NATIONAL treasure Michaela Strachan is to be VIP guest on a cruise exploring rugged and remote areas of Greenland and Iceland next month.

One of Britain’s most loved television presenters, and a regular on our screens for more than three decades, she will sail on Fred. Olsen’s Borealis cruise ship.

Michaela will be delivering a talk on British wildlife, what goes on behind the scenes of shows such as Springwatch and Countryfile, and what makes British wildlife programmes so popular.

She’ll also take part in a Q&A session and a lunch with passengers during the four nights she spends on the 14-night cruise, which sails from Liverpool on August 4. 

“I’m really looking forward to exploring some of the wildlife and wonders of Iceland,” says Michaela. “I’ve been to Iceland a couple of times before and guests are in for a real treat.

“The landscapes are beautiful, unique and extraordinary. It’s sure to be a memorable and magical experience, but it’s not just the destination that you should enjoy, but also the journey.

“I will be doing a couple of talks for guests – one about the behind the scenes of wildlife filmmaking and why British wildlife programmes are so popular, and a Q&A about my career.

“Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines specialise in the joy of the journey and making sure quests experience the flavours, sights and sounds that are slightly removed from the normal tourist trail.

“Onboard is all about giving guests something different and I’m really hoping my talks will enhance the journey experience,” adds Michaela, who will join the cruise from August 4 to 8.

Highlights of the cruise itinerary include Narsarsuaq, gateway to the Qooroq Ice Fjord, where passengers can weave among white and glassy blue icebergs on a boat tour.

Borealis will sail the strait of Prins Christiansund, lined with jagged mountains and glaciers, with tours to see wild scenery including spurting geysers and thundering waterfalls.

In the remote town of Nanortalik, there’s an open-air museum in the old colonial port area, an Inuit summer camp, and an Umiaq and kayak exhibition.

Qaqortoq offers a Greenlandic Food and Beer experience, with a tasting menu of local specialities such as reindeer, musk ox, and dried fish, combined with local beers from nearby Narsaq.

Heimaey, the largest island off the coast of Iceland, is home to lively bird colonies including puffins, gannets and guillemots; alongside orcas, minke whales and white-beaked dolphins.

Also joining the cruise will be OWE (Ocean Wildlife Encounters) who will be helping to spot marine life.

Borealis’ 14-night S2315 ‘Exploring Rugged and Remote Greenland and Iceland’ cruise, departs from Liverpool on August 4, 2023, with prices from £1,299 per person.

For more details see the dedicated webpage here. For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit fredolsencruises.com, call 0800 0355 242 or see your ABTA travel agent.

Lead image of Michaela Strachan by Benjamin Harris