For a holiday with a warm welcome, try the friendly atmosphere of a Fred. Olsen cruise ship. Relax on board the Balmoral, Borealis, Bolette or Braemar for a home-from-home experience at sea.
Experience the largest rainforest on earth as you travel along the Amazon, discover the dramatic scenery of the Canary Islands and West Africa, or see the landscapes and skylines of the USA and Canada from Nova Scotia to New York.
Have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on a world cruise or, if you’re stretched for time, consider a mini-cruise. Fred. Olsen’s fleet ranges from the 924-capacity Braemar to the Borealis which accommodates 1,360 guests.
If it’s your first holiday at sea, Fred. Olsen’s New to Cruise programme will help you settle in. When it comes to dress code on board, it’s traditional to dress for dinner. Fred. Olsen even has its own onboard suit hire service.
With an exciting range of excursions on offer, you’ll discover the best ways to experience each destination. Try something different with Fred. Olsen’s range of themed cruises, from music or golf to rambling or cruising with celebrities. As well as offering fly-cruises, Fred. Olsen departs from the following UK ports: Dover, Southampton, Liverpool, Tilbury, Portsmouth, Belfast, Newcastle, & Edinburgh (Rosyth).
Fred. Olsen appeals mainly to Brits over 65, with entertainment and activities geared to this demographic. A smattering of North Americans can also be found onboard, and in summer, multigenerational families are encouraged to join cruises operating in the school holidays. Cruisers who choose Fred. Olsen want comfort rather than glitz and are not over fussed about fripperies like balcony cabins, butler service and multiple dining choices. The friendly atmosphere onboard also means a lot of solo travellers are attracted to the line.
Yes, there is a dress code. Most evenings are smart-casual, which means collared shirts and chinos or smart jeans for men and dresses or separates for ladies -- just no shorts, sleeveless T-shirts or tracksuits. Formal nights -- usually one per cruise -- require black tie or black suit and tie for men (and the tie rule is enforced in the dining room!) and cocktail or long dresses for ladies. There are also occasional theme nights, like a red, white and blue British night.
No. Drinks, crew tips, spa treatments, some exercise classes, specialty restaurants, the formal afternoon tea and excursions cost extra.
Passengers on Fred. Olsen tend to be traditional, so classic cruise activities, including quizzes and lectures, bridge lessons and tournaments, and arts and crafts sessions, are, by far, the most popular. Dancing is also in demand, with gentlemen dance hosts onboard and regular ballroom and Latin American sessions.
Mature, budget-minded Brits who don't need brand-new ships to keep them happy.
Party animals, anyone looking for cruising's latest and greatest high-energy activities.