Four new cruises setting sail in 2025 have been unveiled by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, with destinations including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Norway.

Smaller ship Balmoral will see guests sail from Southampton on four itineraries.

One of those is a 45-night Grand Voyage exploring the Caribbean and Central America offering the chance to explore tropical islands and rainforests, immerse in the local way of life with Colombian coffee, Jamaican jerk chicken and snorkelling in Tortola and spot endemic wildlife such as sloths, racoons, and capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica.

For guests wanting to explore northern Norway, In Search of the Northern Lights on January 18 will take guests on a 15-night journey to seek out the Aurora Borealis with the expertise of the Go Stargazing team and experience the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle.

Another of the cruises will bring some sunshine in the Canary Islands, departing on February 2, and offering the opportunity to explore volcanic landscapes, sample local produce such as pasteis de nata and stroll through the botanical gardens in Madeira.

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The final cruise is Springtime Norwegian Fjords and will see Balmoral sail down Sognefjord, one of Norway’s longest and deepest fjords.

Guests will be able to enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking or hiking through lush forests.

Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Product Development at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “These four new itineraries have been carefully hand-crafted by our team of Journey Planners.

The springtime cruise in Norway has been timed to showcase the very best of the fjords and mountain scenery, while North Norway will give guests the ideal opportunity to witness the Northern Lights – with 2025 being one of the best years to observe the natural phenomenon.

He added: “Guests will also be able to embrace the local way of life in each of the destinations they are visiting and seek out native wildlife.

“Whether guests are sailing for the first or tenth time, there really is a huge variety of cruises to suit everyone’s desires.”