Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Unveils New ‘Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise’ for Summer 2015

Oporto, Portugal, will be one of the stops on the Boudicca’s 16-night “Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise” presented by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Secrecy and suspense will be aboard 880-guest ship Boudicca for a 16-night “Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise,” departing Rosyth (Edinburgh) July 10, 2015. The cruise, presented by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines links the Duchess of Northumberland’s ‘Poison Gardens’ at Alnwick Castle – which starred as ‘Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry’ in the Harry Potter films – and that of Mr. Fred. Olsen Senior in Guimar, Tenerife.

Fred. Olsen unveiled this participative ‘murder mystery’ cruise at an exclusive VIP launch at The Tower of London, hosted by The Duchess of Northumberland and Fred. Olsen Senior, on July 24, 2014.

Guests will get to take part in this great adventure as it unfolds on board, whilst Boudicca takes a leisurely cruise to Leixoes (for Oporto, Portugal), Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Lisbon (Portugal) and Newcastle (UK) – famous as the ‘Agatha Christie Route’.

This intriguing ‘Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise’ is a first for any cruise line, and is the result of a creative collaboration between Mr. Fred. Olsen Senior and Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland. Fred. Olsen is delighted that, as well as hosting the largest participative ‘murder mystery’ event ever held on a cruise ship – which will be officially witnessed on board by ‘Guinness World Records’ – the Duchess will be joining the ship for part of the voyage, along with Mr. Fred. Olsen Senior, it is hoped.

“In Fred. Olsen, I was excited to meet someone with a fellow passion for poison plants, and together we have sown a seed that has flourished into this fascinating cruise experience for Fred. Olsen’s guests next year, linking our two unique gardens,” Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland, said.

“I wanted to create a ‘theatre of poisons and poisoning’, and working with Fred. has allowed me to bring this desire to life aboard a cruise ship, where guests can sample something new, something different and something very special indeed!”

“It seemed to me the most natural thing to undertake such a cruise, with so few ‘Poison Gardens’ in Europe,” said Fred. Olsen Senior, Chairman of the Fred. Olsen group of companies. “For me, it is very special to be able to link these gardens with a unique cruise itinerary, and we know that many of our guests share an enthusiasm for gardening. We also know, from previous experiences such as our Titanic Centenary cruise in April 2012, that they enjoy dressing up and taking part in murder mystery-themed events.”

Highlights of this cruise include:

– Visit to The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle – the grand and magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Here, guests will not only see the Gardens – which have been transformed by Her Grace with an investment of over £40 million – but also visit the only ‘Poison Garden’ in Britain.

– In Tenerife, discover the mythical ‘Pyramids of Guimar’ and their own ‘Poison Garden’.

– Throughout the cruise, the subject of poison and mystery will be everywhere, with plays, talks and special tours – and a murder mystery starting as soon as guests get on board, which will run through to a ‘Grand Finale’ at Alnwick Castle.

– Felix Francis, younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, will be penning a short crime story on board as the intrigue around this cruise unravels.

Guest speakers on this cruise include:

– Peter Dean, Her Majesty’s Coroner for Essex and a former Forensic Medical Examiner with the Metropolitan Police, with some fascinating and gruesome insights into his varied and often ‘dark’ career.

– Doctor Dan Jones, eminent poison Historian and Archaeologist, who gives a closer look into Rasputin and the Borgias family’s darkest secrets!

– Doctor Mark Siddall, curator of ‘The Power of Poison’ exhibition at The American Museum of Natural History, will be cooking up all manner of potions and poisons in a hands-on, interactive demonstration.

The Duchess of Northumberland is the visionary behind The Alnwick Garden, the largest visitor attraction in the North East. It is a registered charity, which aims to raise aspirations and run charitable programmes for the education and well-being of the local community. It offers local people access to projects, events, services and opportunities and it aims to promote a healthy, fulfilled quality of life. Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden welcome over 800,000 visitors each year. She has travelled worldwide and around the UK, giving over 400 lectures about The Alnwick Garden and its charitable ethos.

She is particularly interested in natural poisons and aphrodisiacs and has built one of the only ‘Poison Gardens’ in the world, in which every plant is a killer. She had a trilogy of books published called ‘The Poison Diaries’ and recently a ‘Little Book of Poisons, Potions and Aphrodisiacs’ and one of ‘Jams, Jellies and Preserves’, with her own range of marmalades being commercially made from the oldest known recipe in the world.  The latest book, ‘The Little Book of Cocktails, Cordials and Elixirs’ – just recently launched – features some of the oldest recipes for cocktails and cordials ever recorded.

The cruise returns to Edinburgh on the morning of July 26, 2015, after two weeks of mystery, poison and murder at sea.

Prices start from $4125 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, Inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment, plus port fees. If guests book by August 31 2014, they can take advantage of free door-to-door travel for guests who live within 250 mainland miles of Rosyth or up to $250 per person free onboard spending credit.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.bortonoverseas.com.

 

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Loews Philadelphia Hotel Package Showcases Bruce Springsteen Exhibit at National Constitution Center

Just in time for summer travel, fans of Bruce Springsteen staying at Loews Philadelphia Hotel and reserving the “Bruce Springsteen Exhibit Package” will enjoy the celebration of freedom at the National Constitution Center. From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen – never before seen outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum – features more than 150 artifacts of the award-winning New Jersey rocker.

Located only six blocks from the hotel, the National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and features exhibits that explore the story of “We the People.” Springsteen’s distinctive brand of blue collar rock gives voice to the struggles of the working class, veterans, immigrants and other groups whose unique stories add to the definitions of “We the People.”

The Loews Philadelphia “Bruce Springsteen Exhibit Package” includes:

• Overnight deluxe accommodations for two
• Two tickets to From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen at the National Constitution Center
• Admission to the Center’s main exhibition, The Story of We the People, and viewing of the award-winning Freedom Rising, a 360-degree theatrical production at the National Constitution Center.

This exhibition, From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen, takes a comprehensive look at Springsteen’s catalog, from such early bands such as Child, the Castiles and Steel Mill through his work with the E Street Band and as a solo artist. Visitors will have the opportunity to view more than 150 artifacts, including the Fender Esquire guitar from the cover of Born to Run, the outfit Springsteen wore on the cover of Born in the U.S.A., numerous handwritten lyric manuscripts, posters from all phases of his career, and various honors including his Academy Award for the song “Streets of Philadelphia.”

“From Asbury Park to the Promised Land offers a unique perspective on our First Amendment freedoms, the meaning of the American dream and the role of artists in politics and protest,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner. “And, of course, Bruce Springsteen strikes an even deeper chord here in Philly, where the love of Bruce runs almost as deep as the love of freedom.”

Available through September 3, the “Bruce Springsteen Exhibit Package” price starts at $179 based upon double occupancy. Rate is subject to availability and change and is not available to groups of ten or more. For information about Loews Philadelphia Hotel, or to reserve a room please call, (888) 575-6397 or visit on-line at http://www.loewshotels.com.

The 581-room luxury Loews Philadelphia hotel is a combination of historic architecture and modern amenities in the landmark PSFS building. Located in the heart of Center City, one Philly’s most influential neighborhoods, the hotel is walking distance to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal, many historic attractions, museums, theaters, shops and restaurants. SoleFood Restaurant is a fusion of seafood and cutting edge culinary expertise, presenting seafood inspired dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the most powerful vision of freedom ever expressed: the U.S. Constitution. Located on Independence Mall, at 525 Arch Street, in Historic Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship through a state-of-the-art museum experience, including hundreds of interactive exhibits, films and rare artifacts; must-see feature exhibitions; the internationally acclaimed, 360-degree theatrical production Freedom Rising; and the iconic Signers’ Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. The Center houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the national hub for constitutional education, which offers cutting-edge civic learning resources both onsite and online. Freedom is calling. Answer it at the National Constitution For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

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Cape May, NJ Hosts Sherlock Holmes Weekend March 16-18, 2012

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's master sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his partner, Dr. Watson, join forces to solve a baffling new mystery for 2012 during a weekend of intrigue, Friday through Sunday, March 16-18, in "Sherlock Holmes and the Trial of Moriarty's Challenge," sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (photo by Joe Evangelista)..

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his partner, Dr. Watson, join forces to solve a baffling new mystery for 2012 during a weekend of intrigue, Friday through Sunday, March 16-18, in “Sherlock Holmes and the Trial of Moriarty’s Challenge,” sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).

Stalk the gaslit streets in search of clues and compete for the $250 grand prize and a variety of other valuable gifts as you attempt to solve the mystery. Full weekend packages are available at $180 per couple or $95 per person and include the welcome reception, performances, tour, luncheon and gift. The Search for Clues tour on Saturday, March 17, can be purchased separately.

Affordable overnight packages with accommodations are also available. Call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, ext. 185 for more information or to reserve your overnight package.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at http://www.capemaymac.org.

For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.

See also:

CAPE MAY, NJ ROLLS OUT WELCOME MAT FOR FAMILIES

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Cape May’s Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities presents 39th Annual Victorian Weekend, Oct. 7-11

Victorian homes, Cape May, New Jersey © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Put on your boaters and bustles and celebrate Cape May’s unique heritage during the 39^th annual Victorian Weekend, sponsored by Cape May’s leader in cultural and heritage tourism, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). Experience Cape May’s “gilded-age” with trolley tours down the gas-lit streets, tours of Victorian-era homes and inns, food and wine events, living history programs, lectures, workshops, performances and more from Friday, Oct. 7 through Tuesday, Oct. 11.

New for 2011: discover Cape May’s seventh annual Designer Show House, a four-story harbor side homeowner’s dream, satisfy your sweet tooth with a Cape May institution at Fudge Fantasy, an event co-sponsored by the famous Fudge Kitchen, dare to attend the new Murder at the Physick Estate production, gather some hay and stakes and make a creation for the Physick Estate’s Scarecrow Alley, and learn about South Cape May, the town that vanished into the sea, during Cape May’s Victorian Weekend. Returning favorites will have you kicking up your heels as they did in Cape May’s Victorian heyday, touring Victorian gems, tasting innkeeper’s chocolate desserts, solving a murder mystery during lunch or dinner, touring the wineries of Cape May County and more.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at http://www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.