BA1 Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

We believe that small ships bring big benefits. We treat passengers as guests; docking at smaller ports in more interesting places across the world.

We plan our cruises differently. Our team of Journey Planners change our itineraries every year - unlike some other cruise lines who always sail the same routes. We arrive at the perfect time to watch the fascinating bird migration cross the Straits of Gibraltar or follow in the steps of Phileas Fogg and sail around the world in 80 days. We also put as much time into planning scenic cruising on every sailing as we do in choosing the destinations themselves.

We recently welcomed two new ships into our fleet. Never sailing with more than 1,200 guests on board, they are wonderfully spacious with wide-open decks, lots of lovely restaurants and lounge spaces, and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

On every sailing, these experiences have been designed to ensure you get the most out of the culture and nature of the destinations we are visiting – from our ‘Treats of the Region’ sessions where you can enjoy a taste of the destinations on your cruise to our Sky at Sea star-gazing sessions where you can relax with a hot toddy while our astronomer talks you through the night sky.

We are also passionate about delivering the very best treats and past times during your cruise and can promise great food and speciality restaurants, the chance to learn something new, spa and beauty treatments, fun and games, quizzes and puzzles and showtime, music and dancing.

Founded by three Olsen brothers in 1848, we have 175 years of maritime history. We still consider ourselves one big family, so each and every member of our team takes your experience personally. As a result, we are very proud to welcome back more returning guests than any other cruise line (YouGov independent survey 2019).

Bolette is one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Bolette is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.

Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

Fred. Olsen’s diverse selection of cruises from Dover include chances to sail to the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords; discover the cultural, historical and scenic highlights of cities in Scandinavia, Northern Europe, France and Spain; indulge in a short European city break, a sun-kissed island-hopping adventure; or the sights and highlights of isles and waterways in the UK.

Some of the world’s most sought after destinations are within your reach on Fred. Olsen cruises departing from Liverpool. Situated on the coast of Northwest England, this port is the ideal starting point for voyages to Scotland, Northern Europe and Scandinavia , bringing you closer to the beautiful unspoilt waterways and landscapes of the Norwegian fjords and Scottish lochs; the astonishing natural wonders of Iceland and Greenland; and remote locations within the Arctic Circle.

Situated on the north bank of the River Forth, just 40 minutes from Edinburgh, the Port of Rosyth is conveniently placed for guests joining Fred. Olsen’s cruises from Scotland. There are a fantastic selection of cruises from Rosyth to choose from, each featuring incredible destinations across Europe. Cruise from Scotland to Germany or Sweden for picturesque waterways; sail to culture-rich capitals in Scandinavia, or experience the outstanding natural beauty of Norway’s magnificent fjordland.

Located on England’s south coast, Southampton is the ideal departure port for an extensive selection of Fred. Olsen cruises, including rewarding European city breaks; explorations of Iceland and Norway’s awe-inspiring fjordland; chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic, journeys to the Mediterranean and Adriatic; voyages to Africa and the Indian Ocean; and explorations of the islands of the Azores.

The departure port for an extensive range of exciting Fred. Olsen cruises from Newcastle; the Port of Tyne is a gateway to discovering incredible destinations across Europe. Cruise from Newcastle to Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Europe in search of spectacular highland and fjordland scenes; natural wonders in Iceland and Arctic Norway, such as the awe-inspiring Northern Lights; captivating Scandinavian cities; and picturesque German or Swedish waterways, all in less time than it would take from a southern departure port.

Fred. Olsen’s cruises from Portsmouth include winter escapes to the glorious sunshine and scenery of the Canaries; and festive cruises to Germany or Spain, Portugal and Madeira. Portsmouth is a city rich in maritime heritage, with landmarks such as the Historic Dockyard and the Spinnaker Tower. Britain’s ‘Great Waterfront City’ is situated on the shores of the beautiful Solent, east from Southampton, making Portsmouth the perfect location from which to embark on a Fred. Olsen cruise.

We know that trying a new cruise line can sometimes feel a little risky, especially if you have enjoyed sailing with others. We are so confident you will enjoy the way we cruise, that we make you a promise...

At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we believe a cruise is different to a holiday. A cruise is about the joy of the journey, as well as the destinations you visit, and exploring the world from the wonderful vantage point of the ship and the sea.

We plan our cruises differently. Our team of Journey Planners change our itineraries every year - unlike some other cruise lines who always sail the same routes. We also put as much time into planning scenic cruising on every sailing as we do in choosing the destinations themselves. As a result, we have won Cruise Critic’s award for best itineraries 5 years in a row.

Our smaller-sized ships have been elegantly designed and they all look and feel like ships with wide open deck spaces as well as lounges and restaurants which have been meticulously planned to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The smaller size of our ships also allows us access to more interesting places, such as Norway’s lesser known Fjords. It also means we can dock in the heart of some of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Independently reviewed by guests, Gold Standard Cruise Line