Life Onboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Overview
In 1848, brothers Fredrik Christian, Petter, and Andreas Olsen purchased their first ships operating from Hvisten, Norway, laying the foundation for what would become Fred. Olsen. Now, five generations later, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines continues to thrive, offering cruises from the UK to over 200 destinations across the globe. Fred. Olsen’s fleet of smaller, elegant ships navigate narrow waterways and canals and can sail directly into the heart of iconic cities, providing an experience that guests cherish – one of the many reasons they return to sail with Fred. Olsen time and time again.
Accommodations
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a carefully curated selection of cabins and suites designed to meet the needs and preferences of every guest. Whether you’re looking for a cosy retreat or a more expansive space, there’s an accommodation option to ensure your voyage is both comfortable and memorable. All cabins are equipped with essential amenities to enhance your stay, including climate control, an interactive smart TV, a hairdryer, a desk, a phone, a fridge that can be stocked as a mini-bar, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
On Bolette and Borealis, guests can choose from a variety of cabin categories, starting with Interior and Superior Interior rooms. Ocean View options are available, including the Superior Ocean View, which can also be booked in a fully restricted version. For those seeking more outdoor space, Terrace Cabins provide easy access to fresh air, while Balcony Junior Suites and Balcony Suites offer a private area to unwind. At the top end, Premier Suites and the exclusive Olsen Suite provide an enhanced experience with additional space and luxury touches.
Aboard Balmoral, similar options are available, including Interior and Superior Interior cabins, as well as Ocean View and Superior Ocean View categories. Balcony Cabins and Balcony Junior Suites offer a chance to enjoy sea views from the privacy of your room. Higher-tier options include the Superior Suite, Marquee Suite, Premier Suite, and the Grand Owner’s Suite, offering the most spacious and refined experience on board.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also caters to solo travellers with a dedicated range of Single cabins, including Single Interior, Single Superior Interior, Single Ocean View, and Single Balcony Suites. For guests requiring accessible accommodations, a selection of adapted cabins is available across the fleet.
No matter the cabin or suite, every space is designed to provide a welcoming and relaxing environment, ensuring that your time at sea feels like a home away from home.
Activities
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines takes great pride in crafting unique experiences and activities that enrich each day. Signature Experiences are a key part of what makes Fred. Olsen so popular. These carefully curated experiences are crafted and delivered by a passionate team of specialists, each an expert in their field. Selected for their deep knowledge of the history, cultures, people, and natural wonders of the destinations Fred. Olsen visits, they bring each journey to life in a way that feels authentic and enriching.
Foodies rejoice at the exclusive Treats of the Region cooking demonstrations, where you can learn recipes to recreate at home – a delicious way to relive your time onboard over and over again. Enrich your journey with Itinerary Insights – captivating talks led by expert guest speakers thoughtfully curated to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the destinations you visit. These engaging sessions offer a fascinating glimpse into each region's history, culture, and hidden gems, bringing your travels to life in a significant way. For those curious about the universe, Stargazing offers a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the night sky and the planet we call home.
Each ship across the fleet has several spacious lounges where you might choose to get lost in a gripping read, enjoy a card game with friends, or simply unwind and watch the world go by. The Earth Room on Borealis, Balmoral, and Bolette offers the perfect sanctuary for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and deepen your connection to the natural world, this serene lounge invites you to relax while exploring ways to reduce your environmental footprint. It's an ideal space to unwind, reflect and stimulate the mind. You’ll find a fantastic hand-selected range of rare books, along with podcasts to listen to and videos to watch on the iPads provided. The Botanical Room is another popular space to unwind which can also be found on each ship. Adorned in lush shades of green and vibrant yellows, sink into one of the plush seats and get lost in one of the fascinating books or magazines on topics like gardening, flowers, plant care and more.
Craving a little retail therapy? Visit the Boutique shops aboard each Fred. Olsen ship. You might decide to treat yourself to a brand-new perfume or purchase a special gift from someone from the Jewellery Shop. You’ll also find everything you may need during your time onboard, from sunscreen and shampoo to books and snacks.
Entertainment
A voyage with Fred. Olsen is more than just a cruise – it’s an experience brimming with entertainment and discovery at every turn. The talented entertainment team curates an exciting daily programme filled with activities for every interest. Enjoy classic deck games like Quoits, Deck Tennis, and Shuffleboard, or challenge yourself with quizzes and Bridge tournaments. With so much to choose from, there’s always something to keep you engaged. It’s the perfect way to stimulate your mind, share memorable moments with loved ones, and forge new friendships along the way. Your holiday could even be the perfect chance to step out of your comfort zone and try something new—perhaps dance lessons or singing in a choir. Whether discovering hidden talents or simply embracing the joy of learning, these experiences add a special touch to your time at sea.
For cruises with more than four days at sea, why not join the welcoming Book Club? It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded guests and share thoughts on bestselling novels, gripping crime thrillers, and timeless classics. Discussions are open, informal, and filled with lively conversation – perfect for sparking new ideas and perspectives while you relax at sea.
Each ship boasts a beautifully designed, purpose-built studio dedicated to arts and crafts, complete with easels, paints, and other art materials. It's the perfect creative haven for guests to unleash their inner artists and explore new skills at sea.
Evenings aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are brimming with excitement and charm. Each ship boasts its own dedicated Theatre Company, delivering captivating live musical performances that span a variety of genres. Professional artists, comedians, illusionists, and performers regularly join these talented ensembles, ensuring every night feels fresh and unforgettable. Live music also takes centre stage, with each ship featuring its own house band alongside classical musicians, vibrant ensembles, and talented singers. Whether you prefer the energy of a lively show or the soothing sounds of classical melodies, there’s entertainment to suit every mood, making each evening as magical as the day.
Food & Drink
With a diverse array of culinary experiences, the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet offers something to delight every palate. From indulgent five-course dinners in the main restaurants to speciality venues serving exquisite Asian flavours, every meal aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a feast for the senses and a true delight for your taste buds.
On every ship, the stylish main restaurants serve outstanding food created by the talented culinary team, who pride themselves on making tasty meals with fresh ingredients. You'll also have the opportunity to sample some of the incredible dishes made as part of Treats of the Region cooking demonstrations here. These dishes are prepared using ingredients from local areas that are popular in the destinations you visit. There are two dinner settings, the first at 6.00 pm and the second at 8.00 pm.
Indulge in the vibrant flavours of Asia at Colours and Tastes, Fred. Olsen's speciality restaurant. Serving exquisite Asian fusion cuisine, this dining experience offers signature dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Japan, Thailand, China, and the Philippines. Each plate is a celebration of bold flavours and authentic ingredients, bringing the essence of Asia to your table.
Step into Vasco, the intimate speciality restaurant aboard Bolette and Borealis, where the rich and vibrant flavours of India take centre stage. Inspired by the spirit and warmth of Goan culture, the setting is infused with deep, earthy tones and inviting décor that mirrors the essence of the region. Every dish is a labour of love, crafted from scratch by expert chefs who blend tradition with creativity, delivering a culinary experience like no other.
The buffet restaurants aboard Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral are a guest favourite, offering a wide selection of fresh, delicious options in a relaxed, informal setting. From crisp, vibrant salads and hearty stir-fries to comforting classics, every meal presents a tempting array of flavours – making it delightfully difficult to choose.
For a little indulgence, complimentary afternoon tea is also served, providing the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats. For an extra touch of indulgence, elevate your cruise with one of Fred. Olsen’s exclusive food and drink experiences. Treat yourself to a bespoke wine tasting, sampling exquisite wines from the regions you visit, or enjoy a Martini experience where the talented Bar Team crafts your favourite cocktails to perfection. You can also explore the world of luxury teas with expert-led sessions from the Rare Tea Company. For something truly unique, join one of the breakfast or lunch forums. Guest speakers share fascinating insights over a delicious meal.
Kids & Teens
Bolette and Balmoral welcome the entire family for unforgettable voyages, while Borealis offers an exclusive, adults-only experience for those seeking a more tranquil escape. While adults relax in the spa, mingle in stylish lounges, or soak up the sun by the pool, children aged 5 to 11 can dive into fun and adventure at the Little Skippers Club – a dedicated space filled with activities designed to entertain and inspire. With a lively array of activities – including arts and crafts, deck games, treasure hunts, quizzes, and pizza and cookie making – the professional hosts create an engaging experience for young cruisers, ensuring the whole family can relax and make the most of their holiday. All activities are featured in the Little Skippers Club’s mini version of the Daily Times, delivered to your cabin or available at Guest Services each day. It also includes timings for children-only pool sessions. It’s important to note that Little Skippers is run during peak holiday season cruises and is subject to numbers.
Relaxation & Fitness
A cruise is all about relaxation, and the Atlantis Spa – available on all three ships – offers the perfect escape. This serene retreat features a range of blissful beauty, well-being and relaxation treatments designed to melt away the stresses of everyday life, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. From soothing massages and revitalising facials to expert manicures, pedicures, and professional hairdressing services, Atlantis Spa offers everything you need to look and feel your best. Take relaxation further in the Thermal Suites aboard Borealis and Bolette, where soothing heat and tranquil surroundings evoke the calming essence of a Turkish bath, refreshing both body and mind. Step inside to experience steam rooms enriched with calming aromatherapy vapours and heated ceramic loungers thoughtfully designed to cradle your spine and dissolve muscle tension, enveloping you in a deep sense of comfort and peace.
If you’d like to stay active during your cruise, you’ll be glad to find fully-equipped Fitness Centres that provide everything you need to keep up with your routine at sea. With a wide range of equipment – from treadmills and rowing machines to exercise bikes and free weights – staying active is easy. Friendly, fully qualified fitness instructors are available to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide the support you need to maximise your workout. There are also a range of fitness classes that you might like to join, including yoga, aerobics, stretch and tone, and pilates.
For a more leisurely approach to staying active, join the Walk a Mile group and enjoy a gentle stroll around the deck while soaking in the sea views. Alternatively, take a refreshing dip in the pool and swim a few laps to get your heart pumping – a perfect way to blend fitness with relaxation.
Oceans Loyalty Club
The Oceans Club rewards your passion for travel with five exclusive membership levels, each offering a range of exceptional perks. Your membership tier grows with the number of cruise points you accumulate – the more you sail with Fred. Olsen, the more benefits you unlock. For every night spent on board since 1st January 2000, you earn one cruise point, bringing you closer to elevated privileges with each journey.
After just one night at sea, you'll automatically become a Bronze member. With 31 nights on board, you’ll step up to Silver status, while Gold membership is awarded to guests who have sailed between 101 and 250 nights. Platinum status awaits those who have spent 251 to 500 nights cruising, and for the most seasoned travellers – with over 501 nights at sea – Diamond Elite membership represents the pinnacle of Oceans Club prestige.
The Oceans Club celebrates your adventures at sea, ensuring every voyage feels even more rewarding.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Destinations
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers journeys to over 200 destinations worldwide, showcasing some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring locations on the planet. From the dramatic landscapes of Norway, Greenland, and Iceland to the sun-soaked Mediterranean and Adriatic, and the vibrant shores of the Caribbean and Central America, each voyage promises unforgettable experiences. With a fleet of smaller, elegant ships, Fred. Olsen unlocks hidden gems and lesser-known destinations, including the more remote and untouched Norwegian fjords. Specially curated itineraries feature unique adventures such as Northern Lights expeditions, grand world cruises, and extended voyages designed to take you further and deeper into extraordinary regions. Every Fred. Olsen journey offers more than just travel – it's an opportunity to explore the world’s beauty from a new and intimate perspective.
Types of Cruises
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines appeals to a wide range of travellers, particularly those with a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as iconic cities. With a distinctive approach to itinerary planning, Fred. Olsen crafts voyages that often coincide with extraordinary natural events and cultural celebrations, offering guests the chance to tick off bucket-list experiences. Whether it’s witnessing the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway, celebrating at Rio Carnival in Brazil, or marvelling at the enigmatic Moai statues of Easter Island, every journey promises something unforgettable.
The range of incredible itineraries, world cruises and grand voyages with Fred. Olsen offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the globe in comfort and ease, opening the door to iconic destinations and hidden treasures alike. Nowhere is this more evident than in Norway, where Fred. Olsen’s deep-rooted heritage and intimate fleet allow guests to experience the country in a truly unique way. With smaller ships designed to navigate narrow fjords and access lesser-known, harder-to-reach ports, travellers can uncover Norway’s untouched beauty and explore remote coastal gems that larger vessels simply cannot reach. This distinctive approach makes Norwegian sailings a highlight of the Fred. Olsen experience, captivating those who seek adventure off the beaten path.
The cruise line is also a favourite among solo travellers and was recognised as ‘Best for Solo Travellers’ in Cruise Critic UK’s Best in Cruise Awards 2024. With a selection of dedicated solo cabins, enriching shore excursions, and engaging activities, Fred. Olsen creates an environment where solo guests can explore freely, connect with others, and feel secure throughout their journey. For those seeking a peaceful adults-only escape, Borealis offers an exclusive, child-free cruising experience. Meanwhile, Bolette and Balmoral remain popular choices for family-friendly adventures, ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter the style of voyage you’re looking for.
