Fred Olsen Cruises 2026/2027

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is a British cruise line with Norwegian heritage, operating for over 175 years. Its cruise division has built a strong reputation for offering traditional, small ship cruising with a focus on customer loyalty and repeat guests.

The line is known for sailings from regional UK ports, removing the need for flights and long transfers. This makes it particularly popular with travellers who prefer convenience and a seamless start to their holiday.

Itineraries are carefully crafted to maximise time in port. The smaller ships can navigate narrow waterways and dock in city centres where larger vessels cannot. This is a major advantage when exploring destinations such as Bruges, Bordeaux or Norway's fjords.

Fred Olsen currently operates a fleet of three smaller, ocean-going cruise ships designed for comfort and destination access.

Bolette

Bolette accommodates around 1,300 guests and offers classic interiors with modern enhancements. She features multiple restaurants, lounges, a swimming pool and generous outdoor deck areas. Bolette is often deployed on longer voyages and scenic sailings.

Borealis

As featured above, Borealis combines spacious decks with traditional cruise elegance. She is particularly well suited for Northern Europe itineraries and world cruises.

Balmoral

Balmoral is the smallest ship in the fleet, carrying just over 1,300 guests. Her size allows access to even more intimate ports. She is a firm favourite for UK departure sailings and scenic coastal voyages.

Smaller Ships

Fred Olsen Cruises stand out because of their size. Smaller ships mean fewer passengers, more space per guest and access to ports others cannot reach.

UK Departure Ports

One of the biggest draws to a Fred Olsen cruise is the fact that they depart from various ports around the UK like Liverpool and Newcastle. This means no long unnecessary drives to Southampton and you can be on your ship sooner.

Friendly, Professional Service

The crew to guest ratio allows for attentive, personable service. Many guests return time and again because of the onboard atmosphere.

Excellent Value

Fred Olsen often includes added benefits such as complimentary dining options, enrichment programmes and competitive pricing for longer voyages.

Norwegian Fjords

One of the line's most popular routes, these cruises sail deep into dramatic fjords where smaller ships can travel further inland. Expect waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and extended scenic sailing.

Northern Lights Cruises

The Northern Lights cruises are some of the most iconic cruise itineraries around. And with departures from across the UK up to Iceland, Norway and the Arctic region, it's one of the most memorable holidays of your life.

Mediterranean Cruises

Explore Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia with itineraries that dock close to historic city centres. Smaller ports and lesser-visited islands are a highlight.

Baltic & Northern Europe Cruises

Sail to cities such as Stockholm, Copenhagen and Tallinn with in-depth itineraries that allow time to explore cultural landmarks.

Canary Islands & Atlantic Islands

Winter sun cruises visit Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands, offering warm climates and exiting shore excursions without long-haul flights.

World Cruises & Grand Voyages

Fred Olsen's longer sailings travel to South America, Africa, Asia and beyond. These voyages are designed for immersive travel, with overnight stays and multiple country explorations.

British Isles

Coastal sailings around Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands are also available, showcasing the dramatic landscapes and hidden harbours of the British Isles.