French Cities & Cruising The Seine & Loire Rivers

11 nights from £1,599pp departing Thursday 14th Sep 2023

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	14th14	SepSep	202323	Dover, England, embark on the Braemar		Late PM
Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year in its role as the ferry capital of the world and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. The White Cliffs Country has a rich heritage. Within the walls of the town’s iconic castle, over 2,000 years of history waits to be explored, whilst the town’s museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel. The town’s cliffs that are a welcome sight for today's cross-channel travellers also served as the control centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
	15th15	SepSep	202323	At Sea
	16th16	SepSep	202323	Nantes, France	Early AM	Early AM
The gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and the country’s seventh largest city, Nantes is located on the north bank of the Loire River. Although officially no longer the capital of Brittany since Nantes was included in the Pays de Loire administrative region, many of the city’s inhabitants regard themselves still an integral part of Brittany. During medieval times, much of the city’s prosperity resulted from colonial expeditions and the slave trade. Today Nantes is the most important commercial and industrial centre in west-central France, and appears as a particularly well-managed city with fine museums and carefully tended parks and gardens. One of the museums is dedicated to Jules Verne, born here in 1828. The Loire, foundation of Nantes’ riches, has dwindled from the city centre. As recently as the 1930s the river crossed the city in seven separate channels. However, they were filled in after World War II but, fortunately, left the area’s 18th-century mansions intact. They once were the trademark of rich merchants who made their fortunes from the slave trade. French influence was brought to Nantes by the Loire and its trade from the end of the 18th century when the city became known as "Little Paris." The Place Royale and the Place Graslin were first laid out during that time. One of the most impressive landmarks is the Chateau des Ducs, most of which is preserved in its original form built by the last two rulers of independent Brittany, Francois II, and his daughter Duchess Anne, born here in 1477.
	17th17	SepSep	202323	Nantes, France	Early AM	Early AM
The gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and the country’s seventh largest city, Nantes is located on the north bank of the Loire River. Although officially no longer the capital of Brittany since Nantes was included in the Pays de Loire administrative region, many of the city’s inhabitants regard themselves still an integral part of Brittany. During medieval times, much of the city’s prosperity resulted from colonial expeditions and the slave trade. Today Nantes is the most important commercial and industrial centre in west-central France, and appears as a particularly well-managed city with fine museums and carefully tended parks and gardens. One of the museums is dedicated to Jules Verne, born here in 1828. The Loire, foundation of Nantes’ riches, has dwindled from the city centre. As recently as the 1930s the river crossed the city in seven separate channels. However, they were filled in after World War II but, fortunately, left the area’s 18th-century mansions intact. They once were the trademark of rich merchants who made their fortunes from the slave trade. French influence was brought to Nantes by the Loire and its trade from the end of the 18th century when the city became known as "Little Paris." The Place Royale and the Place Graslin were first laid out during that time. One of the most impressive landmarks is the Chateau des Ducs, most of which is preserved in its original form built by the last two rulers of independent Brittany, Francois II, and his daughter Duchess Anne, born here in 1477.
	18th18	SepSep	202323	At Sea
	19th19	SepSep	202323	Rouen, France	Early AM	Late AM
	20th20	SepSep	202323	Rouen, France	Early AM	Late AM
	20th20	SepSep	202323	Honfleur, France	Late Night	Late Night
Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).
	21st21	SepSep	202323	Honfleur, France	Late Night	Late Night
Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).
	22nd22	SepSep	202323	At Sea
	23rd23	SepSep	202323	Antwerp, Belgium	Early AM	Late PM
Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.
	24th24	SepSep	202323	Antwerp, Belgium	Early AM	Late PM
Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.
	25th25	SepSep	202323	Dover, England, disembark the Braemar	Early AM
Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year in its role as the ferry capital of the world and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. The White Cliffs Country has a rich heritage. Within the walls of the town’s iconic castle, over 2,000 years of history waits to be explored, whilst the town’s museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel. The town’s cliffs that are a welcome sight for today's cross-channel travellers also served as the control centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

Braemar

Launch Year

1993

Refit Year

2017

Tonnage

24,344

Capacity

929

Cabins

485

Accessible

Marquee Deck 8

Bridge Deck 7

Lido Deck 6

Lounge Deck 5

Main Deck 4

Atlantic Deck 3

Marina Deck 2

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

The Palms Café

Completely refurbished as part of Braemar's extensive refit in late 2017, the Palms Café has been improved with new, stylish upholstery, soft furnishings and seating to create an inviting space in which to enjoy a more relaxed, slightly less formal style of dining.

Although we've changed the look of the Palms Café, you can still expect to enjoy an array of tempting buffet dishes here - perfect if you would prefer to not dine at a set time, or are simply looking for a late night snack. And, of course, every dish available will be expertly prepared to Fred. Olsen's renowned high standards.

Thistle Restaurant

Located on Main Deck 4 at the base of the ship's beautiful Atrium, the Thistle is Braemar’s largest restaurant. Tastefully decorated∘ in creamy-beige and mocha coloured furnishings, the Thistle assumes an air of timeless style and elegance.

Thanks to large picture windows, guests can take in spectacular views from their spacious table and comfortable chair while devouring delicious, five-course á la carte dinners in the evening, as well as hearty breakfasts every morning.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Braemer Room

The Braemar Room retains an atmosphere of refined elegance. Ideal for meeting fellow passengers, catching up on that best-seller or listening to the resident string trio. The Braemar Room is also adjacent to the Library, Card Room, Morning Light Pub and Boutique, so is an integral area of the cruise ship.

Coral Club

This sophisticated lounge, seating 170 guests, is the venue for intimate evening shows, great music for dancing to resident live bands, as well as occasional late night cabarets.

It offers alternative shows to those in the Neptune Lounge, which are also given in two performances. It is also the location for the ever-popular on board Bingo. In the evenings here you may wish to enjoy to sample a fine selection of premium gins from our gin menu.

Neptune Lounge

The Neptune Lounge is the larger of Braemar's two main show theatres, although music and entertainment is on offer throughout the ship, and is the venue for a variety of shows, events and performances.

Thanks to extensive improvements made as part of Braemar's thorough refit in 2017, which included the fitting of brand new carpets, furnishings and extra seating, the Neptune Lounge is now an even more comfortable place to enjoy port talks, lectures and more throughout the day, and variety of glamourous entertainment, music, dance, comedy and costumes every evening.

Morning Light Pub

With its welcoming, friendly atmosphere and charming traditional style, Braemar's Morning Light Pub assumes the feel of your very own local at sea. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends and fellow guests.

Perhaps enjoy a quick pint or a glass of wine at lunch before spending the afternoon ashore; stop by for a pre-dinner drink; or settle into a comfortable seat and relax long into the night while enjoying performances from live bands and comedians.

Observatory Lounge

Located on Marquee Deck at the very top of Braemar, the Observatory Lounge boasts the most spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Sit by the bar, or perhaps take a seat by the lounge's large windows and lose yourself in the stunning sights while listening to the twinkling sounds of a grand piano.

The Observatory Lounge is also the venue for our premium Traditional Afternoon Tea service, which offers guests a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones accompanied by premium teas and unforgettable views.

Library

Located in the Bookmark Café on Lounge Deck, Braemar's well-appointed library provides a wide variety of books and publications, including some large print books, to delve into, accompanied by speciality coffees, teas and tempting chocolates served at this quiet, comfortable space.

As well as losing themselves in a good book as the world drifts by, guests can stop-by the Library for a traditional board games such as chess and drafts, or have a go at large, challenging jigsaw puzzles available too.

Card Room

Featuring plenty of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Card Room on board Braemar provides guests∘ with a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply a bit of fun. Bridge is always a popular pursuit on board, so you're sure to find players up for a challenge. On some cruises, Bridge tuition is on offer to help you develop your skills.

If you prefer, asides from playing cards, there are jigsaws and board games for you to have a go at too.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Your Holiday Is Safe With Us

Our Fusion packages are all ABTA & ATOL protected ensuring that your booking is safe with us

Fusion TV

Check out our latest cruise deals, news and information from the cruise world. We will bring you up to date with all of the latest exclusive offers we have available, all the news from onboard the cruise ships and much much more!

Offer

Book by

Fusion Special

Book by

Holiday Summary

	11 nights aboard the Braemar
	Evening entertainment
	Tea & coffee facilities in cabin
	Welcome and farewell cocktail parties
	Drinks packages available
	Complimentary tea & coffee during the day and early evening.
	Daily on-board activities
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Interior staterooms from		£1,599pp
M	Single InteriorCabin	£2,999pp
N	Single InteriorCabin	£2,699pp
I	Interior Cabin	£1,599pp
H	Interior Cabin	£1,749pp
G	Interior Cabin	£1,799pp

Oceanview staterooms from		£1,899pp
CO	Sup Ocean Fully Obst	£2,149pp
K	Single Ocean View	£3,999pp
L	Single Ocean View	£3,399pp
F	Ocean View Cabin	£1,899pp
E	Ocean View Cabin	£1,999pp
D	Ocean View Cabin	£2,049pp
C	Superior Ocean View	£2,299pp
CD	Superior Ocean View
B	Superior Ocean View	£2,399pp
A	Superior Ocean View	£2,499pp
LA	Large Sup Ocean View	£2,599pp

Balcony staterooms from		£3,299pp
JB	Single Balcony Suite	£4,799pp
J	Superior Sgl Balcony	£4,499pp
BC	Balcony Cabin
BA	Balcony Cabin	£3,299pp
DC	Deluxe Balcony Cabin	£3,399pp

Suite staterooms from		£3,699pp
BS	Balcony Suite	£3,699pp
SS	Superior Suite	£4,199pp
OW	Owner's Suite	£6,199pp