Fred. Olsen Cruises

A large cruise ship sails through a calm fjord, surrounded by lush green hills and distant snow-capped mountains under a bright sky. Tranquil and majestic.

Two women stand on a cruise ship deck, enjoying drinks and gazing at the ocean under a clear blue sky. They appear relaxed and content.

A large cruise ship docked in a snowy port city at dusk with snow-covered hills and mountains in the background under a pastel pink and blue sky.

A waitress in a black vest and white gloves serves afternoon tea to two women seated at a table in a sunlit, elegant room. The scene exudes warmth and hospitality.

A ship deck with curved railings overlooks a vast ocean under a clear blue sky. Sunbathers relax in lounge chairs, conveying a peaceful, leisurely atmosphere.

Friendly, traditionally British small-ship cruising.

Experience small-ship cruising reimagined with Fred. Olsen Cruises, where every vessel exudes British charm and every journey is nuanced.

Since 1848, Fred. Olsen has delivered warm, traditionally British service and intimate cruising experiences, combining over 170 years of maritime heritage with modern comfort. Sailing from multiple UK ports to destinations across Europe, the Baltics, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, South America and beyond, each ship is designed to feel like a welcoming home at sea, complete with stylish lounges, elegant dining and thoughtfully appointed cabins.

With an average of less than 1,300 guests and a crew dedicated to personal service, Fred. Olsen Cruises offers an intimate and relaxing voyage. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, enriched by expert port lecturers, immersive shore excursions and onboard experiences that bring each destination to life.

Featured Ship: Balmoral

Designed for intimate, small-ship cruising, Balmoral embodies the charm and warmth of Fred. Olsen Cruises. With a compact yet elegant design, she offers a welcoming atmosphere that balances traditional British style with modern comfort.

Balmoral accommodates around 1,250 guests across 710 cabins, providing a relaxed and refined cruising experience. Onboard, enjoy five restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and spacious decks, perfect for scenic views.

Thanks to her slender frame, Balmoral can access narrow waterways and hidden harbours that larger ships cannot, from gliding along the Seine to navigating the Kiel Canal or passing under low bridges. Her crest, inspired by Balmoral Castle, pays tribute to Fred. Olsen’s heritage and Scottish roots, blending elegance with tradition.

Cruise ship docked in a serene fjord, surrounded by lush green hills and rocky mountains under a bright, clear sky. Calm water reflects the vibrant landscape.

What to Expect Onboard

What to expect from a Fred. Olsen cruise

Boutique-Style, Intimate Ambience

Fred. Olsen’s ships have the feel of an elegant home at sea. With fewer passengers than mass-market cruise liners, you’ll enjoy a calm, relaxed atmosphere filled with comfortable lounges, refined dining rooms and cosy corners for quiet reflection.

Warm, British Service

Service aboard Fred. Olsen is deeply personal – crew members address you by name, and you’ll often find their nuanced service anticipating your needs. The familial nature of the line means a level of genuine care that’s rare on larger ships.

Thoughtful, Enriching Experiences

Onshore excursions are run by knowledgeable lecturers who bring destinations to life with history, storytelling and local insights. Shore time is balanced so you can choose to be as active or as leisurely as you desire.

Relaxed Yet Refined Dining

Multiple dining venues cater to different moods, from casual buffets, intimate table service and al fresco dining – all infused with quality and ambience. The focus is on decadent food, fabulous wine and a gracious pace.

Comfortable and Stylish Accommodation

Cabins are well-appointed, cosy but elegant and designed with British style. You’ll find thoughtful details that reflect Fred. Olsen’s heritage and commitment to a luxurious onboard environment.

All-Inclusive Convenience

Fred. Olsen cruises include many essentials to make your holiday effortless. From included gratuities and select drinks to guided excursions and onboard activities, everything is thoughtfully arranged so you can relax, enjoy your journey and fully immerse yourself in each destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation, meals in main restaurants, onboard entertainment and access to lounges and deck areas are all included in your cruise. Additional costs may apply for premium shore excursions, specialty dining and other extras.

Fred. Olsen Cruises currently operates three small to mid-sized ships: Balmoral, Bolette and Borealis.

Fred. Olsen Cruises is a family-run, heritage-driven company with a commitment to small-ship cruising. Their fleet of ships are intentionally smaller to create an intimate, refined experience rather than the bustle of mega-ships.

Sail from UK ports to numerous destinations, including Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, South America and more.

Travellers who appreciate warm service, relaxed elegance and a personal, less crowded cruising experience. Fred. Olsen Cruises also have award-winning solo offers, making it ideal for not only couples, but solo travellers alike.

Fred. Olsen Cruises offers a truly personal and distinctly British cruising experience. With fewer guests onboard, the crew quickly learns your name and preferences, creating a warm, familial atmosphere. Their smaller, manoeuvrable ships can access hidden ports and quieter harbours that larger vessels simply can’t, while small boat tenders, called RIBs, bring you even closer to scenic coastlines. Onboard, enjoy all the comforts of a stylish cruise with elegant lounges, refined dining, open deck spaces and a relaxed pace – all infused with the Scottish heritage that makes Fred. Olsen Cruises so uniquely welcoming.