A cruise line with an excellent reputation for varied itineraries, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is synonymous with friendly traditional cruising aboard much-loved mid-sized ships. Boasting a country club atmosphere onboard, you’ll enjoy attentive and personalised service throughout, making you feel at home from the moment you embark.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Deals
Fred. Olsen Ships
Fred. Olsen
Dining
Dining onboard with Fred. Olsen offers a great variety, designed to suit your needs and mood. Whether you're looking for a casual mealtime, waiter service or dishes delivered directly to your room, the experienced team of chefs onboard are dedicated to bringing guests some of the best dining at sea.
Fred. Olsen Included Dining
- Casual Dining- offered throughout the day onboard Fred Olsen's ships, there is casual, open seated buffet dining where guests can enjoy dishes from around the world at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Main Dining Rooms- the main dining rooms offer an elegant, traditional feel, as well as the comfort of dining at the same time and table throughout your cruise, alongside fabulous cuisine and impeccable service. Whether dressed for a less-formal evening, or enjoying a black-tie gala night, the restaurants ooze the quintessential charm of a British run cruise line. Each ship in the fleet offers at least two dining rooms, where you can enjoy wonderfully served breakfast, long lunches and elegant evenings throughout your cruise. There are two dinner sittings to choose from, making it a flexible dining option throughout your cruise.
Fred. Olsen Speciality dining
If you want to try something different from the main dining rooms during your cruise, each ship offers decadent specialty dining options, including Colours & Tastes, that features delicious Asian Fusion cuisine.
Fred. Olsen Afternoon Tea
One of Fred Olsen's most popular treats, available at a small additional cost, is the Afternoon Tea. Head to the Observatory Lounge, where classical musicians add to the ambience, while being served a selection of premium teas, from Taylor of Harrogate, along with finger sandwiches, fresh scones and pastries.
Entertainment
Every night Fred. Olsen Cruises provide lively and diverse onboard entertainment, ensuring an evening to remember:
- Live music, cabaret and stand-up comedy in the main show lounge
- Have a dance to the resident band, with dance hosts on hand should you need them
Alternatively, if your idea of a memorable evening is something a little more laid-back, have a drink and make new friends in the cosy onboard bars and lounges.
Destinations
Fred. Olsen Cruises depart from the UK, from the departure ports of Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth on Med cruises, Canary Island cruises, Scandinavia cruises and Baltic and Fjords cruises. With these sailings you can avoid flying, and begin your holiday the second you step onto a Fred. Olsen cruise ship. In addition, exotic holidays with Fred. Olsen can be all inclusive for a small additional cost!
Read our recent blog - Top Things to do in Iceland for some useful travel inspiration; a destination visited by Fred. Olsen Cruises.
Fred. Olsen's 2027 Grand Voyage
Fred. Olsen have just announced that they will be offering an incredible Grand Voyage in 2027, visiting some of the world's most extraordinary destinations, from Bridgetown to the Panama Canal. Discover this breathtaking itinerary onboard Borealis here.
Things to do
Spa and fitness
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or would just like to burn off that extra dessert you indulged in at dinner, Fred Olsen Cruises' sports and fitness facilities are perfect for everyone. Go for a run, a row or lift some weights at the onboard gym or get involved in a group exercise class. Alternatively, the large deck space is perfect for a brisk stroll in the sea air.
Alternatively, for a holiday treat, check out the Atlantis Spa. Open from 8am-8pm, the wide range of beauty and spa treatments, including facials, hairdressing and manicures, will leave you feeling brand new.
Recreation
For those free hours you have onboard, why not take the time to learn a new skill, relax with a good book or learn something interesting from guest speakers and port talks? Other activities include ballroom dancing, arts and crafts, guest speakers and quizzes.
All of Fred. Olsen's ships now also offer unique Signature Experiences, including Treats of the Region dining experiences, fascinating commentary about the destinations you visit and itinerary insights given by enthusiastic guest speakers.
Useful Information
Fred. Olsen Suites
When you cruise with Fred. Olsen you can make your freetime even more restful by discovering one of the fleet's impressive suites. With sizes varying from single suites to more spacious rooms, and most even boasting a balcony, you're sure to feel at home whichever you choose. From the single Balcony Suite, ideal for those sailing alone, to the Premier Suite which comes with a bedroom and separate lounge area, there's no better place to enjoy some peace and quiet than in your sumptuous suite.
Loyalty scheme
Loyal Fred. Olsen Cruises guests can join Fred. Olsen Oceans Club to be the first to hear about the latest news and receive exclusive cruise benefits and rewards. One point is earned for each night spent onboard and contributes towards your membership tier.
See our blog - A Quick Guide to Fred. Olsen’s Oceans Club to find out more!
Booking Onboard with Fred Olsen
Fred Olsen is one of the best cruise lines to book onboard at the moment. Take advantage of this useful service while sailing to enjoy exclusive deals and benefits for your next getaway.
Cruising Solo with Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen is one of the top cruise lines for solo cruises and a fantastic option for any singles wanting to explore some stunning destinations around the world in comfort. With a selection of spacious balcony suites available on Fred. Olsen ships and a series of events designed specifically for solo travellers, you’re in for an unforgettable holiday on any one of these sensational cruise ships.
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Fred. Olsen 2028 Sailings On Sale NOW!
Fred. Olsen's 2028 Sailings are ON SALE NOW! Enjoy the Freedom Fare Price Promise + Gratuities & Inclusive Drinks included on all sailings + No single supplements!* + exclusive £1pp Low Deposit*! Book your next getaway today.
View all campaign deals
Customer reviews for Fred. Olsen
I can't speak highly enough of the ship, itinerary and the service received from Balmoral from the moment of embarkation. This was my 35th cruise holiday after many years cruising with my children and now grandchildren. This time we went as a couple for a well earned break. The small size of the ship enabled us to sail on the rivers Seine and Bordeaux so we were able to experience a part river/part sea cruise. The ship was friendly, very well kept, our interior cabin was spacious and comfortable and the bathroom superb. The food was the best I have ever had. The free flowing wine with lunch and dinner very welcome and our bar bill at the end of the holiday was minimal. The entertainment was excellent with a wonderful show cast who could all sing in tune. We also spent a lot of time listening to the pianist in the Observatory and house band in the Lido lounge. I have also never seen so many people dancing to music on a cruise and we even had 2 silent discos. We are in our late 60s/early 70 and there were many older guests but also quite a few younger. Everyone was friendly and there was a very generous amount of well appointed public areas for all to enjoy despite the relatively small size of the ship with only 1000 passengers. I would not hesitate to recommend and can't wait to go on this ship again.
Very friendly small ship one feels relaxed at once . Staff attentive , cabins with excellent showers And comfortable beds all well cleaned . Great shows with wonderful technical effects Plenty of lounge areas to sit well decorated . Good choice of food on menus and Buffet Well organised shore excursions and interesting itineraries .
Fine ship, excellent food, superb crew and enjoyable company. Solo travellers well looked after.
Having spent many holidays abroad in hotels this was our first cruise, last year we stayed at a four star hotel in Majorca and the experience we have just enjoyed on Borealis surpassed anything that a hotel could offer. We booked a balcony cabin so not sure if all other cabins experience the same level but the attention to detail and service by staff were exceptional. The choice of dining was endless from pizza to self service to A lacarte all of the highest standard and being a small ship adults only there are no queues or overcrowding. In the evenings there is a choice of five bars with varying entertainment plus tea/coffee lounge or quiet reading rooms or take in a show or a film in the concert room. No doubt all of these facilities are available on much larger ships but once again the Borealis is adults only so no screaming kids running amock, no fighting for a sunbed no queues to get to the bar, just relax and be waited on day and night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility
Are the ships accessible on Fred. Olsen?
Fred. Olsen provides a range of accessible staterooms and most public areas are wheelchair accessible. Please notify us of any special requirements at the time of booking.
Dress code
Is there a dress code?
Each Fred. Olsen sailing typically has two formal nights as well as a special “British” themed night. Men are to wear black tie suits for formal nights and simple smart-casual such as a polo shirt and chinos the rest of the time. Meanwhile, women can show off their best cocktail dress on formal nights and casual separates or summer dresses otherwise.
What is the dress code on Fred. Olsen?
Daytime is resort casual. Evenings are generally 'Smart Casual,' though Fred. Olsen may have dedicated formal or theme nights on longer sailings.
Excursions
What excursions are available on Fred. Olsen?
Fred. Olsen offers a wide variety of shore excursions. These can be pre-booked online or at the Shore Excursion desk onboard.
Are excursions included?
Shore excursions are not included.
Families and Kids
Are babies allowed on Fred Olsen?
No, Fred Olsen Cruise Line doesn't allow any babies under the age of 12 months on any ship. For children 12 months and older they're only permitted on ships that aren't adults only.
Is Fred. Olsen suitable for families?
Fred. Olsen is very family-friendly, offering supervised kids' clubs for various age groups, family cabins, and entertainment for all ages.
Family
Are Fred. Olsen Cruises family friendly?
On a number of sailings, Fred. Olsen Cruises offer entertainment and activities perfect for families. On these family-friendly cruises, kids can take part in the Little Skippers Club for 5 to 11 year-olds, supervised by friendly, expert staff.
Please note, on sailings from 1st April 2022 Fred. Olsen’s child policy is:
-Infants (under 2 years) - no longer accepted on any sailings
-Children (2-11 years) - can only travel on cruises with less than 72 concurrent hours at sea
-Youths (12 -17 years) - can travel on any sailing accompanied by at least one adult
Food and drink
What is the food and drink like on Fred. Olsen?
Standard meals and basic beverages are included. Specialty dining and alcoholic drink packages are available for purchase to enhance your experience.
Is room service available?
Guests can order room service between 10am and 10pm.
Is Fred. Olsen all inclusive?
While Fred. Olsen Cruises are not all inclusive as standard, it is possible to upgrade to an all inclusive package. Prices start from just £15 per person per day, and packages can include a variety of drinks.
General
Will I need an adaptor?
All Fred. Olsen cruise ships are fitted with European 2 pin electrical plug sockets. If you don’t have an adaptor, there is a limited number available at guest services you can borrow or purchase in the onboard shop. Some cabins may have UK three pin electrical sockets but this cannot be guaranteed. Only Boudicca has electric shaver sockets in the bathrooms.
Where do Fred. Olsen cruise from?
Fred. Olsen mostly consist of no-fly cruises from the UK. Fred. Olsen cruise out of the following ports around the British Isles.
-Southampton
-Dover
-Liverpool
-Newcastle
-Rosyth (Edinburgh)
What is included as standard onboard?
Included in your Fred. Olsen fare is the following:
-Dining including all main meals, afternoon tea, snacks and room service
-Accommodation
-Tea and coffee
-All entertainment
-Swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gyms
-UK taxes
-Flights
Is there a laundry service onboard?
Yes, you’ll find self-service laundry facilities across the Fred. Olsen fleet with washing machines and products, driers and ironing equipment. The use of the machines requires a token which can be bought at reception for a reasonable price. Alternatively a laundry service is provided upon request.
-Southampton
-Dover
-Liverpool
-Newcastle
-Rosyth (Edinburgh)
What is the pet policy on Fred. Olsen?
Only certified service animals are permitted onboard Fred. Olsen. Please contact our accessibility team for requirements and documentation.
Are there single occupancy rooms?
Due to the limited supply of single occupany cabins onboard the Fred. Olsen fleet, it is highly recommended solo travellers book far in advance. Twin rooms are available for solo travellers, however, there will be a single supplement.
Loyalty
Is there a loyalty programme for Fred. Olsen?
Fred. Olsen offers a loyalty program that rewards repeat guests with benefits such as onboard credit, priority boarding, and exclusive events. Guests are automatically enrolled into the Oceans Club after your first night at sea. Guest will gain one cruise point per every night spent onboard.
Tips
Are tips included on Fred. Olsen?
A daily service charge is automatically added to your onboard account to reward the crew. You can adjust this at Guest Services if necessary.
Transport
Are transfers included with Fred. Olsen?
Complimentary or paid shuttle buses are often provided by Fred. Olsen in ports where the city center is not within walking distance of the pier.
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