Ephesus' Library of Celsus

Istanbul's Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque

“I know loads of people on this cruise,” said solo traveller Sheila from Cornwall, “so I never feel alone, even though I have been a widow for 14 years.”

And in that one breakfast conversation our unsolicited table-share guest had single handedly summed up Fred Olsen’s unspoken philosophy: there are no passengers on the line’s three ships, just extended members of the Olsen family!

Sheila was on a 57-day cruise but me and Mrs H had flown to Rhodes, Greece to join the 12-day sail back to Malaga in Spain, where we’d disembark for the flight home to Manchester, however, before the cold climes of the UK would beckon once more, we’d first be taking in a variety of ports as part of our Discovering Turkish Treasures cruise.

Fred Olsen's Balmoral

Turkey's breathtaking Çanakkale Suspension Bridge

Those Olsen ‘regulars’ – rumour has it that they move in packs between quizzes, drinks in the Morning Light Pub and shuffleboard or the arts and crafts room – are all unofficial members of the fictional ‘Fred Fan Club’.

Our fleeting guest had a new audience. “Fred was on a recent cruise I was on,” she continued. “He was even a speaker: 96 years old. It was standing room only.” Her admiration was palpable.

However, whether it was the founder, the son of the founder or even the great great grandson, I was in no position to challenge, but it quickly became evident that Sheila was not alone in her admiration, for one of the first questions you will always be asked by any stranger deigning to share your table is: “Is this your first time?” or “have you been with Fred before?” almost as if the ubiquitous Fred was on the bridge above captaining the ship!

And in a world where cruise companies vie for market supremacy this sense of ‘family’ is, to paraphrase business-speak, a market positioning that has served the cruise line well, for all of its regular returners seemingly define themselves as Fred loyalists, with the brand firmly embedded in their psyches, something to be envied by competing cruise marketeers.



We’d disembarked at Rhodes International Airport following our 4-hour flight from the UK. I’d been with ‘Fred’ before but this was my first fly-cruise and, even though Jet2 operate out of Leeds Bradford Airport, the line’s chartered flight had required me to get to Manchester for my onward Jet2 journey.

There was a 22kg luggage weight limit – something that tends not to apply when you are boarding at a UK port – however, it was a healthy discipline that prevents people – in my case Mrs H – taking enough dresses to supply a Parisienne catwalk!

Equally, at the destination end, you may still have to struggle to your coach and, unless you are fully able bodied, this can prove something of a challenge even if it is only a few hundred yards from luggage re-claim, to the lines of coaches waiting to collect their small army of Brits for the 40-minute journey to the ship.

However, with this minor inconvenience behind you, the rest of the holiday is, as they say, plain sailing. Thereafter, no luggage concerns because the next time you see your baggage is when it is delivered to your cabin.

A late supper in the Thistle Restaurant, followed by an early night, prepared us for the rigours of an extensive breakfast and the prospect of a stroll into the extraordinary Medieval Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the formidable walls whisper tales of the Knights of St. John.

The Acropolis of Lindos

Rhodes' Grand Master Palace

Here you can wander the captivating, narrow cobblestone streets that lead to the majestic Palace of the Grand Master and the iconic Street of the Knights, preserved in stunning Gothic splendour.

Beyond the ramparts, the island's magic continues. High above the picturesque village of Lindos, a dramatic clifftop beckons.

Ascend to the magnificent Acropolis of Lindos, where the ancient Temple of Athena Lindia and Hellenistic stoas stand framed by the massive battlements of the Knights.

This blend of ancient Greek and medieval fortification offers unforgettable, panoramic views of St. Paul's Bay and the Aegean Sea, whilst Rhodes itself offers a unique tapestry of centuries-old monuments, warm Greek hospitality, and sun-kissed charm, promising an unforgettable journey into the past.
Back on the ship my education was about to continue.

“I love cruising because you can ‘sample’ a place and, if you want, return to see it again as part of a longer stay” one cruiser told me. Meanwhile, our wonderful Indian waitress bemoaned the fact that she loved her career with Fred but that her parents wanted her to return for an arranged marriage: somehow, she was caught between two worlds.

‹›

• Food...
• Glorious food!
• Balmoral - a floating hotel
• {1)}
• DIY laundry facilities
• Oriental Tea Room
• Guest Services
• Test your Latin in the Botanical Room!

Another waiter had been there more than 15 years with the prospect of another 15 ahead. “My daughter has told me she wants to be a doctor and this is a great, well-paid job so I had better keep going,” he quipped.

Even the crew were an integral part of the Fred family, never forgetting a name, never leaving a dirty plate, never failing to be anything other than 100% attentive. And, to some regulars, they were undoubtedly dear friends.



Very soon Turkey's Aegean coast was telling a very different tale with its narrative in stone and sea. Starting in Bodrum the medieval might of the Castle of St John dominated the harbour, although its foundations whispered of a far older glory.

L-R: Bodrum's Castle of St John

The polished marble blocks of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were literally recycled into the fortress walls by the 15th-century Knights Hospitaller and, though only the foundations of the Mausoleum remain, the transfer of its stones into a Crusader stronghold creates a unique historical echo—the ancient tomb fortifying the medieval faith.

Contrast this dramatic, fragmented history with the sheer scale of preservation at Ephesus, a short journey north and accessed from the port of Kusadasi.

Ephesus - one of the ancient world's greatest cities

The theatre of Ephesus

Here, you don't merely trace foundations; you walk the marble streets of a thriving Roman metropolis, stand beneath the facade of the Library of Celsus, and imagine the crowds in the Great Theatre.

Ephesus is not so much a ruin as a profound immersion into the past.
With near back-to-back port stops on this particular cruise, indeed the reason why many select it, occasional sea days remain a welcome opportunity to relax in one of the ship’s many dining options: the Thistle for ‘help yourself’ casual dining, the Asian fusion cuisine of Colours and Tastes Restaurant or the silver service of the Ballindaloch.

Afternoon Tea

Filipino chefs create the flavours of Asia

Dining on the waves

There are shows to be watched, professional speakers to be listened to, the skill of ukelele playing to be mastered, books to be read, jigsaws to be finished and lots of other casual moments to be enjoyed including, of course, pumpkin carving if you arrive in the run up to Halloween!

The Balmoral, as the ship’s very name implies, is inspired by Scotland, a theme reinforced by its restaurants including, of course, the sumptuous Avon and Spey dining rooms.

One of the sea day challenges!

Spooktacular Halloween

Indeed, as the ship glides through the Sea of Marmara, you are juxtapositioned into a world where old meets modern.

And the experience is no more poignant than in wonderful Istanbul, one of the jewels in Turkey’s crown.

There the Blue Mosque will leave you in awe, whilst its neighbouring Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque, a former place of Christian worship, will have you exercising your phone battery to near depletion!

The spectacular Blue Mosque

Istanbul's Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque

Equally, as you begin your sail homeward and the exit point of Malaga, the tiny Mediterranean archipelago of Malta cannot be ignored.

Malta - architecture to die for

British influences

Valletta

It packs ancient history and stunning natural beauty into its small size. Here you can explore the baroque UNESCO capital of Valletta, the silent walled city of Mdina, and the prehistoric Megalithic Temples.

As you wave Malaga and Spain goodbye you can be confident that your brain will be in historical overload, however, be grateful that Jet2 still charge for their in-flight sandwiches.

By giving them a miss you will not only save on the pennies, but the decision will also present the first opportunity in almost a fortnight for your much overworked stomach to have a rest from 12 glorious nights of dining!


FAST FACTS
Balmoral’s 10-night L2637 ‘Cyprus, Turkey & Egypt Escape’ cruise, departing from Limassol on 9th November 2026. Prices start from £1,649 per person.
Explore vibrant cities at a less busy time of year
Enjoy tours to iconic destinations like the Pyramids of Giza
Embrace Turkish culture at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Itinerary: Limassol, Cyprus – Alexandria, Egypt – Marmaris, Turkey – Istanbul, Turkey – Piraeus (for Athens), Greece
For more details: Visit: www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/cyprus-turkey-egypt-l2637