your appreciation as you
paint with their experts.
• Relax by the swimming pool with a tropical cocktail.
• Borrow the best seller that you have always been meaning to read from their
well stocked library.
• Stay in touch with friends at the Internet Centre.
• Improve your golf swing or bridge technique with friendly staff.
• Pamper yourself with a range of beauty treatments in the salon including
massages and facials.
• You can also take part in the daily quiz, the afternoon bingo, dances classes and
Relax on a sunlounger the talent show.
3

4. FREE from
Garden only
Tour £1285pp
Western
Caribbean
Matthew Biggs
with Matthew Biggs and Will Giles
Thursday 13 November to Friday 28 November 2008 · 14 night cruise aboard Braemar Will Giles
The late sailing from Miami is a magical event, as Braemar leaves the illuminated high-rises and the neon haze of South Beach in its wake.
In the shadow of the Blue Mountains, Port Antonio offers the chance to enjoy a tranquil rafting experience along the Rio Grande; or climb
Dunn’s River Falls. The Colombian city of Cartagena positively flaunts its Spanish colonial heritage around Plaza Santo Domingo and from
Roatan you could enjoy a dolphin encounter or snorkel amid the western hemispheres most spectacular under water reefs.
Latin American Rhythms
Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive Depart
November
Thu 13 Fly Belfast/Humberside/
Gatwick/Manchester to Miami
Thu 13 Miami, Florida Arrive 2200
Fri 14 Nassau, Bahamas 1200 1800
Sat 15 Cruising
Cartagena, Colombia Sun 16 Port Antonio, Jamaica 0800 2300 Cocktails
Included Tour Mon 17 Cruising
We shall visit the Botanical Gardens
located near the town of Turbaco. A
Tue 18 Cartagena, Colombia 0800 1700 Fred. Olsen’s Distinction
variety of flora can be seen where the Wed 19 San Blas Islands, Panama* 0800 1600
German scientist Humboldt once did his Thu 20 Cruising A family-owned company, Fred. Olsen
research. The gardens occupy an area of Cruise Lines is justly proud of its
Fri 21 Roatan Island, Honduras 0900 1800
20 acres and contain some 1,200 variet- Norwegian heritage and seamanship
Sat 22 Santo Tomas de Castilla 0800 2000
ies. It was started in 1978 and since and have been refining and perfecting
then, thousands of plants from all over Sun 23 Belize* 0800 1700 its cruising experience over the
the Caribbean coast have been planted. Mon 24 Playa del Carmen, Mexico* 0730 0930 past century-and-a-half. Passengers
Fares from £pp Cozumel, Mexico 1200 2300 appreciate the high on-board
Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk Tue 25 Cruising standards of accommodation, relaxed
Inside 2335 1285 British atmosphere, varied menus,
Wed 26 Key West, Florida 0800 1700
Outside 2895 1595 friendly staff, top entertainment and
Balcony 3700 2035 Thu 27 Fly Miami, Florida to UK 0600 Depart
exciting destinations in all corners
Suite 4925 2705 Fri 28 Arrive Belfast/Humberside/
Single 4020 2210 of the globe.
Gatwick/Manchester
*Anchor Port
Cruise news!
Fully refurbished Braemar
In May 2008, Braemar will be fully refurbished with facilities expanded to be similar to those on the Balmoral,
giving guests greater choice. Over 80 passenger cabins and suites will have balconies. A new 136 seater
restaurant will offer an alternative dining option and more casual dining during the day. And the introduction
of a nautically themed ‘Morning Light’ pub will bring entertainment in the form of jazz or late night comedian.
4 On board Braemar

5. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
Colourful
Mediterranean
with David Hurrion
from
only 2 FREE
Garden
£990pp Tours
Sunday 16 November – Sunday 30 November 2008 · 14 night cruise aboard Balmoral
The perfect opportunity to take a pre-winter tonic and enjoy a leisurely cruise from the comfort of Fred. Olsen’s new flagship,
Balmoral. Visit historic ports lined with enticing beaches and take in some of the finest examples of Spanish and Portuguese
architecture. Explore botanical gardens rich in native flora and fauna and savour the unique culinary flavours of each locale for
a truly Mediterranean experience.
Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive Depart Barcelona, Spain Included Tour
It will be from this port that you can enjoy
Sun 16 Nov Dover 1700 an exclusive tour of the Botanical Gardens
Mon 17 – Wed 19 Cruising which form part of the Park Montjuic
Thu 20 Nov Malaga, Spain 0800 1700 Botanical Gardens with its beautiful flora.
It is considered to be one of the most
Fri 21 Nov Cruising at sea
important examples of its type in Spain
Sat 22 Nov Barcelona, Spain 0800 2000 and its aim is to conserve and document
Sun 23 Nov Palma de Mallorca, Spain 0800 1700 Catalonia’s natural heritage.
Mon 24 Nov Valencia, Spain 0800 2300 Included Tour
Fares from £pp Lisbon, Portugal
Tue 25 Nov Cruising at sea The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is a city of past
Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk
Wed 26 Nov Gibraltar 0800 1400 imperial glory. One of the least well known,
Inside 2250 990
Outside 2770 1215 but certainly one of the loveliest of European
Thu 27 Nov Lisbon, Portugal 1000 1800
Balcony 3550 1560 capitals, it was built on seven hills at the
Suite 4835 2125 Fri 28 - Sat 29 Nov Cruising at sea mouth of the Tagus River. Enjoy a Gardens
Single 4105 1805 Sun 30 Nov Dover 0730 of Lisbon tour today with your fellow host.
Garden review
Hear it from the people that join us…..
Our view of garden visits from the ship is that you get a quick snapshot of the actual garden. Pictures
cannot convey anything like that. We were initially reluctant to join a garden cruise – fearing that our
knowledge or lack of it – Latin names etc – would be a hindrance. We very quickly found that the ‘ex-
perts’ cater for all levels of expertise – it’s up to you to get out of it as much or as little as you want.
If you just like to look at beautiful gardens and admire them, then so be it. If you want/need to know
all the technical details then they are readily available. It is also very useful to join the get-togethers on
board – 3 or 4 one hour sessions during a 2 week cruise is something we ought to be able to do –
after all we will generally be at sea – and they are good social occasions.
Mr & Mrs W Shorrock, Milton Keynes (To read more reviews go to www.cruise.co.uk) 5
Balmoral

6. 2 FREE from
Garden
only
magic the
Tours
£1040pp
of
Canaries
with Matthew Biggs
Sunday 4 January – Saturday 17 January 2009 · 13 night cruise aboard Balmoral
Sun-drenched ports of call and a myriad of delightful destinations. Blessed by a climate that is almost
perfect all year round, with temperatures hovering constantly in the high 60s and 70s, the beautiful islands
of Madeira and the Canaries are a haven for peace, quiet and pure relaxation! There will be plenty to do
and see ashore and afloat and our itinerary offers a lovely blend of leisurely days cruising at sea, floral
delights, sightseeing and shopping ashore.
Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive Depart Santa Cruz, Tenerife Included Tour
Plantlife is rich and colourful on
January Tenerife and a fitting port for our
Sun 04 Dover 2000 included tour taking in the Botanical
Gardens, where many of the plants in
Mon 05 – Tue 06 Cruising
the garden are the original specimens
Wed 07 Lisbon, Portugal 0800 2000 and the centrepiece is a huge South
Thu 08 Cruising American fig tree. Risco Bello is our
next stop and features attractive wa-
Fri 09 Arrecife, Lanzarote 1030 1800 terfalls and colourful terraces of local
Sat 10 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 0800 0200 flowers. Finally refreshments will be
Fares from £pp served at the Hotel Tigaiga Gardens.
Sun 11 Santa Cruz, Tenerife 0800 0200
Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk
Inside 2085 1040 Mon 12 San Sebastian, La Gomera 0800 1400 Funchal, Madeira Included Tour
Outside 2565 1280 The picturesque white-washed
Tue 13 Funchal, Madeira 0800 1800
Balcony 3290 1645 capital of the mountainous
Suite 4485 2240 Wed 14 - Fri 16 Cruising Portuguese islands has a timeless
Single 3660 1830 Sat 17 Dover 0730 charm, delightfully enhanced by a
benign climate that fills this ‘floating
garden’ with the year-round colours
Introducing Balmoral - Fred. Olsen’s new flagship
N
EW
and perfumes of subtropical flowers
The classically-styled Balmoral is the larg- pools, a gym and golf nets. For those and fruits.
est and most extensively equipped ship in who wish to really relax and unwind
the fleet, yet remains compact enough to from the world back home, the
offer the intimate atmosphere and lifestyle Jacuzzi treatments in the spa or just Today you can enjoy a tour of the
for which Fred. Olsen is renowned. soaking up the sun on the spacious Botanical Gardens in Funchal, one
sun deck will appeal. and informal restaurants and varied
The combination of Balmoral’s elegant
of the best examples of Madeiran
menus. Amongst the array of lounges
décor, comfortable cabins, world class Like all the ships in the Fred. Olsen and bars is the traditionally themed landscaped gardens and are host to a
cuisine and diverse on board activities fleet, the quality of cuisine on Morning Light Pub, a first for a Fred. profusion of plants and flowers from
has been designed to appeal to the Balmoral is set to impress. Olsen ship. Guest beers and real ales all over the world which thrive in the
rapidly expanding British cruise market. join the usual extensive drinks selection
Should you wish to dine a la carte, and the occasional Jazz musician or island’s temperate climate. The gardens
Balmoral gives guests more choice than or enjoy a light snack, you will be stand-up comedian add to the relaxed provide and excellent view over
ever before. Two freshwater swimming spoilt for choice with five formal and unique atmosphere. Funchal, so bring your cameras.
6

7. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
FREE
Amazon
river
cruise
from
only
£1499pp
Amazonian with Tony Russell
& David Hurrion Adventure
Thursday 12 February – Friday 27 February 2009 · 14 night cruise aboard Boudicca
For those who like the idea of combining the winter sun of the Caribbean with a journey that is truly off the beaten track this
cruise foray into the magnificent, mysterious Amazon will fit the bill perfectly. Settle in, unpack and watch the lights of Barbados
fading astern as we head for the coast of Brazil.Voyaging a full nine hundred miles upstream, you encounter an unreal world.
Water turns from blue to muddy brown as you cross the equator and enter the Amazon proper. On both sides, a staggering
panorama of sights and sounds fill the air and stirs the senses.Thatched native villages on rickety stilts hug grassy verges that
flank the river and small boats full of local people row by and wave up at the ship.
Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive Depart
February
Thu 12 Fly Gatwick/Manchester/ Depart
Stanstead to Barbados
Thu 12 Bridgetown, Barbados 2200
Fri 13 – Mon 16 Cruising
Tue 17 Santarem, Amazon 0800 1800
Wed 18 Parantins, Amazon* 0800 1400
Thu 19 Manaus, Amazon 0900
The Amazon is one of the most
Fri 20 Manaus, Amazon 1800 rewarding places to visit with such a
Sat 21 Boca de Valeria, Amazon* 1200 1800 diversity of plant species to discover.
The sheer scale of the trees and
Sun 22 Alter do Chao, Amazon* 0800 1300 vegetation that make up this fabulous
ecosystem give a real sense of jungle
Mon 23 – Wed 25 Cruising
wilderness and no amount of pictures
Thu 26 Fly Bridgetown, Barbados 0700 and television programmes can
to UK prepare you for the experience of
seeing it ‘in the flesh’.
Fri 27 Gatwick/Manchester/ Arrive
Stanstead You’ll also get a sense of how
important the rainforest is to all
*Anchor Port
of us, acting as one of the earth’s
Included Tour – Manaus, Amazon River Cruise vital ‘lungs’ that supply the oxygen
Amazonian Indian Dwellings we breathe and helping to moderate
We’ll take an approximate one-hour riverboat ride up the dark the world’s climate.
Fares from £pp
waters of the mysterious Rio Negro. Here we’ll see the huts of
the ribeirinhos (river people), clustered on the riverbanks. The So it is with great pleasure that I look
Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk forward to joining you on our voyage
Amazon River cruise takes us to the January Lake, to a landing of discovery on one of my favourite
Inside 2880 1499 stage from which we now board motorized, ten-seater canoes
Outside 3250 1705 ships and with fellow horticulturist
for a close-up view of the local vegetation and trees. With luck Tony Russell.
Balcony 4215 2210 (and river conditions permitting) we may be able to admire
Suite 4980 2615 See you there!
Single 4635 2430 Victoria Regina water lilies, the leaves of which can measure up
to one meter across. David Hurrion
7

8. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
FREE
Garden
Tour
Caribbean
from
only with David Hurrion
£1475pp
Jewels
David Hurrion
Thursday 26 February – Friday 13 March 2009 · 14 night cruise aboard Boudicca
An overnight stay in Balmy, British accented Bridgetown ensures that winter is already a distant
memory. Rested and unpacked, savour the cocktail of dream islands that this fortnight offers in such
warm style. Sprinkled with just a couple of rejuvenating sea days, this cruise is the ideal holiday for
those wanting the warmth of the sun spiced with a taste of something slightly different.
Fred. Olsen’s award-winning chefs ensure that a feast is always in store,
Grenada with varied mouth-watering menus. Dine in grand style in the ship’s formal
restaurants, or indulge in array of Oriental and Indian themed treats in the
less formal cafes. Make sure you leave room to push the boat out and savour
the ship’s late-night buffets. Meals can be cooked exactly to your liking; you
only have to ask. The ship’s carefully selected wine lists offer an array of
eminently drinkable vintages, further enhancing that special meal.
Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive Depart
Full Day Tour Included
Castries, St Lucia - Botanic Garden,
Boudicca
February
lunch & Island Sightseeing
Thu 26 Fly Bristol/Dublin/Gatwick/
Manchester to Barbados This exclusive tour of the beautiful
Diamond Botanical Gardens and
Thu 26 Bridgetown, Barbados Arrive Waterfall features a close encounter
Fares from £pp Fri 27 Bridgetown, Barbados 1600 with rich history and nature that is
sure to take your breath away.
Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk Sat 28 Port of Spain, Trinidad 0800 1700
Inside 2815 1475 March Winding along the edge of the
Outside 3175 1665 rainforest taking in the beautiful views
Balcony 4110 2155 Sun 01 St. Georges, Grenada 0800 1700 of tropical flowers and trees, before
Suite 4860 2550 arriving in the French colonial town
Mon 02 Cruising
Single 4525 2375 of Soufriere. From a distance, we will
Tue 03 Willemstad, Curacao 0800 2300 have the chance to see the towering
Twin Peaks of the Pitons. After which,
Waiter Service Wed 04 Oranjestad, Aruba 0800 1700 we will enjoy a guided walk in the lush
Thu 05 Cruising Diamond Botanical Gardens.
Fri 06 Road Town, Tortola 0800 2300 Built in 1784 for the troops of King
Sat 07 Gustavia, St Barthelemy* 0800 1800 Louis XV1 of France, the gardens
are rich in history and vivid in exotic
Sun 08 St. Johns, Antigua 0800 2300 colours and flora. They are a master
piece, combining all variations of
Mon 09 Basseterre, St Kitts 0800 1700 bright, vibrant flowers and fruit trees
Tue 10 Roseau, Dominica* 0800 1700 into a garden perfect for those of us
with a passion for flowers and for
Wed 11 Castries, St Lucia 0800 1700 taking memorable photographs. Enjoy
Thu 12 Fly Bridgetown, Barbados to UK 0700 Depart a typical Caribbean lunch, before
returning to our coach for a brief trip
Fri 13 Bristol/Dublin/Gatwick/Manchester Arrive to Marigot Bay.
8
*Anchor Port