#FredOlsen - Boudicca (1973/28,388grt) of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines docked in Dublin Port yesterday to embark Irish passengers on a direct no flights cruise to Iberian ports, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The call to Dublin was to take senior citizens on a cruise supported by Active Retirement Ireland.

The four-star 880 passenger cruiseship's first port of call is to be the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Other destinations are Portimao, Cadiz, Gibraltar and Vigo.

Prices for the 10 nights cruise which also incorporates a call to Gibraltar cost from € 1,184 per person.

Boudicca was originally Royal Viking Sky, one of trio of sisters commissioned for Royal Viking Line from a Finish shipyard. Her fleetmate Black Watch began her career as Royal Viking Star.

The final member of the handsome and well proportioned trio of cruiseships was launched as Royal Viking Sea. As previously reported this cruiseship currently serves Phoenix Reisen as their Albatros and her fleetmate flagship Amadea is visiting Cobh today.

Now in her third decade of service, Boudicca has operated for many owners and this is the ninth name in which she has carried.