Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

The average age onboard is currently 70, however Fred Olsen cruise line appeals to passengers of all ages - it's actually one of the favourite cruise lines of our Marketing Manager, Jenny, who cruised to the Norwegian Fjords in her early 20's and fell in love with the atmosphere onboard. The higher age limit may have something to do with the convenience of being able to cruise directly from many ports around the UK, such as Liverpool, Newcastle and Greenock - negating the need for lengthy airport queues and waiting times.

Gratuities are typically charged at £5.00 per person, per day for all guests aged 12 and over. This amount is divided equally between your stewardess and restaurant waiter and will be automatically added to your onboard account. While these gratuities are much appreciated, they are completely voluntary. If you’d prefer to adjust or remove them, you can do so easily by visiting Guest Services onboard the ship. Alternatively, you are also welcome to tip staff personally if you’d rather.

For those sailing on cruises before 2026, Fred Olsen are confident that you’ll want to show your appreciation for the high level of service provided by the onboard team.

For your convenience, you can also pre-pay gratuities before your cruise. Should you wish to pre-pay, simply let us know at the time of booking. If you decide to do so later, you can arrange pre-payment up until 5 days before departure by contacting our Guest Services team at [email protected] or by calling us directly.

For those booked on a Freedom Fare, on a cruise departing from January 2026, gratuities will be included in your cruise fare.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a distinctive cruise experience, but it is not typically classified as a "luxury" cruise line in the traditional sense.

Instead, Fred. Olsen focuses on providing a more intimate, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere with exceptional service. The ships are smaller, allowing for a more personalised experience, which appeals to guests seeking a more traditional and comfortable cruise. While they offer high-quality service, delicious dining options, and a range of onboard amenities, their offerings are generally considered more "premium" rather than luxury.

If you're looking for a cruise line that provides a luxurious and high-end experience with ultra-modern ships, large suites, and opulent décor, there are other lines that might be more fitting. However, Fred. Olsen is ideal for those who want a friendly, unpretentious cruise with fantastic service, beautiful destinations, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Fred. Olsen offers a variety of cruise packages, some of which are all-inclusive, while others are not. In general, the cruise price includes meals, accommodation, entertainment, and access to many onboard facilities. However, drinks, shore excursions, and certain speciality dining options may come with an additional cost. It's best to check the specific cruise package for full details.
For those booked on a Freedom Fare, on a cruise departing from January 2026, selected house beer (by the glass), selected red, white and rosé wine (by the glass), and draught soft drinks, included with lunch and dinner. Available with waiter service only in selected venues, including the main, casual dining and speciality restaurants. Non-alcoholic options are also available.

The number of formal nights on a Fred. Olsen cruise depends on the length of the voyage.

Guests will find the exact number of formal nights, including any themed events, detailed on their cruise ticket.

3 nights or less - Smart casual throughout

3 - 4 nights - Captain's Welcome Party, but no formal nights

5 - 6 nights - Captain's Welcome Party + 1x formal night

7- 12 nights - Captain's Welcome Party + 2x formal nights

13- 20 nights - Captain's Welcome Party + 3x formal nights

22 nights+ - Captain's Welcome Party + 1x formal night each week

Tea and coffee making facilities are available in all cabin types. Plus, self-service tea and coffee is available in selected venues. Speciality teas and coffees can be found at select venues, but incur a cost.

To make packing easier, Fred. Olsen provides a selection of toiletries in every bathroom aboard their ships. These include:

• Liquid hand wash
• Body wash and shower gel
• Hand & body lotion dispensers (available in Owners, Premier, and Marquee Suites)

Additionally, items such as shower caps, shoe mitts, sewing kits, and vanity kits are available on request.

Each ship also features a Port Shop, where guests can purchase any essentials they may need or have forgotten to bring for their holiday.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a range of regional UK departure ports to make cruising more accessible for guests across the country. These ports include:

• Southampton – The most popular departure port for a wide range of cruises, including to Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond.
• Dover – Convenient for cruises to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Baltic.
• Liverpool – Perfect for cruises to destinations such as the British Isles, Norway, and Northern Europe.
• Newcastle – A great option for cruises to the Baltic, Scandinavia, and Europe.
• Edinburgh (Rosyth) – Ideal for exploring the British Isles, Norway, and Northern Europe.
• Portsmouth – Offering cruises to the Christmas Markets, Northern Europe, Canary Islands and beyond.

These regional ports make Fred. Olsen’s cruises more accessible, providing convenient departure points for guests from all parts of the UK

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a diverse range of destinations, allowing guests to explore some of the world’s most captivating and beautiful locations. Their carefully crafted itineraries sail to:

• Adriatic - Discover the stunning coastline and charming cities of the Adriatic region.
• Africa - Embark on exciting adventures to destinations like South Africa, Namibia, and beyond.
• Amazon - Cruise the mighty Amazon River, exploring the wonders of the South American rainforest.
• Arctic - Experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of Arctic Norway, Greenland and Iceland. Opportunities to see polar wildlife, volcanic activity and stunning glaciers abound!
• Asia - Explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Asia, from Japan to Thailand and Vietnam -
• Australasia - Discover the vibrant cities and natural wonders of Australia and New Zealand.
• Azores - Visit the picturesque islands of the Azores, with their volcanic landscapes and lush greenery.
• Baltic - Sail through the historic cities of the Baltic region, including St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Copenhagen.
• British Isles - Explore the scenic beauty and rich heritage of the British Isles, from Scotland to Cornwall.
• Canary Islands - Enjoy the sunshine, volcanic landscapes, and sandy beaches of the Canary Islands.
• Caribbean - Relax on the tropical beaches and vibrant islands of the Caribbean, including Barbados and St. Lucia.
• Europe - Explore iconic European destinations, from Spain and Italy to the fjords of Norway and beyond.
• Iberia - Cruise along the Iberian Peninsula, with visits to Spain and Portugal.
• Indian Ocean - Discover paradise islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives.
• Mediterranean - Experience the rich history and beautiful landscapes of the Mediterranean region, from Greece to Italy.
• North America - Cruise the eastern and western coasts of North America, including the USA and Canada.
• Northern Europe - Explore the stunning landscapes and cities of Northern Europe, from Iceland to Scandinavia.
• Scandinavia - Enjoy the natural beauty of Scandinavia, including Norway’s fjords, Sweden’s picturesque towns, and Denmark’s capital.
• South and Central America - Embark on a journey to vibrant South and Central American destinations, including Brazil and Costa Rica.

No matter which region you choose, Fred. Olsen’s cruises offer personalised service and the chance to visit unique and unforgettable locations around the world.