This family-owned, history-rich cruise line offers an intimate, traditional sailing. Catering to the more mature travellers looking to discover smaller ports, historic cities and revel in a truly 'British country house' atmosphere.
Due to the ships' sizes, Fred Olsen Cruises are able to depart from any port in the UK, making for easy access to embarking the cruise from your home.
With an emphasis on cosy, comfortable intimacy over opulent luxury, expect a truly relaxing holiday with fun activities, excursions and fantastic food!
Eat like a King or Queen onboard a Fred Olsen ship; whether you're looking for a light and healthy meal or a hearty full-English breakfast, there is something for every passengers preferences!
'Push the boat out' and gorge on a delightful five-course á la carte dinner or revel in British classics from a Sunday roast to a fish n' chips!
However you want to spend your time on board, have the trip of a lifetime on a Fred Olsen cruise!
Dining at sea is anything but bland with Fred Olsen. Each ship has at least two main restaurants, with buffet and à la carte options throughout the day and a lavish five-course dinner served every evening. There are speciality restaurants for even more variety, as well as the option to enjoy an afternoon tea for an extra special treat. Whether you’re dining à la carte or ordering room service, you can expect delicious dishes crafted by talented chefs and delivered with Fred Olsen’s renowned attentiveness.Set sail on the trip of a lifetime on a three-month grand voyage or discover hidden gems on a British Isles cruise – wherever you’re venturing to, you can be sure of exceptional service.
Hop onboard American Cruise Lines for an all-American cruise experience! A cruise line like no other, American Cruise Lines designs itineraries to showcase the best of American history, culture, and nature. Sail in the wake of Mark Twain and friends in a true Mississippi riverboat. Experience American history in the coastal villages and island towns of New England. Or take in some of America’s most awe-inspiring nature on a majestic Pacific Northwest cruise, where mountains and forests meet the sea. On a San Juan Islands cruise, you may even spot one of the area’s resident orcas!
Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere on your cruise that’s about as American as it gets: the ships, crew, and service are all American, meaning you won’t miss things like air conditioning in every room or ice cubes clinking in your glass. But don’t worry – you’re not expected to tip at the ship’s restaurant! Three meals a day, unlimited soft drinks, beer and wine with meals and a cocktail hour in the evening are all included in your cruise fare – as is your evening entertainment, which features the best of American music and culture
Quality entertainment is a given onboard Fred Olsen ships. With live music, stand-up comedy and cabaret on offer in the main show lounge, the evenings are certainly never dull. After the show, it’s time to take to the floor and have a dance to tunes provided by the resident band, or head to one of the bars and lounges for a laid-back drink, perhaps with some new friends.
When it comes to onboard activities, there’s something to suit every taste on Fred Olsen cruises – from arts and crafts and dance classes to lectures and quizzes. Foodies will love the chance to participate in tasting sessions and the cookery demonstrations on the Bolette and Borealis ships, while those looking to indulge in pure relaxation can unwind by the pool or enjoy a sumptuous spa treatment. With a Fred Olsen cruise, you can expect exciting entertainment, superb cuisine and attentive, personalised service. Whether you’re a cruise connoisseur or setting off on your very first voyage, you can experience traditional cruising at its finest with Fred Olsen cruises in 2024 and beyond.
Fred Olsen cruises are generally not aimed towards families. You won’t find water slides or babysitting services onboard, and there are only a limited number of highchairs on each ship, but there is a children’s menu and the Little Skippers Club, providing activities for kids aged 5 to 11, runs during the peak holiday seasons.
The four Fred Olsen cruise liners – Bolette, Borealis, Balmoral and Braemar – are smaller ships carrying fewer passengers, therefore providing a more intimate cruising experience. There is a good range of room options to choose from, including interior, ocean view and balcony cabins, as well as cabins adapted for use by guests with mobility issues. Solo cruise travellers are also well catered for, with single cabins and suites and special activities and parties to mix with fellow guests.
From the Norwegian Fjords to the jungles of Central America, Fred Olsen offers itineraries in some of the world’s most spectacular locations. With UK cruise departures ranging from two-night Mini Cruises to worldwide cruise voyages, it’s easier than ever to make your travel dreams a reality. And whether you’re visiting the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, South America or the Arctic, Fred Olsen’s ships can take you to incredible locations that larger ships can’t reach.
We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.
The average age on a Fred Olsen cruise tends to be around 67 years of age with an average passenger age range between 55-75 years old.
No, Fred Olsen cruises are not adult-only. However, Fred Olsen does offer selected cruises that operate as adult-only cruises in addition to multi-generational cruises. Although children are permitted on multi-generational itineraries, typical family-friendly attractions, such as water parks, are not found onboard.
The dress code on Fred Olsen ships includes casual wear for days at sea and smart casual for the evening. Cruises of six nights or longer include a formal night, giving guests the chance to bring out their most glamorous attire.
The number of formal nights on a Fred Olsen cruise depends on the length of the cruise duration, however, on an average 7-night cruise, you can expect 2 formal nights. During these nights, it is recommended to adhere to the following dress code: for women, cocktail dresses/gowns or chic separates, for men, dark suits or various dinner jackets.
The gratuities on Fred Olsen ships are typically charged at £5.00 per person per day for those aged 12 and over. These charges are voluntary, and guests can adjust or remove them by speaking to Guest Services on board the ship.
All of the below are included as standard on a Fred Olsen cruise:
Are Fred Olsen cruises good for singles?
Yes, Fred Olsen cruises are good for singles. The smaller-sized ships make it easier to get to know fellow guests and the crew. There are also single cabins and suites, as well as events and parties to encourage mixing with fellow guests.
While the Fred Olsen cruise line is not specifically aimed at families, children are of course welcome aboard. There are children’s menus and limited high chairs, but no entertainment outside of the peak holiday periods.