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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-owned favourite in the British cruise market offering guests a fantastic cruising experience from many ports across the UK. The Fred. Olsen fleet consists of three mid to small-size ships; Balmoral, Bolette and Borealis all of which allow for docking in smaller, more unique ports of call.
Borealis 23 Nov 2024 14 nights No-Fly Cruise Portsmouth
Pound sterling on board*
Small ship cruising*
Full-Board, Traditional British Cruising*
Hand-Crafted Itineraries | Fred Olsen Signature Experiences Included*
Inside from £1,349pp SAVE an extra £40 pp
View Cruise DealBorealis 15 Feb 2025 12 nights No-Fly Cruise Portsmouth
Pound sterling on board*
Small ship cruising*
Full-Board, Traditional British Cruising*
Hand-Crafted Itineraries | Fred Olsen Signature Experiences Included*
Inside from £1,399pp SAVE an extra £42 pp
View Cruise DealBalmoral 18 Jan 2025 15 nights No-Fly Cruise Southampton
Pound sterling on board*
Full board cruising*
Captain’s drinks party and Gala Buffet*
All evening entertainment*
Inside from £1,699pp SAVE an extra £51 pp
View Cruise DealIn 1848, three Olsen brothers - Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas - bought their first ships and began an international shipping company, resulting in the birth of Fred. Olsen. Now into the fifth generation of the family, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operate cruises from the UK to over 200 destinations worldwide. Their unique maritime heritage and knowledge of British cruising tastes mean they provide unrivalled holiday experiences creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Fred. Olsen ships are much smaller, more personable and have a friendly, comfortable and cosy atmosphere. Balmoral, named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, is a ship for both adventure and relaxation. Bolette is the cruise line's flagship. Sailing predominantly from Dover, she elevates the fleet with more space, more ports and more public areas. Beautiful Borealis sails mostly from Liverpool and like her peers is small but perfectly formed; offering a unique style that brings a range of exciting features.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines understand that your experience on board is just as important as your time ashore, which is why they’re dedicated to ensuring their entertainment programme features activities and performances. From talks to table tennis, deck quoits to dance classes, bingo to book clubs, there really is something on board for everyone.
As part of their entertainment programme, Fred. Olsen holds port talks and diverse lectures from leading experts. On some itineraries, lectures relevant to specific destinations will be given to highlight an area of interest. For example, on a Mediterranean cruise, you can learn all about the Baroque buildings that line Valletta. In preparation for your arrival at each port, Fred. Olsen’s knowledgeable port lecturers will share the information you’ll need to make the most of your time ashore.
When the sun sets, evening entertainment comes alive. Nighttime entertainment is a high point of any Fred. Olsen cruise with a selection of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire stand-up comedy. Enjoy the fabulous acts with a cocktail from Fred. Olsen’s exclusive cocktail menu or if you’d prefer, stroll under the stars on deck, dance the night away or sit back, relax and listen to the ship's resident band.
With a number of restaurants to choose from, you may feel spoilt for choice. During the day, you can choose from plentiful breakfasts, lunches and even complimentary afternoon tea. With sandwiches, scones, cakes, fresh tea and coffee, traditional afternoon tea is served each day. On some days, premium afternoon tea is offered, enabling you to enjoy beautiful views from the Observatory Lounge, with musical accompaniment from Fred. Olsen’s onboard pianist and the careful attention of white-gloved waiters.
After a pre-dinner drink in one of the lounges, you can make your way to the main restaurant for your allocated dining arrangements to indulge in a 5-course a la carte meal. Fred. Olsen dining times are split into two sittings, the first at 6.15 pm and the second at 8.40 pm, those booking Freedom Fares will be offered their choice of dining times (subject to availability). The menus within the main restaurant offer a wide variety of delicious dishes, with passionate expert chefs preparing a splendid choice of mouth-watering mains and tempting desserts. For a more casual affair, you can enjoy a more flexible, relaxed experience in the buffet restaurant on each ship.
Fred. Olsen sails from 10 ports around the UK including Southampton and Dover. No-fly cruising with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is an ideal way to see the world and discover over 200 destinations around the globe including the Caribbean, Norway, the Canary Islands and lots more. With embarkation ports much closer to home and an increased luggage allowance, cruise-only holidays are relaxing and stress-free from start to finish.
Each evening you can enjoy a live show after dinner courtesy of resident and guest entertainers. From music to magic, cabaret to comedy, there’s so much to keep you entertained during your time on board - all you need to do is sit back and enjoy it all with your tipple of choice.
Gratuities (applicable to youths aged 12 to 17 and all adults) will be applied to your on board account. The amount (around £5 per person, per night) is not compulsory and can easily be altered by visiting Guest Services on board. You are welcome to tip personally if you prefer. You can also pre-pay gratuities before travelling (please ask at the time of booking).
Yes, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Wi-Fi package allows you to connect to the internet via your smartphone, tablet, laptop and other devices to send emails, keep up to date with the latest news and share your holiday experiences on social media as you cruise.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ operate a strict no-smoking policy in all inside areas. Smoking is only permitted on cabin balconies and in designated open deck areas.
No, guests cannot take alcohol on their Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruise. Should guests purchase alcohol during their time ashore, they will be required to hand it to security upon rejoining the ship. These will be returned during disembarkation.
Onboard all ships, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines accommodate most dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, low fat, low cholesterol, low salt, dairy-free, lactose-free, wheat-free and gluten-free food are all catered for.
Gratuities (applicable to youths aged 12 to 17 and all adults) will be applied to your onboard account. The amount (around £5 per person per night) is not compulsory and can easily be altered by visiting Guest Services onboard. You are welcome to tip personally if you prefer. You can also pre-pay gratuities before travelling (please ask at the time of booking).
The onboard currency is pound Sterling.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers incredible value via inclusive fares. The following will be included in the price of your cruise; comfortable cabins with tv, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and individually controlled air conditioning, tempting cuisine, self-service tea and coffee at selected venues, in-room sandwiches and snacks, evening entertainment, Captain’s Drink Party and Gala Buffet, use of leisure facilities including pools and gym, a vast range of onboard activities, all UK port taxes, luggage porterage at embarkation and disembarkation and flights (as part of fly cruises).
Most evenings, your chosen ship will have a smart casual dress code. For men, trousers, chinos or smart dark jeans with a shirt or polo shirt are required. For ladies, outfits range from tailored trouser suits/casual separates to stylish dresses. Depending on the length of your chosen cruise, there may be one or more formal evenings. On these occasions, men wear either a dinner jacket or dark suit and tie while ladies may wear cocktail-style dresses or full-length ball gowns.