Fred.Olsen’s Chocoholic Cruise

Chocoholics, take note: there’s an excellent reason for you to visit Europe this November aboard Fred. Olsen’s Boudicca: a stunning, 14-night Portugal, Madeira & the Canaries cruise that will offer passengers the chance to learn all about (and taste!) their favorite indulgence from renowned chocolatier Gerry Wilton.

Fred. Olsen’s popular Boudicca is as stylish as she is comfortable. Photo courtesy of Fred. Olsen Cruises

Departing from Portsmouth, England on November 4, 2012, Wilton will teach guests about the history of chocolate and help them participate in hands-on chocolate-making classes while onboard as part of the line’s Vistas Onboard Enrichment Program.

While the traditional chocolate buffet has been around as long as cruising itself, Fred. Olsen’s enrichment program aboard this exciting voyage takes things to a new level, tapping into Wilton’s long career in the catering and hospitality business to provide passengers with his unique “Chocolate Delight” classes.

In addition, a whole world of exploration awaits guests aboard the beautifully-maintained Boudicca. After enjoying the soothing sway of the Atlantic Ocean, guests will be able to visit the garden island of Madeira before basking in the warmth of the Canary Islands: La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.

Take a stroll through the sun-splashed resort destination of Gran Canaria. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

On the return to Portsmouth, stops are also made in Lisbon, Portugal and Leixoes, gateway to the magnificent city of Porto, which is the epicentre of port wine production. No trip to Porto is complete without sampling the delicious wines the Douro Valley region is known for.  Better still, it pairs well with chocolate.

This unique “Chocolate Experience” is included in all cruise fares for the voyage. But it’s just one facet of Fred. Olsen’s extensive Vistas enrichment programs, which also include an Agatha Christie-themed voyage and expert guests lecturers like Lars Tharp of The Antiques Roadshow.

Fred. Olsen’s Chocoholic Cruise also calls on the stunning city of Lisbon, Portugal. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Norwegian in heritage, British in style and ambiance, Fred. Olsen is truly in a class of their own.  Ship buffs are bound to revel in the graceful styling of Boudicca, which began her career in 1973 as the famous Royal Viking Sky, while passengers will revel in this warm-weather getaway with a twist.

More information on Fred. Olsen cruises can be found by paying a visit to their website, or by viewing the complete Fred. Olsen profile on our sister-site, The Avid Cruiser.