Life aboard a Fred. Olsen cruise adventure

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” So said Ralph Waldo Emerson. When it comes to Fred. Olsen, a family-owned cruise line with Norwegian roots, the American essayist, poet, and popular philosopher certainly had a point.

For while the destinations you can visit on a Fred. Olsen cruise are unforgettable – from the spectacular Northern Lights to the voyages through the Mediterranean, island hopping around the Canary Islands, the Caribbean or historic Greek isles, colourful South America or the icy desert of Antarctica – half the fun is getting there on one of the line’s superb, smaller ships.

Fred. Olsen’s fab fleet comprises three ships: established favourite Balmoral plus Borealis and Bolette both of whom debuted in 2021. All provide a beautiful home from home where you can strike up friendships with like-minded, curious travellers.

Sailing the Olsen Way, means taking the scenic route so that you can see all the islands, ports, waterways, lochs, lakes, fjords and coastal landscapes possible – rather than just rushing from A-B.

Whether you station yourself out on deck or in one of Fred. Olsen’s inviting, conversation-starting Observatory Lounges, their on-board teams provide commentary and point out places of interest.

While on your journey, there’s also the opportunity to join your ship’s captain and senior crew and take part in navigation and chart-reading sessions. Alternatively – for a small fee – take a behind-the-scenes tour to witness the fascinating workings of your ship.

For learning, discovering, and exploring are what cruising the Olsen way is all about. As such, guest speakers deliver lectures and talks in Fred. Olsen’s dedicated theatre space and chat informally throughout the duration of your cruise.

With no more than 1,400 guests on board any sailing, passenger numbers are small enough to allow you to talk at length with these experts about the history, culture and people of the destinations you are visiting.

Fred. Olsen’s commitment to destination immersion is further reflected in the delectable regional dishes you’ll enjoy onboard in the main and buffet restaurants.

What’s more, talented chefs host special cookery demonstrations in the line’s spacious auditorium. Here, local delicacies are prepared for you to taste – and then recreate upon your return home.

Despite the delicious food and convivial surroundings below deck, chances are you’ll want to head on deck to see the sky at sea.

For arguably there’s nothing quite like the invigorating experience of witnessing a beautiful sunrise at sea, or of looking up at the beauty of a night sky from the deck of a ship.

To this end on clear nights and selected itineraries throughout August 2026, Fred. Olsen will host ‘Stargazing’ experiences. Here you tuck yourself up in a blanket armed with a hot chocolate or hot toddy while listening to Go Stargazing astronomers – with whom the line has partnered – bring the night sky to life and enhance your understanding of the stars above.

The Ipswich-based cruise outfit has also teamed up with ORCA, who will be sending teams of volunteers on a selection of Fred. Olsen sailings.

They’ll help you locate majestic whales and playful dolphins and offer an expert insight into their behaviours, as well as the opportunity to take an active role in marine science and conservation.

And you’ll be assisting ORCA too: the sailing will enable the marine wildlife charity to collect vital data on the species and numbers of marine life sighted.

All told, there are so many reasons to sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Line. But don't just take our word for it, book now for the time of your life – both onboard and ashore.

For more information on Fred. Olsen, visit fredolsencruises.com or call 01473 742 424