How Fred. Olsen is offering more value for money in 2026

There’s nothing worse than arriving on a cruise ready to relax, only to be caught off guard by everything that isn’t included. It’s hard to ease into holiday mode when you’re fretting about unplanned expenses, trying to work out exchange rates or weighing up the cost of every glass of wine.

It’s particularly irksome when you should be marvelling at some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic or sipping rosé on the French Riviera.

With Fred. Olsen’s approach, you can stay focused on the experience, not the bill. From the get-go, this cruise line is transparent about exactly what is and isn’t covered. And in 2026, they’re taking things further, with new steps to make pricing simpler, clearer and more inclusive. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s currently included in Fred. Olsen's Freedom Fares?

The clue is in the name: Freedom Fares are all about giving you the freedom to enjoy your holiday without doing mental maths every time you order something. By bundling key perks into the upfront price, Fred. Olsen removes the faff of constant add-ons. No tallying, no surprises.

Here’s what’s included:

• Full board dining, with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfasts and afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes
• Self-service tea and coffee throughout the day
• Evening entertainment, from cabaret shows to live music and dancing
• Enrichment talks and guest lectures from local experts on all cruises longer than 14 nights
• A varied programme of daytime activities, such as cooking demonstrations
• Use of onboard leisure facilities, including pools, hot tubs, the fitness centre and fitness classes.
• In-cabin sandwiches and snacks
• Room service for suite guests and Oceans members
• Free shuttle service when the port is over a mile from the ship
• Guided walks in selected destinations
• All UK port taxes and luggage porterage
• Flights, when you book a fly-cruise holiday

As a bonus, all onboard pricing is in sterling, so whether you treat yourself to a Martini masterclass or spa treatment, you’ll avoid any unwelcome surprises courtesy of exchange rate fluctuations.

And for even further peace of mind, there’s a satisfaction guarantee. If, after a couple of days, you find the cruise isn’t right for you, Fred. Olsen will fly you home from the next available port, and your fare will be refunded in full.

What's new in 2026?

From January onwards, you’ll no longer have to even entertain the idea of pulling your wallet out should you like a drink to complement your meal. Selected house beers, red, white and rosé wine, along with non-alcoholic options, will be complimentary with lunch and dinner at a selection of onboard restaurants.

Gratuities will also be included, meaning no more awkward calculations at the end of your trip. It’s all taken care of, start to finish.

Which Fred. Olsen cruise should I take in 2026?

Looking to make the most of the added value? With over 100 sailings lined up for 2026, Fred. Olsen has plenty to choose from – here are three that really stand out.

Northern Spain with the Solar Eclipse

Sailing from Southampton on August 10th, this adults-only 10-night cruise is designed around a rare celestial moment: a total solar eclipse, due to take place on August 12th. On the day, the ship will be in a location specifically chosen to give you front-row views of the moon passing directly in front of the sun, turning day to night for a few surreal minutes.

Special glasses will be provided so you can view the phenomenon safely, and onboard astronomers from Go Stargazing will be on hand to explain what’s happening in real time. They’ll also lead laser-guided tours of the constellations and share tales of nautical navigation using the stars.

When you’re not oohing and ahhing at the sky, you’ll be exploring ports across the Iberian Peninsula, including La Coruña, Vigo and Lisbon. Think seafood suppers, hillside panoramas and cobbled old towns.

The Freedom Fare begins at £1,699 per person, at the time of writing.

Festive France and Belgium

Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral sets off on a six-night sailing from Southampton on the 10th of December, bound for festive riverside towns. From the moment you step ashore, expect fir trees strung with glittering lights, the scent of chestnuts and squares lined with wooden stalls selling steaming mugs of mulled wine (or vin chaud or bisschopswijn, depending on who you ask), chocolates and handcrafted gifts.

Thanks to the ship's smaller size, you’ll sail right along the Seine to Rouen and up the Scheldt to Antwerp, docking close to each city’s centre. With overnight stays in both ports, there’s plenty of time to explore by day and soak up the seasonal atmosphere after dark. Rouen’s Christmas market takes place against the dramatic backdrop of a Gothic cathedral, while Antwerp’s takes over the historic Grote Markt, complete with an ice-skating rink and towering tree.

The Freedom Fare begins at £599 per person, at the time of writing.

You Choose your Cruise 

Not sure where you want to go? This no-fly, adults-only sailing lets you decide along the way. Back by popular demand, the 10-night itinerary is shaped by passengers, who vote between two possible destinations for each stop.

For example, you might find yourself docking at Getxo, near Bilbao, for world-class art at the Guggenheim and a taste of the Basque country’s haute cuisine – or instead, you could head to Santander, known for its grand plazas, maritime history and prehistoric caves.

The Freedom Fare begins at £999 per person, at the time of writing.

Book your 2026 Fred. Olsen cruise

Already dreaming of cosmic displays, storybook Christmas markets and choose-your-own-adventure itineraries? Now is the time to book – and with more perks included in your Freedom Fare, there’s even more to look forward to.