Fred Olsen Cruises 2026/2027 - Cruise Holidays with Total Holidays

Cruises
Fred Olsen

Discover Fred Olsen Cruises

Fred Olsen Cruises are known for their smaller ships, friendly atmosphere and carefully planned itineraries, with many sailings departing directly from UK ports including Newcastle, Liverpool and Southampton. If you prefer a cruise that feels relaxed and personal rather than busy and oversized, this is a cruise line worth looking at.

One of the things people often comment on is the traditional feel onboard. You will find proper lounges with sea views, attentive service and a programme of talks and enrichment that suits guests who genuinely enjoy the destinations as much as the ship itself. It is cruising that focuses on the journey as well as the ports.

Regular guests of Fred Olsen are perhaps a little older than you might get onboard other ships, but they also appreciate the local cruise departures. This means no lengthy trips down to Southampton (unless you want a Southampton departure of course), but fly-cruises are also still available. And some of their most popular cruises are the Northern Lights Cruises they offer.

Why choose Fred Olsen?

Smaller ships designed to access scenic fjords, rivers and lesser visited ports
Frequent departures from UK regional ports
Traditional cruising style with attentive service
Interesting itineraries across Europe and beyond
A relaxed, sociable atmosphere onboard

The Fred Olsen fleet

The fleet is intentionally smaller than many mainstream cruise lines, which allows for a more intimate experience and access to unique ports, with three ships to choose from.

Balmoral

Balmoral is one of the larger ships in the fleet but still carries far fewer guests than the mega ships operated by some cruise lines. Onboard you will find several lounges, comfortable cabins and wide promenade decks that are perfect for scenic cruising. Balmoral often operates longer voyages and Grand Voyages.

Borealis

Borealis offers a light, elegant interior and spacious public areas. She is popular for Norway fjord cruises and Northern Europe itineraries, where her size allows closer access to dramatic scenery.

Bolette

Bolette combines classic styling with modern comfort. Guests often mention the relaxed dining experience and friendly service. Her itineraries range from Mediterranean cruises to Canary Islands sailings and Baltic voyages.

Smaller Ship Advantages

Fred Olsen Balmoral in The Norwegian Fjords

The advantage of these ships is not flashy attractions but space to enjoy the sea, the views and your fellow travellers. You are unlikely to queue for long, and it is easy to find a quiet corner to read or watch the coastline drift by.

Popular Fred Olsen Cruise destinations

Fred Olsen Cruises focus heavily on European sailings, although longer worldwide voyages are also available. Many itineraries are designed around scenic cruising as much as port visits.

Norwegian Fjords

Norway is one of the cruise line’s signature destinations. The smaller ships can navigate narrow fjords and sail close to waterfalls and cliffs, creating memorable days at sea as well as in port. Some cruises also focus on the mesmerising Northern Lights.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean itineraries cover Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia, often calling at smaller or less congested ports. These cruises are ideal if you enjoy a mix of culture, history and relaxed sea days.

Baltic & Northern Europe

Baltic sailings include cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and Tallinn, alongside scenic passages. These itineraries are popular with guests who enjoy history and architecture.

Canary Islands & Winter Sun

For winter departures, Canary Islands cruises offer warmer temperatures without the need to fly. Many guests appreciate the convenience of joining the ship in the UK and sailing south at a gentle pace.

What Is Included On A Fred Olsen Cruise?

Accommodation in your chosen cabin grade
Main dining restaurant meals and buffet dining
Tea, coffee and selected drinks during the day
Onboard entertainment and enrichment talks
Port taxes and fees

Optional extras such as drinks packages, shore excursions and specialty dining can be added depending on the sailing. Most of these are best booked before you travel to avoid disappointment.

Is Fred Olsen right for you?

Fred Olsen Cruises tend to appeal to guests who prefer a traditional cruise experience with attentive service and a sociable but calm atmosphere. The onboard demographic often includes older couples and solo travellers who enjoy enrichment talks, live music and scenic cruising rather than high energy attractions like waterslides and escape rooms.

If you are looking for waterparks, surf simulators and large scale productions, another cruise line like Royal Caribbean may suit you better. If you would rather have a comfortable ship, good food and interesting itineraries, this cruise line is often a strong choice, especially if you're after regional departures.

We recommend comparing itineraries carefully, as the destinations and departure ports can vary considerably throughout the year. If you are unsure which sailing would suit you best, it's often worth giving the team at Fred Olsen a call who can often advice based on what you enjoy most about travelling.