Minneapolis-April 19, 2012 In 1912, Minneapolis-based Vanstrum Travel took a deposit of twenty dollars for a 2nd class cabin ticket on the return voyage of the Titanic. In 1986, Vanstrum Travel became Borton Overseas and expanded into a well-respected tour operator specializing in Scandinavia, Africa and small ship cruises, including Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. One hundred years after that twenty dollar deposit, Borton Overseas was once again selling Titanic tickets, but this time for a memorial cruise commemorating the 100th anniversary of its sinking.

The Titanic Memorial Cruise was a special sailing coordinated by UK-based Miles Morgan Travel, who chartered Fred. Olsens ship the Balmoral, for the journey. Borton Overseas was appointed the US booking agent for the Titanic Memorial Cruise.

We booked 220 clients for the Titanic Memorial Cruise, said Marie Drennan, Small Ship Cruise Specialist at Borton Overseas. As the US Reseller for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, it was an obvious connection for us.

In addition to booking clients on this historic cruise, Borton Overseas developed tour packages so clients could experience all that the United Kingdom has to offer tourists. Tour packages included a Theater and Cemetery Tour of Southampton; a Discover Stonehedge, Bath and Windsor Tour; and a Panoramic Tour of London, to name a few.

Passengers onboard the Titanic Memorial Cruise all had different reasons for cruising. According to Miles Morgan, owner of Miles Morgan Travel, who was interviewed before the cruise departed, For many it is being a part, and taking part, in such a memorable piece of history; some of these people are looking forward to tasting the meals from that time, or even dressing up in period costume to enhance the experience. Others are lifelong Titanic enthusiasts who have devoted a major part of their lives to studying this great ship and the events that surrounded it. Some simply became fascinated by Titanic after seeing James Camerons film.

The Balmoral arrived in New York today, the intended destination for the 1912 Titanic maiden voyage. Named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family, the Balmoral is the largest and newest cruise ship in Fred. Olsen's fleet, with accommodation for about 1,300 passengers. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been recognized with several international awards for their exceptional service, including Cruise Line of the Year from the Cruise International Awards and Best for Solo Cruisers from Cruise Critic.

If you are interested in booking a Fred. Olsen cruise vacation, contact Borton Overseas at 612-822-4640, info@bortonoverseas.com or www.bortonoverseas.com/cruises. Borton Overseas can also assist with travel insurance, pre or post night hotels, flights and transfers.

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