Last updated: 11 October 2025
In This Guide
- A Brief History
- The Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Fleet
- Accommodation and Service Levels
- What's Included in Your Fare
- Loyalty Programme: Oceans Club
- Pre-Paid Packages Available
- Dining Options
- Onboard Entertainment & Activities
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for Solo Travellers
- Dress Code
- Gratuities / Tipping Policy
- Embarkation Day Beverage Policy
- What Guests Are Saying: A Balanced View
- Environmental & Sustainability Efforts
- Official Websites
- Required Travel Documents
- Travelling with Minors (as a Non-Guardian)
- Onboard Safety & Permitted Items
- Medications & Prohibited Substances Policy
- Food Policy
- Current Starting Ports (2025)
- Sample Itineraries: A Taste of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
- Additional Resources
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines stands out as a proudly British, Norwegian-owned cruise line that cherishes its heritage while offering modern, thoughtfully crafted voyages. Renowned for its smaller, more intimate ships and friendly atmosphere, it offers a truly personal cruising experience. The line specialises in innovative itineraries that delve deeper into destinations, often departing directly from regional UK ports.
A Brief History
The Fred. Olsen maritime legacy began in 1848 when three Olsen brothers purchased their first ships in Hvitsten, Norway, establishing an international shipping company. For over a century, the family business expanded into various ventures, including passenger and cargo services. This rich history formed the foundation for the dedicated cruise line.
The company has always focused on providing a distinctive cruising style by using smaller ships that can access lesser-known ports and waterways. This offers a more immersive destination experience for guests. Now into the fifth generation of the family, the cruise line remains deeply committed to delivering authentic and memorable holidays from the UK.
The Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Fleet
Fred. Olsen operates a charming fleet of mid-sized ships that retain a traditional maritime feel. They are designed to offer spacious public areas, comfortable accommodation, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The crew can genuinely get to know guests, adding to the personal touch.
Balmoral
- Launch Date: 1988 (Acquired by Fred. Olsen in 2007)
- Tonnage: 43,537 GT
- Capacity: 1,325 passengers
- Notable Features: Classic design, multiple lounges, two swimming pools, extensive sun decks.
Named after the Scottish royal estate, Balmoral is known for its spaciousness and traditional charm. Its size allows it to navigate narrow waterways like the Kiel Canal, offering unique scenic cruising opportunities. The ship provides a comfortable and classic British cruising experience.
Bolette
- Launch Date: 2000 (Acquired by Fred. Olsen in 2020)
- Tonnage: 62,735 GT
- Capacity: 1,338 passengers
- Notable Features: Two-tiered theatre, culinary demonstration theatre, all-weather swimming pool with retractable roof.
The fleet's flagship, Bolette, exudes classic elegance and offers a high space-to-guest ratio. The ship features an impressive array of public areas, including a wide variety of lounges, bars, and restaurants. It perfectly balances a sense of intimacy with the amenities of a larger vessel.
Borealis
- Launch Date: 1997 (Acquired by Fred. Olsen in 2020)
- Tonnage: 61,849 GT
- Capacity: 1,360 passengers
- Notable Features: Grand two-tiered dining rooms, large observatory lounge for scenic viewing, wide promenade deck.
Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is ideal for scenic cruising, with elegant and comfortable spaces for enjoying the views. Its classic design and sophisticated interiors create a refined and relaxing atmosphere for guests. The ship is perfectly suited for exploring the world's most beautiful coastlines.
Accommodation and Service Levels
Fred. Olsen offers a range of comfortable and well-appointed cabins to suit different tastes and budgets. All accommodation includes a TV, hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities. Service is known for being attentive and personal across all categories.
Standard Cabins
These range from cosy Interior cabins to Ocean View cabins with a picture window or porthole. Balcony cabins offer private outdoor space to enjoy the sea air and views. All are decorated in a classic, comfortable style.
Suite Categories
For more space and added amenities, guests can choose from several suite types. These typically include a separate seating area, a private balcony, and a larger bathroom. Top-tier suites, such as the Premier and Marquee Suites, offer the most space and luxury.
Exclusive Suite-Level Services
Guests booked in suites receive enhanced benefits, known as the Suite Dreams package. This includes a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, fruit basket, complimentary shuttle bus vouchers, and priority embarkation. It also features amenities like bathrobes, slippers, and premium toiletries.
Accessible Cabins
A number of specially adapted accessible cabins are available across the fleet. These rooms are designed for guests with limited mobility and feature wider doorways and fully adapted wet rooms. It is recommended to book these well in advance due to limited availability.
What's Included in Your Fare
A cruise with Fred. Olsen offers excellent value, with many essentials included in the price. The focus is on providing a complete holiday experience without a constant stream of extra charges.
- Accommodation: Your chosen cabin or suite for the duration of the cruise.
- Dining: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main and buffet restaurants, plus afternoon tea and late-night snacks.
- Selected Beverages: Tea, coffee, water, and fruit juice are available free of charge from selected outlets.
- Onboard Entertainment: Live shows in the theatre, music in the lounges, guest lectures, and daily activities.
- Port Shuttle Buses: Complimentary shuttle buses are provided in most ports where the ship is not docked within walking distance of the town centre.
- All UK Port Taxes and Gratuities.
Loyalty Programme: Oceans Club
Fred. Olsen's loyalty programme, the Oceans Club, rewards returning guests for their loyalty. Membership is automatic after completing your first cruise. Guests earn one Cruise Point for every night spent on board.
Blue Tier
- Requirement: 1-30 Cruise Points.
- Perks & Benefits: Access to the Oceans Club magazine and exclusive member-only cruise offers.
Silver Tier
- Requirement: 31-100 Cruise Points.
- Perks & Benefits: All Blue Tier benefits, plus a 5% discount on onboard spending and shore excursions. Members also receive a dedicated Oceans Club party on board.
Gold Tier
- Requirement: 101-250 Cruise Points.
- Perks & Benefits: All Silver Tier benefits, plus a 10% discount on onboard spending and shore excursions. Additional perks include priority embarkation at UK ports and a complimentary half-bottle of wine.
Platinum Tier
- Requirement: 251+ Cruise Points.
- Perks & Benefits: All Gold Tier benefits, plus a 15% discount on onboard spending and shore excursions. This top tier includes free laundry service and priority disembarkation.
Warning: This information can change without notice. Loyalty programmes are provided at the discretion of the cruise line and can be changed or terminated without notice.
Pre-Paid Packages Available
Fred. Olsen offers an all-inclusive drinks package to help guests manage their onboard budget. Guests are advised to visit the official website for the most current pricing and to book packages in advance.
All-Inclusive Drinks Package
- Selected Drinks: Includes a range of soft drinks by the glass, selected beers, house spirits, and house wines by the glass.
- Discounts: Provides a 50% discount on premium and branded drinks, cocktails, and wines by the bottle.
- Availability: The package is available on all cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for the full duration of the cruise by all adults sharing a cabin.
Disclaimer: Package details, inclusions, and availability are subject to change without notice. Please verify all information on the cruise line's official website.
Dining Options
Dining with Fred. Olsen is a highlight of the cruise, focusing on high-quality British and international cuisine. The ships offer a mix of formal and casual dining venues to suit every mood. The dress code in the main restaurants is typically smart casual, with formal nights on select evenings.
Main dining rooms on each ship offer classic, multi-course meals with attentive table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the buffet restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes throughout the day. In addition, guests can book a table at one of the specialty dining restaurants for a small supplement, such as Vasco for Indian cuisine or Colours & Tastes for Asian fusion.
Onboard Entertainment & Activities
Life onboard a Fred. Olsen ship is relaxed and enriching, with a focus on traditional cruise entertainment. Evenings come alive with music, dancing, and impressive production shows in the main theatre. Live bands and classical musicians perform in the various lounges, creating a sophisticated ambience.
During the day, guests can participate in a wide range of activities. These include guest lectures from experts, arts and crafts classes, bridge tournaments, and deck games. For relaxation, each ship has swimming pools, jacuzzis, a spa, and a fitness centre.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for Solo Travellers
Fred. Olsen is widely regarded as one of the best cruise lines for solo travellers. The friendly, intimate atmosphere on their smaller ships makes it easy to meet fellow guests. The crew are also adept at making single cruisers feel welcome and included.
Accommodation for Solo Cruisers
The fleet features a number of dedicated single cabins, including Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony options. These are very popular and tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is essential. On certain cruises, the line also offers special deals with no or low single supplements on twin cabins.
Meeting People and Onboard Life
Fred. Olsen actively caters to solo travellers with dedicated social events. This often includes a welcome reception for solo guests to meet each other early in the voyage. In the main dining rooms, solo travellers can request to be seated with other singles, fostering companionship over meals.
Dress Code
The dress code on a Fred. Olsen cruise is generally relaxed, but with opportunities to dress up for special evenings. During the day, casual wear such as shorts, T-shirts, and comfortable shoes is perfectly acceptable both onboard and ashore. Swimwear is appropriate for the pool areas but not in the ship's indoor restaurants or lounges.
In the evenings, the dress code is smart casual, meaning trousers and an open-neck shirt for gentlemen, and a dress, skirt, or trousers for ladies. On select nights, known as Gala Evenings, guests are invited to dress more formally. This typically means a dinner jacket, suit, or tuxedo for men and a cocktail dress or evening gown for women, though this is not mandatory.
Gratuities / Tipping Policy
For cruises booked in the UK, gratuities are included in the holiday price. Fred. Olsen prides itself on its friendly, attentive service, and this policy ensures that guests can relax without worrying about tipping. No further tipping is expected or required for the crew or bar staff.
Embarkation Day Beverage Policy
Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol or soft drinks onboard for consumption. Any alcohol purchased ashore in ports of call will be securely stored by the ship's crew and returned to the guest on the final day of the cruise. The only exception is alcohol purchased as part of an official, cruise line-organised shore excursion.
What Guests Are Saying: A Balanced View
Guests frequently praise Fred. Olsen for its exceptional, personal service and the friendly atmosphere onboard. The smaller ship size is a major highlight, allowing for unique itineraries and a strong sense of camaraderie among passengers. The quality of the food and the convenience of sailing from regional UK ports also receive high marks.
On the other hand, some travellers find the onboard experience to be too quiet or traditional for their taste. The ships, while beautifully maintained, are older than many in the industry, which may not appeal to those seeking modern mega-ship amenities. The entertainment is often described as classic rather than spectacular, catering to a more mature audience.
Environmental & Sustainability Efforts
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is committed to protecting the marine environment and minimising its operational impact. The company has invested in systems to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency across its fleet. They also have robust waste management programmes to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible.
The line focuses on sustainable tourism by working with local communities in the destinations they visit. This includes prioritising local tour operators and suppliers to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are shared. They are continually exploring new technologies and practices to further enhance their environmental performance.
Official Websites
To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, always book or research through the official Fred. Olsen website for your region.
Required Travel Documents
All guests must carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of the cruise. It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain all necessary visas for the countries visited on their itinerary. Visa requirements can change, so always check with the relevant embassies well in advance of your travel date.
Crucial Warning: A cruise line's passport validity rule often supersedes a country's entry rule. For example, a country may only require three months of validity, but if the cruise line requires six months, you will be denied boarding if your passport doesn't meet the cruise line's standard. Always adhere to the strictest policy.
Travelling with Minors (as a Non-Guardian)
If you are travelling with a child for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, you must carry a notarised letter of consent. This letter must be signed by both of the child's legal guardians and grant you permission to travel with the child and authorise emergency medical treatment. This is essential for check-in and for dealing with any potential emergencies in a foreign country.
Onboard Safety & Permitted Items
For the safety and security of all guests, certain items are strictly prohibited from being brought on board. This list includes, but is not limited to, weapons, illegal drugs, and items with heating elements such as clothes irons or kettles. All luggage is subject to security screening before boarding.
Medications & Prohibited Substances Policy
Guests must keep all medications in their original packaging, clearly labelled with their name. It is highly recommended to carry a copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor, especially for controlled substances. Fred. Olsen has a strict zero-tolerance policy for all illegal drugs and substances.
Food Policy
Understanding the rules about bringing food on and off the ship is important for a smooth journey.
Bringing Food Onboard
Guests are generally not permitted to bring food or drink onboard for consumption. Exceptions may be made for small, pre-packaged, and sealed snack items. Any special dietary requirements should be discussed with the cruise line before sailing.
Taking Food Off the Ship
For public health reasons, guests are not allowed to take fresh food, such as fruit or sandwiches, from the ship's restaurants or buffets into port.
Bringing Food Back From Port
Bringing fresh food items like fruit, vegetables, or meat back onto the ship from ports of call is strictly prohibited. This is to prevent the spread of agricultural pests and diseases. Commercially sealed, pre-packaged food items are generally permitted but may be subject to inspection.
Current Starting Ports (2025)
Fred. Olsen specialises in convenient no-fly cruises departing from a variety of regional ports across the United Kingdom.
- Dover, England
- Liverpool, England
- Newcastle, England
- Portsmouth, England
- Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Scotland
- Southampton, England
Sample Itineraries: A Taste of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen is known for its handcrafted itineraries that explore destinations in depth, often featuring scenic cruising through fjords, rivers, and canals.
Norwegian Fjords Discovery
This classic itinerary showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Norway, sailing deep into its iconic fjords. The smaller ships are perfectly suited for navigating these stunning waterways and visiting charming coastal villages.
- Best For: Scenery lovers and those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused holiday.
- Duration: 7-10 nights
- Departure Port: Newcastle or Rosyth
- Example Ship: Balmoral
- Typical Ports of Call: Bergen, Flåm, Olden, Ålesund.
Canary Islands Winter Sun
Escape the British winter with a voyage to the sun-drenched Canary Islands and the lush island of Madeira. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of relaxation, vibrant culture, and unique volcanic landscapes.
- Best For: Travellers looking for warmth and sunshine during the winter months.
- Duration: 12-14 nights
- Departure Port: Liverpool or Southampton
- Example Ship: Bolette
- Typical Ports of Call: Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife de Lanzarote, Lisbon (Portugal).
British Isles & Coastal Treasures
Explore the diverse history, culture, and coastlines of the United Kingdom and Ireland without the need for flights. This cruise visits remote islands, historic cities, and areas of outstanding natural beauty right on your doorstep.
- Best For: History buffs and those who want to explore closer to home.
- Duration: 10-12 nights
- Departure Port: Dover or Portsmouth
- Example Ship: Borealis
- Typical Ports of Call: St Peter Port (Guernsey), Dublin (Ireland), Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Tobermory (Isle of Mull), Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the currency on board?
The onboard currency is Pound Sterling (£). All purchases are charged to your onboard account, which is settled at the end of the cruise.
- Are there laundry facilities on the ships?
Yes, self-service launderettes are available on all ships for a small charge. A full valet laundry service is also offered.
- What type of power sockets are in the cabins?
The cabins are fitted with standard UK 3-pin electrical sockets (220v).
- Is there Wi-Fi available?
Yes, satellite Wi-Fi is available throughout the ships, but it is not included in the fare. Various packages can be purchased onboard.
- Can I smoke on board?
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on the open decks.
- Is Fred. Olsen suitable for families with children?
Fred. Olsen primarily caters to a mature adult audience and does not have dedicated children's facilities or clubs. Children are welcome, but the onboard atmosphere is geared towards adults.
- What is the "Rigorous Journey" programme?
This is Fred. Olsen's programme of special interest cruises, focusing on themes like bird watching, maritime history, or astronomy with expert guest speakers on board.
- Can I celebrate a special occasion on board?
Absolutely. The cruise line can arrange celebration packages with cake, flowers, and champagne. You should notify them at the time of booking.
- Are the ships wheelchair accessible?
The ships are accessible for guests with limited mobility, with lifts to all decks and accessible public areas. However, some ports may be accessible only by tender, which can be challenging for wheelchair users.
- What is the average age of passengers on a Fred. Olsen cruise?
The passenger demographic is typically mature, with most guests being over 55. This contributes to the relaxed and sociable atmosphere on board.
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your voyage, it is essential to remain highly vigilant against potential scam attempts that target travellers. Be aware of these common red flags:
- "Free Cruise" or "Exclusive Offer" Traps: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming you've won a free cruise or are eligible for an impossibly low-priced "exclusive" deal. These invariably come with hidden fees, demands for immediate payment for "port taxes," or are simply phishing attempts to collect your personal data. Many major cruise lines have had their names used in such fraudulent schemes.
- Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create convincing fake websites that mimic the cruise line's official site. Always manually type the official website address into your browser and double-check the URL very carefully before entering any payment or personal data.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that demands an immediate decision due to a "limited-time offer" that is about to expire. This tactic is used by fraudsters to prevent you from doing proper research or verifying the offer's legitimacy.
- Unusual Payment Requests: Never agree to pay for a cruise via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate cruise lines and their authorised travel partners use secure, traceable payment methods like credit cards.
To ensure your journey with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines begins safely, always book directly through their official website for your region or through a well-established, reputable travel adviser. If an offer feels suspicious, contact Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly using the official contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious communication itself. Booking through official channels ensures your voyage begins with complete peace of mind.
Additional Resources
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Disclaimer
The Essential Cruise Shop provides this guide for informational purposes and is not a travel agency. The information contained in this guide is for general guidance only. While we do our best to ensure the information is up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind about its completeness or accuracy.
Cruise line policies, itineraries, and loyalty programs are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that you verify all details directly with your cruise line or a certified travel agent before making any bookings or financial commitments.
We cannot be held liable for any financial loss due to the reader’s failure to follow the above advice.
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