Discover A Delightfully Traditional Way To Cruise With Fred. Olsen

• Fred. Olsen Cruises is a family-run line with a long history (since 1848) that offers a traditional, uncrowded alternative to mega-ships, focusing on personalised service and the classic maritime heritage of cruising.

• The smaller fleet provides a key itinerary advantage, allowing ships to sail closer to destinations, access smaller fjords, and navigate rivers; for convenience, they depart from local UK ports including Southampton, Dover, and Liverpool.

• The experience is suited for couples and singles who appreciate tradition, featuring elegant evening dining (such as five-course à la carte meals), classic entertainment (live shows, ballroom dancing), and daytime activities like guest speaker events and art classes.

If mega cruise ships seem slightly daunting, and the many adrenaline-pumping activities found onboard increasingly large ships are just not your cup of tea, Fred. Olsen Cruises offers a wonderfully enticing alternative.

This classic cruise line doesn't try to keep up with the trends or seek to develop new and thrilling ways for you to spend your time onboard. Instead, they uphold the charming tradition of cruising and maritime heritage. And with a history dating back to 1848, they are perfectly positioned to do just that. 

Fred. Olsen Cruises is a family-run cruise line that treats passengers as guests, offering you a warm welcome the minute you step aboard their uncrowded ships and set sail to discover some of the many incredible cruise destinations.

So, what else can you expect when cruising ‘The Olsen Way’? We reveal all below.

The Advantages Of Smaller Ships

Fred. Olsen ships are smaller, but being petite has its advantages. For example, you can get much closer to your destinations, sailing up rivers that larger cruise ships are unable to access.

They’re kinder to the environment, too, using less fuel and creating less waste. Furthermore, fewer guests are on board; meaning shorter queues, easier embarkation and disembarkation, and more personalised service. 

Fred. Olsen Cruises currently has three cruise ships in their fleet: Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. Each of these ships has been elegantly designed with wide open deck spaces, lounges and restaurants- which have been meticulously planned to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Departure Ports

In its drive to offer a stress-free, easy and convenient start to your cruise holiday, Fred. Olsen Cruises sails from local ports around the UK.

With options to depart from Southampton, Dover, Newcastle, Liverpool and Edinburgh (Rosyth), the majority of UK guests are less than a mere few hours’ drive from their nearest port.

Who Might You Typically Find Onboard A Fred. Olsen Cruise?

People who choose Fred. Olsen Cruises tend to appreciate the tradition of cruising. They like the history and heritage behind this type of holiday and want to experience it on their trip. They’re not on the hunt for new and exciting activities but, instead, want to enjoy the simple pleasures of cruising: the impeccable service, good-quality dining and elegant evening entertainment. 

Fred. Olsen ships are not typically designed for families with young children; instead, they are more suited to couples and singles. First-time cruise guests are welcomed, having the opportunity to join a ‘New to Cruising’ get-together and a guided ship tour, where you can meet other like-minded people and become familiar with all their ships have to offer.

Worldwide Cruise Itineraries 

With their smaller vessels, Fred. Olsen Cruises can take you right to the heart of your destination. This capability is invaluable when on a Norwegian fjords cruise, as you can access the smaller, more remote and serene fjords.

It also enables you to get close up to cities, more like a river cruise line than an ocean one. See the grand canals of Venice, the tulips of Amsterdam or the enchanting Christmas markets of Hamburg. 

There are also hand-crafted itineraries sailing to more far-flung destinations, including the other-worldly, dramatic landscape of the Arctic.

Things To Do Onboard

Fred. Olsen Cruises provides the sort of entertainment that many people picture when they think of a cruise holiday; the Captain’s cocktail party, the gala buffet, ballroom dancing and a range of live shows and themed evenings, such as cabaret and stand-up comedy. 

During the day, there are a variety of classes, experiences and events for guests to enjoy. Choose from art & craft classes, cookery demonstrations or guest speaker events covering a whole range of topics. You can spend time perusing the well-appointed library, playing bridge in the Card Room or treating yourself or your family and friends to a spot of boutique shopping. 

To top it all off, there is also a range of complimentary fitness classes, which alongside the fully equipped gyms, allow you to keep fit as you cruise. And to relax afterwards, their Atlantis Spa offers beauty and relaxation treatments for the perfect, pure indulgence.

Discover The Dining Options

From the elegant furnishings to the mouth-watering menu, dining on a Fred. Olsen Cruise is always a stylish affair. Each ship has a main restaurant, offering nightly five-course à la carte meals with an impressive range of choices. Other evening dining choices include Asian-inspired Colours and Tastes on Bolette, the Indian Ocean Room on Borealis, along with the smaller and more intimate Spey & Avon restaurants on Balmoral. 

You can also enjoy relaxed breakfasts and light lunches in one of the cafes or bars. And, if you’ve still got room, there’s a luxury afternoon tea option, served in porcelain teapots by Fred. Olsen’s white-gloved waiters. 

Cabin Amenities 

Cabin options range from lower-priced interior cabins to spacious premier suites. However, all cabins have some home-from-home touches, including tea & coffee making facilities, a mini-fridge, hairdryer, interactive smart TV, phone and climate control.

Every guest also benefits from a daily turndown service provided by the Cabin Stewardess.

Other Things To Note

Dress codes: Daywear is mainly casual, although beachwear is not suitable for the dining rooms. And, depending on your onshore excursions, you may wish to dress more conservatively if visiting religious places.

Evenings are mostly smart casual, but there’s also the opportunity to attend some formal nights if you prefer to dress up in your cocktail dress or dinner jacket.

WiFi: A range of WiFi packages are available for you to connect to the internet and stay in touch with family and friends. 

Gratuities: These are not included in your cruise package but are automatically added to your onboard account (typically priced at £5.00 per person, per day). However, these charges are voluntary and can be removed if you choose. You can also prepay your gratuities if you prefer.