Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a new 82-night Grand Voyage, offering the chance to discover the culture-rich lands of Asia on a journey timed to coincide with the Holi Festival.

The sailing, on Balmoral, features calls into Myanmar and Cambodia, where guests can explore the temples of Angkor Wat from Siem Reap.

According to the line, “wildlife lovers will have the chance to spot endemic species in Borneo, home to proboscis monkeys, or visit Sri Lanka’s Udawalawa Elephant Park”.

In addition, guests will visit the Củ Chi tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels, in a call into Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

In Mumbai, there will also be a chance to experience the annual Hindu Holi Festival.

The cruise will depart from Southampton on 18 January 2025, with prices starting from £8,999pp.

Fred Olsen creating ‘cultural’ itineraries

Fred Olsen head of itinerary planning and destination experience Martin Lister said: “This grand voyage has been curated especially with guests enthusiastic about cultural travel in mind.

“Those joining us aboard Balmoral can discover more about many fascinating ancient civilisations, with chances to visit many impressive religious buildings, monuments and places of worship.

“Those looking to seek out native wildlife will have the opportunity to seek encounters with endemic and migratory species, such as birds, monkeys and dramatic displays of illuminated fireflies, with Borneo a particular highlight.

“Of course, a real pinnacle will be our call into Mumbai, timed specially to coincide with the traditional Hindu festival of Holi, where guests can experience the bonfires of Holika Dahan followed by the joyous throwing of Gulal.”

Earlier in March, Fred Olsen also released a new world cruise for 2025, inspired by journeys taken by famous historical explorers.

Departing from Southampton on 6 January 2025, flagship Bolette will follow a similar route to the first world circumnavigation by explorers Magellan and Elcano in 1519.