The Arts Society Tours with Fred. Olsen
Here, at award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we feel it is a real privilege to undertake this wonderful joint venture with The Arts Society Tours. A number of your members and Accredited Lecturers have already experienced the Fred. Olsen difference and the benefits of smaller ship cruising on our four more intimate, classically-designed ocean ships: Balmoral, Boudicca, Black Watch and Braemar – and we look forward to welcoming you on board for many more exciting voyages to come!
Western Caribbean & Central America
30th January 2020 | 14 nights | Braemar | M2003 | La Romana
- Join Braemar in the Dominican Republic and set sail on an epic journey taking in diverse countries, stunning cities and breathtaking islands in the Caribbean and the Americas.
- Visits to incredible destinations in Belize, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia will offer plenty of unforgettable experiences – highlights include chances to see the impressive Panama Canal in action; explore captivating Cartagena de Indias; and go in search of wonderful wildlife from Puerto Limón.
- For glorious sunshine and spectacular sights, your smaller, friendlier ship will take you the beautiful Mexican island of Cozumel, home to remarkable Mayan ruins and the world’s second largest coral reef; Curacao in the idyllic Caribbean; and historic Santo Domingo.
Twin room from £2,399pp
Single room from £3,449
£90pp FREE On Board Spend
Freelance specialist in the art and culture of Latin America. Has lectured in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Has curated exhibitions, and assisted on TV documentaries for BBC and Channel 4. Has made collections in Mexico and Belize for the British Museum, and is Research Associate in the Department of World Cultures at the Royal Ontario Museum. In 2016 she was awarded the prestigious Ohtli medal by the Mexican government for her long-standing commitment to Mexican culture. Her many publications include Mexican Textiles (British Museum Press, 1990), Arts and Crafts of Mexico (Thames & Hudson, 1990), Focus on Aztecs and Incas (Watts Books, 1995), The Incas - The Ancient World (Wayland, 1998), Textiles from Mexico (British Museum Press, 2002), and Mexico: Clothing and Culture (Royal Ontario Museum, 2015). Has also published articles in travel guides, newspapers and magazines.
Singapore, Bali & Burma
23rd January 2020 | 14 nights | Boudicca | D2002 | Benoa (Bali)
- Encompassing a collection of contrasting destinations, this cruise offers a fascinating insight into Asia’s remarkable diversity, with the scenic beauty of postcard-perfect idyllic islands; attractions of vibrant, modern cities; and some of the world’s most spectacular spiritual sites awaiting you.
- Uncover the untrodden beaches and fauna-rich forests of Bali before even setting sail, then sample a taste of modern Asia in Singapore, where you can explore among towering skyscrapers, stop-by bustling Chinatown and even enjoy high tea at the world-famous Raffles Hotel.
- Fabulous Phuket, where you can relax on the palm-lined beaches or take a boat tour to see the breathtaking scenes of Phang Nga Bay is sure to delight, while an overnight stay at Thilawa, Myanmar affords time to visit Yangon and marvel at the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda.
Twin room from £3,199pp
Single room from £4,299
Up to £100pp FREE On Board Spend
Viv Lawes is a lecturer, curator, author and journalist, with over twenty years’ experience in the art market. She works at several prestigious Higher Education institutions in London, leading the Modern and Contemporary unit of the Asian Art & Its Markets semester course at Sotheby’s Institute and the History of Decorative Style (c.1400-1970) course at the City & Guilds of London Art School. She also lectures for the University of the Arts and IESA (Institut d’Etudes Supérieures des Arts), London. As Senior UK Consultant to Singapore gallery One East Asia since 2011, she has co-curated many exhibitions of Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art in London and Singapore. Her current project is a book is on themes in equine sculpture, commissioned by the Sladmore Gallery, London.
Ancient Sites of Oman, Jordan & Israel
20th February 2020 | 14 nights | Boudicca | D2004 | Dubai
- With chances to dig deeper and immerse yourself in centuries of extraordinary history at some of the world’s oldest, most famous and best-preserved ‘lost cities’ and holy sites, there’s much more to this exciting cruise than the ports listed on the itinerary.
- In Oman, you can explore the spectacular Musandam Fjords on a boat trip from Khasab; marvel at the mosques and palaces of Muscat; and discover the Lost City of Ubar on tour from Salalah. Another of Arabia’s lost cities also awaits you in Jordan; Aqaba is your gateway to spellbinding Petra.
- After a cruise along Egypt’s Suez Canal, Boudicca will also head to the beautiful Mediterranean Coast of Israel and call at Ashdod. Here you’ll be ideally located for tours to Jerusalem – a spiritual treasure for Jewish, Muslim and Christian pilgrim – and Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Twin room from £1,999pp
Single room from £2,899
Up to £100pp FREE On Board Spend
Alice has lectured for the University of Oxford for over 20 years. Her busy freelance career includes tutor-guiding study groups to Europe, lecturing for the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, and writing and running history of art courses for the Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock. She runs independent classes in Oxfordshire and Worcestershire. Alice has been a guest lecturer at New College, Oxford, and at the University of Bristol. She is President of Banbury Fine Arts Society and recently President of The Arts Society Northleach - a role she was proud to accept. She has been an accredited lecturer with The Arts Society since 2004 and has lectured all over the UK and in Europe. Alice regards her Arts Society work as highly stimulating and has enjoyed meeting people from many walks of life, with a diversity of career expertise.
Cruising German Waterways
3rd June 2020 | 8 nights | Boudicca | D2013 | Dover
- Reap the rewards of Boudicca’s smaller dimensions on this eight-night cruise, with chances to revel in the gorgeous countryside scenery of Germany’s size-restricted Kiel Canal and beautiful Elbe River.
- During six rewarding days of German discovery you can delve into Lübeck’s fascinating history and take in Berlin’s iconic landmarks, on tours from Travemünde and Warnemünde respectively, too.
- There’s also a full-day to explore Hamburg, with its diverse attractions including the magnificent Rathaus and the Miniatur Wunderland; and a visit to Bremen, boasting a medley of architectural gems.
Twin room from £999pp
Single room from £1,699
Up to £60pp FREE On Board Spend
John has a relaxed distinctive lecturing style that successfully employs humour and innovation to encourage learning and dialogue with his audiences. John Francis is an experienced University Lecturer, consultant, researcher and visual artist. He grew up on Merseyside and was educated in Fine Arts and pedagogy in the UK and New York.
After receiving the Max Beckmann scholarship in painting at the Brooklyn Museum, John moved to Nantucket Island, Massachusetts working as a painter and ivory engraver. After exhibiting at the Main Street Gallery on Nantucket, John was drawn to the more traditional image of America, i.e. Texas. In Austin, Texas John worked on the Artists in Schools programme as Artist in Resident in San Antonio, Abilene and Waco.
Several years later John relocated to London and worked in the Education department of HM Prison Holloway. Developing an interest in Film and Video John studied for his Masters at the prestigious Central St. Martins School of Art, London. At that time John was commissioned to produce several corporate and art videos. He was appointed as a Lecture in Visual art and Media at Kingsway College, London. The British Council awarded John a research award to review the film and animation industry of Czechoslovakia. During several visits to the Eastern European communist and post-communist country, John was able to closely observe the great Czech and Slovak traditions of animation and film making. The American Fulbright Commission for Education awarded John a one year visiting exchange ‘Professor’ post at Southwestern College, California. During that year John was a member of the Border Art Workshop who in the previous year had represented America in the Venice Biennale. In San Diego, John was commission to produce a video on border culture for the ‘white washed’ Exhibition in the El Centro Museum, San Diego. The video was a critically success and reviewed in the Los Angeles Times. Recently, John was invited by ADFAS (Australian Decorative Fine Arts Society) to Lecture on the ‘Cook Lecture tour curcuit’ from Melbourne to Queensland. John was accredited as a Lecturer by the Arts Society (UK) in November 2017.
Capital Cities of the Baltic
1st June 2020 | 13 nights | Braemar | M2014 | Southampton
- Visiting five diverse cities in five different countries aboard Braemar, including three magnificent Baltic capitals, you’ll experience cultural discovery at its finest on this enriching 13-night adventure.
- You can delight in Copenhagen’s palaces, monuments and beautiful waterfront; indulge in an authentic Finnish sauna experience in Helsinki; and delve into Tallinn’s fairytale-esque Old Town.
- Elsewhere, savour world-famous sights and an unforgettable night at the Russian ballet in St Petersburg; and in Germany, visit charming Travemünde before sailing the size-restricted Kiel Canal.
Twin room from £1,799pp
Single room from £3,099
Up to £95pp FREE On Board Spend
A professional art historian, writer, broadcaster and lecturer for the Arts Society, the National Trust and the Art Fund, Anne holds a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English. She was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years. She has also held several prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Huntington Library, CA and Fellow of the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Library and Museum. Anne is currently a tutor and course director for the V&A Learning Academy. Her career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world, including Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine
11th June 2020 | 9 nights | Boudicca | D2014 | Dover
- Step on board Boudicca for this nine-night French and Spanish city discovery and you’ll unravel the rewards of some of Europe’s most beautiful, culture rich regions.
- Visiting northern Spain’s Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria regions, you can marvel at unspoilt coastal scenes, learn about prehistoric caves, sample traditional regional flavours, see famous landmarks and much more.
- Two visits to France’s beautiful Normandy region include a call at historic Honfleur; an unforgettable meander along the River Seine; and an overnight stay in Rouen, laden with historical and architectural treasures.
Twin room from £1,199pp
Single room from £1,999
Up to £70pp FREE On Board Spend
Barbara grew up in Eton with Windsor Castle as part of her daily view. She is a historian, a lecturer for the Arts Society and an acknowledged expert on Royalty and royal palaces.
Cruising the Fjords of Norway
3rd July 2020 | 7 nights | Boudicca | D2016 | Dover
- Packing awe-inspiring scenic fjord cruising and visits to diverse, attraction-laden destinations into four days of Norwegian exploration, this weeklong summer sojourn makes for highly rewarding holiday.
- You’ll be welcomed to the fjordland by the extraordinary landscapes of Lysefjord, before visiting Flåm for a chance to ride the famous Flåmsbana Railway, and diverting into the spectacular Nærøyfjord.
- Amongst the untamed scenes of Hardangerfjord, Rosendal – gateway to the striking Folgefonna Glacier – awaits, while you’ll also see the cascading Furebergfossen Waterfall before finally visiting culture-rich Stavanger.
Twin room from £1,099pp
Single room from £1,849
Up to £35pp FREE On Board Spend
A professional art historian, writer, broadcaster and lecturer for the Arts Society, the National Trust and the Art Fund, Anne holds a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English. She was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years. She has also held several prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Huntington Library, CA and Fellow of the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Library and Museum. Anne is currently a tutor and course director for the V&A Learning Academy. Her career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world, including Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
Spellbinding Fjords of Norway
4th August 2020 | 7 nights | Boudicca | D2020 | Dover
- Spend four days of this seven-night cruise reaping the rich rewards of Norway’s spellbinding fjords, from shifting glaciers and tumbling waterfalls to famous scenic railways and fascinating historic sites.
- Highlights aplenty await your discovery, including Bergen’s Bryggen Wharf and Troldhaugen Museum; the Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glacier, within reach of Olden; and the iconic Flåmsbana Railway.
- Aboard smaller-sized Boudicca, you’ll sail by Hornelen, Europe’s highest sea cliff; divert into Lysefjord, to see its dramatic cliffs and rock formations; and experience a rare, full-length cruise of Nærøyfjord.
Twin room from £1,099pp
Single room from £1,849
Up to £35pp FREE On Board Spend
A professional art historian, writer, broadcaster and lecturer for the Arts Society, the National Trust and the Art Fund, Anne holds a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English. She was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years. She has also held several prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Huntington Library, CA and Fellow of the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Library and Museum. Anne is currently a tutor and course director for the V&A Learning Academy. Her career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world, including Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
Cultural Cities of Scandinavia
11th August 2020 | 8 nights | Braemar | M2020 | Southampton
- Fully immerse yourself in Scandinavia’s rich diversity with visits to four distinctive Danish, Swedish and Norwegian destinations, where a plethora of artistic, aesthetic and cultural attractions awaits.
- In Denmark, delight in the Royal palaces, charming waterfront and legendary landmarks of Copenhagen; and in Sweden, uncover the fascinating museums, pretty squares and beautiful waterways of Gothenburg.
- Two incredible destinations in Norway provide a fitting finale: you can see works from iconic artists, sculptors and architects in Oslo; then be charmed by the elegance gorgeous Kristiansand.
Twin room from £1,149pp
Single room from £1,949
Up to £35pp FREE On Board Spend
Born in France, where she studied art history before moving to Copenhagen. In Denmark, she focused on research work and completed a PhD on the relations between art and religion in contemporary Scandinavian art.
After graduating in 2013, Caroline moved to London and started teaching art history for several education providers. I have since developed a range of courses and lectures focusing on 19th & 20th century Western art.
Black Sea Discovery with the Med
1st September 2020 | 28 nights | Boudicca | D2023 | Dover
- Visiting five stunning cities in five different countries, you have a chance to delve deep into the remarkable ancient history, authentic flavours and breathtaking beauty of the Black Sea.
- Step back to the days of Ottoman rule in Istanbul, home to famous landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque; and take the chance to visit wine valleys and tea plantations in Russia and Georgia.
- You can explore Odessa’s labyrinth-like Catacombs, and the Danube Delta – on boat tour from Constanta – too. What’s more, Boudicca will also help you to experience the best of the beautiful Mediterranean.
Twin room from £4,699pp
Single room from £7,199
Up to £150pp FREE On Board Spend
Dr Geri Parlby is rather idiosyncratic art historian who studies history through art rather than the history of art. Having spent her early career in journalism and PR she went on to study for a Masters in Byzantine Art at the Courtauld Institute followed by Theology PhD. She is currently a honorary research fellow at the University of Roehampton. She has a particular fascination for religious art and deciphering what clues ‘holy images’ might be offering us as to the politics of religion. One week she is researching prehistoric goddess images from central Europe the next she is clambering into underground catacombs in Rome to investigate early Christian art. From Rome it is on to Ravenna to unpick the mosaic imagery of the early Byzantine empire and then across to Russia to decipher the mysterious symbolism of Icon art. When she is not decoding art, she is a regular lecturer for the Arts Society both in the UK and internationally.
Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux
3rd October 2020 | 8 nights | Braemar | M2026 | Southampton
- A medley of rewards awaits you, from fine wine and culinary delights to diverse architecture and art, as Braemar takes you closer to the highlights of four culture-rich cities in Spain & France.
- You’ll sail the gorgeous Gironde and Garonne rivers straight into Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed centre and sample world-famous wine culture from the moment you step ashore.
- In Spain, visit Santander, gateway to many of Cantabria’s treasures; Avilés, for contrasting architectural gems and delicious Asturian cider; and La Coruña, the jewel in Galicia’s crown.
Twin room from £1,099pp
Single room from £1,899
Up to £65pp FREE On Board Spend
From 1982 to 1993 I owned a wine shop in Maidenhead known as David Alexander Wine Merchants. We were a creative outlet and specialised in wines from around the world and also an international range of beers (speciality Belgian beers) and malt Whisky. In 1987 we were recognised by Decanter Magazine and named ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ in the Wine Merchant of the Year award.
From 1993 to 2005 I was a salesman then director of Siegel Wine Agencies, a company founded in 1895 and a specialist in fine Rieslings among other things. It was here that I created a brand called The Naked Grape that enjoyed several years success in Waitrose and various independent wine merchants.
In that time Siegel was bought and became Awin Barratt Siegel (ABS) Wine agencies named Wine Importer of the Year five times between 2007 and 2015 by the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
I left ABS in September 2016 after 25 years, as it seemed the time was right to take on a new challenge. I joined an old colleague James Fleetwood in his company Delibo Wine Agencies, importers and agents for a number of producers around the world.
I have been importing and distributing wines for over twenty-five years, prior to which I owned and ran an independent wine merchant, David Alexander Wines, which still trades today. I still import wines from around the world and have customers across the breadth of the UK. I consider wine an essential ingredient to a contented life, a role it has played for thousands of years.
In addition to A Brief Story of Wine, I am available for tutored tastings in many shapes and forms.
In 2019 I became an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society.
Voyage to the Islands of the Caribbean
24th November 2020 | 16 nights | Braemar | M2031 | Sail from Southampton (return flight Gatwick/ Manchester)
- Join Braemar for a well-earned escape to the idyllic islands of the Caribbean and swap the winter weather and pre-Christmas stress at home for sun, sea, sand and indulgent relaxation.
- Experience a restful Transatlantic crossing, whetting your appetite in the verdant Azores en route, before your Caribbean island-hopping adventure takes in six simply unforgettable destinations.
- Visit stunning St Maarten; Antigua, famed for its 365 beautiful beaches; St Kitts, for one of the world’s great railway journeys; St Lucia, home to the soaring Twin Pitons; Grenada; and beautiful Barbados.
Twin room from £1,649pp
Single room from £2,449
Up to £100pp FREE On Board Spend
Eileen is an experienced lecturer and published author with an MA in Egyptology she has specialist knowledge of the ancient civilisations which bordered the Mediterranean, including Egypt, Greece and Rome, and has also studied extensively the history of the Caribbean with special reference to piracy, and the history of neighbouring Mexico with its Olmec, Inca and Mayan civilisations. She also has a keen interest in the Myths & Legends of the Ancient World. She has been a regular guest speaker for seven years on all her subjects on cruise ships and for three years with The Arts Society.
For enquiries or to order a Fred. Olsen brochure please call our Reservations Team on 0800 0355 116, quoting the Arts Society code AFN0001
Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ (FOCL) standard Terms and Conditions. Standard and offer Terms and Conditions are available in full here and on request. Both must be read before booking. All offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, cannot be combined, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. Freedom Fare terms and conditions apply.
We have secured the Arts Society Lecturers may be subject to change.
On Board Spend Offer : The free on board spend credit is per person, based on the specified amounts. The on board spend credit is automatically applied to guests on board ship accounts and cannot be transferred, refunded, or exchanged for cash.