Fred Olsen Cruises
Fred Olsen Cruises offers no-fly cruise holidays from regional UK ports on three smaller ships: Borealis, Bolette and Balmoral. Sailings through 2026 and 2027 cover the Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, Iceland, Canary Islands, Mediterranean and seasonal Caribbean voyages. Smaller-ship cruising reaches ports larger vessels cannot, with warm British hospitality, attentive service and inclusive Freedom Fares that bundle drinks at meals and gratuities. Browse current Fred Olsen sailings below, or speak to a Paramount Cruises agent for help finding the right itinerary.
Why Choose Fred Olsen?
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a truly British take on cruising, combining smaller, intimate ships, warm hospitality and carefully curated itineraries that bring you closer to the destinations you visit. With no-fly cruises from regional UK departure ports and a focus on immersive experiences, Fred. Olsen makes exploring the world simple and rewarding, whether you’re embarking on a scenic Norwegian fjords voyage, a Mediterranean escape or a relaxing Seine river cruise extension.
Hidden Gems
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ smaller ships, including Balmoral, are able to reach destinations that larger vessels simply cannot, unlocking access to hidden gems across the globe. From the furthest reaches of Norway’s lesser-known fjords to narrow waterways, canals and city-centre ports, these itineraries are designed to maximise scenic cruising. Sailing closer to coastlines, islands, lochs and lakes ensures guests enjoy dramatic landscapes and a more intimate connection with each destination.
Curated Itineraries
Fred. Olsen’s itineraries are carefully crafted by expert journey planners who take pride in creating imaginative routes and perfectly timed arrivals. Voyages aboard Bolette and Borealis are designed to showcase destinations at their very best, whether that means sailing through fjords in peak season or arriving in port when local life is most vibrant. This thoughtful approach has earned Fred. Olsen Cruise Critic’s ‘Best Itineraries’ award for five consecutive years.
Personalised Service
With fewer guests onboard, Fred. Olsen’s crew are able to offer a level of personal service that truly sets the experience apart. On ships such as Balmoral and Bolette, crew members take the time to get to know guests and their preferences, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the ship. This personal approach lies at the heart of Fred. Olsen cruising, where familiar faces and genuine hospitality make every guest feel valued.
Joy of the Journey
Fred. Olsen believes the journey itself should be just as rewarding as the destinations visited. Onboard Borealis, days at sea are enriched with regionally inspired talks, demonstrations and activities designed to deepen your understanding of the places you explore. From Treats of the Region cooking demonstrations to Itinerary Insights talks and on-deck stargazing sessions, every voyage offers opportunities to learn, relax and be inspired.
The Olsen Way
The Olsen Way reflects Fred. Olsen’s confidence in the quality of its cruising experience, shaped by over 175 years of seafaring heritage. Delivered across the fleet, including Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral, this philosophy is built around expert planning, warm service and meaningful destination experiences. Backed by a satisfaction promise, The Olsen Way ensures every cruise is designed with care, expertise and guest enjoyment at its core.
Sip, relax and enjoy
Drinks Packages
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ inclusive pricing makes enjoying a drink with your meal simple and stress-free. Guests booked on a Freedom Fare can enjoy selected beers, wines and soft drinks included with lunch and evening meals, with gratuities covered as standard. For those who would like a wider choice throughout the day, optional drinks packages are available to add at the time of booking. From a relaxed glass of wine at dinner to a refreshing soft drink with lunch, everything is thoughtfully arranged so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Fred Olsen Cruises, including UK departure ports, fleet, fares, solo travel and adult-only sailings.
Fred Olsen Cruises sails from four UK departure ports: Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle (Port of Tyne) and Rosyth, the port for Edinburgh. Each port has its own selection of itineraries, so the departure port often shapes where you sail. All sailings are no-fly, with passengers joining the ship directly from a UK port rather than via an airport.
Fred Olsen operates three smaller ships: Borealis, Bolette and Balmoral. Bolette is the flagship with 690 cabins. The fleet's smaller scale lets each ship dock closer to city centres and reach narrower waterways than larger cruise ships.
The Freedom Fare is Fred Olsen’s inclusive fare type. It adds selected house beer, red, white and rosé wine by the glass, and draught soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Gratuities are also included in the fare. For drinks outside meals or premium brands, a separate drinks package can be added at the time of booking.
Yes. Fred Olsen is well set up for solo guests. Each ship has dedicated single cabins across three grades: Single Balcony, Single Ocean View and Single Interior. Onboard, you can join a daily solo travellers meet-up, dine at mixed-group tables and dance with the resident Dance Hosts.
Fred Olsen sails to the Norwegian Fjords, Arctic Norway, Greenland, Iceland, the British Isles, Scandinavia and the Baltic, European cities, the Mediterranean and Adriatic, the Greek Islands, Portugal with Madeira and the Azores, the Canaries and Cape Verde, plus the Caribbean and Central America. Grand Voyages also reach Japan, North America, Australasia, South Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Fred Olsen is not strictly adults only. The line runs a selection of Exclusively for Adults sailings on Borealis for guests who prefer that atmosphere. Other sailings welcome children and the line publishes a Kids Club page for family-friendly cruises. The clientele still tends to skew older and the onboard feel is generally adult.
