Fred. Olsen Cruises

482 Reviews
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line

About Fred. Olsen Cruises

A family business since 1948, Norwegian-owned Fred. Olsen Cruises caters mainly to mature Brits, offering midsized ships sailing from U.K. ports as well as fly-cruises all over the world. The line is known for its classic style of cruising, with a fashionable but unflashy atmosphere.

  • More about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

  • Who goes on Fred. Olsen cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Fred. Olsen cruise?

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Fred. Olsen Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Fred. Olsen cruise ships?

Fred. Olsen appeals mainly to Brits over 65, with entertainment and activities geared to this demographic. A smattering of North Americans can also be found onboard, and in summer, multigenerational families are encouraged to join cruises operating in the school holidays.

Cruisers who choose Fred. Olsen want comfort rather than glitz and are not overfussed about fripperies like balcony cabins, butler service and multiple dining choices. The friendly atmosphere onboard also means a lot of solo travelers are attracted to the line.

Do I have to dress up on a Fred. Olsen cruise?

Yes, there is a dress code. Most evenings are smart-casual, which means collared shirts and chinos or smart jeans for men and dresses or separates for ladies -- just no shorts, sleeveless T-shirts or tracksuits.

Formal nights -- usually one per cruise -- require black tie or black suit and tie for men (and the tie rule is enforced in the dining room!) and cocktail or long dresses for ladies. There are also occasional theme nights, like a red, white and blue British night.

Is everything free on Fred. Olsen cruises?

No. Drinks, crew tips, spa treatments, some exercise classes, specialty restaurants, the formal afternoon tea and excursions cost extra.

What are Fred. Olsen’s most popular activities?

Passengers on Fred. Olsen tend to be traditional, so classic cruise activities, including quizzes and lectures, bridge lessons and tournaments, and arts and crafts sessions, are, by far, the most popular. Dancing is also in demand, with gentlemen dance hosts onboard and regular ballroom and Latin American sessions.

Why go with Fred. Olsen?

  • Midsized, midpriced classic ships with onboard activities geared to British tastes
  • Departures from a wide variety of U.K. ports to destinations worldwide
  • Known for the friendliness of the mainly Filipino crew

Best for: Mature, budget-minded Brits who don't need brand-new ships to keep them happy

Not for: Party animals, anyone looking for cruising's latest and greatest high-energy activities

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Cruiser Reviews

Shaky start to otherwise excellent cruise

Booked this cruise over a year ago to go in search of the northern lights.Relocation cruise prior to ours was cancelled due to an outbreak of gastrointestinal cases.Read More
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Paulmac190

many10+ Cruises

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Age 61s

Disappointing decline in Fred Olsens standards

O in 2021 the food and service was first class, and despite the issues above surprised that 52% of these Fred Olsen reviews are now 1 star.Such details matter, and showed a general lack of care, was glad able to get refund Amsterdam excursion booked (due to itinerary change ship did not go Amsterdam) as lacked confidence walking involved would be as stated ‘less than quarter mile’.Read More
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Aqualady321

couple2-5 Cruises

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Age 57s

Christmas markets cruise

Service was excellent, plates cleared immediately no long wait for anything.If there is any illness then an announcement is usually made and self service is stopped, staff wear masks and extra sanitation takes place.Read More
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3 Bees

few6-10 Cruises

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Age 73s

A very disappointing cruise

So such a shame, as Gold Ocean Club members we have had 170 nights on Fred Olsen ships, most of them on Balmoral and will not return.For our first cruise post covid we chose to return to our favourite ship, Balmoral, to celebrate our joint 80th birthdays.Read More
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andrewlgc

many10+ Cruises

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Age 81s

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