Fred Olsen offers a traditional cruise experience, and believes that smaller is better, with ships accommodating between 799 and 1404 guests. Their size allows them to dock in the heart of destinations and visit some of the smaller and lesser-known ports around the world. Their size also means that guests experience more personal levels of service onboard. The newest additions to the fleet are 1338-passenger Bolette and 1404-passsenger Borealis.
The company operates a fantastic range of no-fly cruises from the UK. Guests can cruise from Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth to an array of destinations including the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, diverse cities of the Baltic, and the sun-drenched Canary Islands.
Fred Olsen offers exciting optional extras including immersive shore tours which allow guests to discover more during their time in a destination. For example, in St Petersburg, guests don’t just watch the ballet, but meet the dancers too.
A Fred Olsen cruise is perfect for all the family. On peak holiday season cruises, the Little Skippers Club provides a variety of entertainment and fun activities for children between 5 and 11 years old. These activities are run by a qualified, friendly team and include arts and crafts, treasure hunts, baking and much more.
Ships
There is a relaxed atmosphere on board the company’s small to mid-size ships, which all offer a traditional cruise experience.
The latest additions to the fleet are Bolette and Borealis, carrying up to 1380 and 1404 guests respectively. Bolette was named after Fred. Olsen Junior’s great-great-grandmother, and Fred. Olsen Senior’s great-grandmother, while Borealis was named after a ship which was in the fleet many years ago.
Balmoral can accommodate 1325 guests and retains the warm and friendly atmosphere that the fleet is renowned for. Named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, the Scottish theme is evident in the main dining venues of Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey. Other public areas include lounges, bars and two swimming pools.
Braemar’s timeless style and elegance gives the ship the feel of a traditional country house hotel. The 924-passenger ship has polished wood and decadent fabrics throughout, and the large windows bathe the public areas in natural light. There are five restaurants and six bars and lounges onboard.
Bolette accommodated up to 1338 passengers, with spacious, elegant and comfortable public areas. Features on board include eleven bars and lounges, and main restaurant and speciality restaurants, a swimming pool and show lounge.
Borealis accommodated up to 1338 passengers, with spacious, elegant and comfortable public areas. Features on board include eleven bars and lounges, and main restaurant and speciality restaurants, a swimming pool and show lounge.
Dining
Dining is an important part of a Fred Olsen cruise, with each ship offering a choice of elegant restaurants and venues. All dishes are expertly crafted by talented chefs, and there are both A La Carte and Buffet style options at meal times. The buffet restaurants offer a flexible, relaxed experience and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
The main restaurants allow guests to enjoy sumptuous five-course A La Carte dinners every evening. Breakfast and lunch in these restaurants are open seating, while for dinner there is a choice of two seatings. Guests booking Freedom Fares are given a choice of dining time.
Every cabin and suite has tea and coffee making facilities as standard, with room service available up until 11pm every day. Continental breakfast can be ordered in advance for delivery at a guest’s preferred time.
Guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea every day, a delicious selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes served with tea and coffee. Select experiences can be booked. Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea in the stylish Observatory Lounge, accompanied by music and served by white-gloved waiters.