Cruise passengers can get free drink packages on over 40 sailings in 2025
Brits planning cruise holidays this year may want to check out Fred. Olsen's latest summer sale, as the cruise line is currently offering a tempting deal with drinks.
Cruises already include plenty such as your food, accommodation and travel, but if you want drinks, these usually come at an extra cost on the majority of cruise lines. A drinks package can be a great way of being able to indulge in a tipple or two without having to worry about the size of your bill at the end of the holiday, but these also come at an extra cost.
However, Fred. Olsen is currently offering free drinks packages on over 40 sailings in 2025. That will include a range of house beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks too.
Holidaymakers who book by June 25, 2025, will be able to enjoy the free drinks, worth £24.99 per person per night (or if you're booking five-night cruises, worth £35.99 per person, per night).
You can already book on the Fred Olsen website, and there's an impressive array of itineraries included whether you're hoping to make the most of the summer sun on a sailing to Spain, or have a bucket-list-worthy winter and go in search of the Northern Lights.
There's more good news as the sailings are across all three of its ships - Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral - with a range of UK departure ports including Southampton, Dover, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth (Edinburgh).
Whatever cruise itinerary you're eyeing up, according to one cruise insider there are six items you should always pack before heading to the ship. One top tip? Packing both a backpack for your onshore excursions, but also a smaller evening bag for around the ship so you can carry a few essentials whether heading to dinner, a show or even just enjoying a trip to the bar.
A card holder is also another essential item, although if you book a package that includes your drinks, gratuities and service charges, then you may not need to think too much about additional costs throughout the holiday!
Meanwhile, sun-seeking Brits may want to keep an eye out for itineraries featuring Cartagena in Spain, after the beautiful city was named the sunniest in Europe. The historic port city, which is a popular stop for cruise ships, boasts a plethora of gorgeous architecture, as well as impressive museums and an eye-catching Roman amphitheatre. Unsurprisingly, it's a firm favourite with history and culture fans as well the foodies who flock to the city to indulge in some of that mouthwatering Spanish food. (Tapas and wine, anyone?).
The cruise hotspot is underrated, with most tourists opting for the likes of Alicante or Murcia instead, so one of the benefits of visiting is that it doesn't always have the huge crowds found in other spots in peak months (although on a shore day, you might find it a little busier because of the cruise crowds).
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