Olsen praises milestone voyage

Report by Tom Parry

Fred Olsen has become the first cruise line to complete an international sailing from the UK since March 2020.

Borealis has returned to the UK after carrying around 800 guests on an itinerary to Iceland.

The line’s new ship Borealis returned to Britain on 23 August after carrying around 800 fully vaccinated guests on an itinerary to Iceland which set sail on 14 August.

The cruise called into Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Eyjafjörður and Seyðisfjörður, and guests were able to leave the ship and explore ashore in organised excursions.

They were required to complete pre-registration forms and testing prior to arrival in Iceland and before returning to the UK. 

Fred Olsen currently has two ships sailing, Borealis and its new flagship Bolette, both of which are offering more international sailings from September.

Claire Ward, the line’s director of product and customer service, said successfully completing the cruise had been “a big achievement not just for us, but for the cruise industry”.

“Being the first international sailing, this cruise was not without its challenges, but we worked very closely with the Icelandic authorities to ensure all went smoothly and, of course, safely, both for our guests and crew and those living and working in the ports we visited,” said Ward.

“It is the first time in 17 months that anyone has been able to explore overseas on a cruise again, and our destinations team worked closely with our shore tour providers to help as many guests as possible have safe yet genuine experiences ashore and enjoy the natural wonders of Iceland.

“This is a real milestone for Fred Olsen, and we can’t wait to welcome guests back on board for international sailings throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”

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Larnaka upgrades top tourist spots

As travel restrictions are gradually lifted, tourists visiting Cyprus are promised a treat when they visit beaches at a favourite spot for visitors, according to the Larnaka Tourist Board.

Summertime in Larnaka region is synonymous with lying on a beach or swimming in the sparkling sea, and according to the tourist board, the new upgrades and improvements made on several popular organised coasts will really enhance your beach time.

Larnaka City 

Beachgoers can ‘surf on the sand’ with free WIFI services available on the beaches of Finikoudes (the famous palm-tree beach parallel to the town centre), and at tranquil Kastella (located behind the ice-cream parlours that bridge Finikoudes with Mckenzie beach). The action is part of the EU-wide ‘WiFi4EU’ initiative. 

Larnaka Region 

Voroklini: Voroklini’s coastline has been beautified with the planting of palm trees, whilst a shade has been installed at the children’s sand playground. On Yiannades (Gold Fish beach), sunbathers will soon be able to borrow books from the new, wooden boat-shaped library to read as they lounge. The Community Council has also placed 240 new sunbeds and 120 new umbrellas on the beach.

Larnaka Kitesurfing Beach (Softades): The island’s only dedicated kitesurfing beach has had new greenery planted. Famous for having the most optimum weather conditions for the sport, the beach again played host to the ‘King of the Kite’ kitesurfing championships organised by Kahuna Surfhouse (August 5-8).

Upgrades are continually made on organised coasts of Larnaka region as part of the annual ‘Enriching and Greening Larnaka’s Beaches’ initiative that aims not only to maintain Larnaka region beaches in pristine condition, but also to offer added facilities and leisure options for all the family. 

It is also important to note that it was recently announced that Cyprus has once again come first across Europe for having the cleanest bathing waters – an honour that the island consistently holds for its sparkling seawaters.

This handy map of Larnaka region’s coastline will also help you find your perfect spot.