You might not expect a predominantly British travel company to feature a California coastal itinerary, but that’s exactly what Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines plans to do in 2019 aboard its Balmoral. Other foreign-based cruise brands like Costa Cruises have made quick stops at the likes of San Diego during world voyages, but the Balmoral will stay longer during its unique 62-night roundtrip sailing from Southampton, UK.

The extensive “California, Mexico & the Panama Canal” itinerary will visit 18 destinations in total including not only an overnight stay in San Francisco and day calls on Los Angeles and San Diego but also several ports in the Caribbean as well as Mexico. Before heading across the pond, the Balmoral will make an overnight stop at Funchal, Madeira, Portugal and, upon its return to Europe, will visit La Coruña, Galicia, Spain prior to its arrival back in the UK.

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“We are very excited to be offering this special cruise for the first time ever in 2019,” said Neil Herbert, Head of Sales at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “Every year we work hard to come-up with new holidays and experiences for our guests and we think this cruise is going to be extremely popular. The itinerary, which features many maiden calls for Fred. Olsen reads like a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ backpacking adventure, yet with all the comfort and home-from-home surroundings of our flagship, Balmoral.”

As roundtrips go, this is certainly one of the longest ever from a European homeport that is not a traditional world cruise over a hundred days in length. I am a native of my homeport of San Diego, and my town always appreciates the support of new ships, expected or as a pleasant surprise like this one. After all, as Fred. Olsen points out, the Gold Coast has a number of exciting attractions for cruise travelers: the Golden Gate Bridge, Balboa Park, Alcatraz, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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The challenge it seems is to get locals as excited about convenient roundtrip sailings from California. While there are a number of domestic options from brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, they still remain rather niche. I, for one, would love to see more roundtrip options to Alaska from southerly ports like San Diego after Carnival and Princess give it a go from Los Angeles.

Either way, Fred. Olsen is on its way, leaving Southampton on January 19, 2019 with its 1,350-guest Balmoral, also showcasing two complete transits through the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal during the journey.

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