Talks & Education
Guest Speakers
We're often joined on board our ships by port experts and guest speakers to talk our guests through a range of subjects and topics, such as history, geography, aviation, wine tasting and foods of the world.
On all cruises our informative Port Talks will be available for our guests to enjoy in preparation for arrival into each port. Our knowledgable lecturers share information to help guests make the most of their time ashore, while on some sailings, there are lectures that delve deeper into specific destinations on the itinerary too.
Travels to Come
Unlike other cruise companies who sail the same routes year after year, we are constantly researching and hand-crafting new itineraries. On every cruise we run a programme designed to inspire travel, where you can find out about the development of our new itineraries. Don't worry, these are not sales talks or "exit through the gift shop" ruses - just an opportunity for travel enthusiasts to daydream about what is yet to come.
Fred. Olsen Book Club
With ample time and space to relax, many of our Guests make the most of the opportunity to get stuck in to a good book during your cruise holiday. This is why to enhance reading enrichment further, we have introduced the Fred. Olsen Book Club on selected sailings, a chance to talk all things ‘bookish’ with like-minded people. Hosted by the Entertainment Managers and their Team, the Book Club provides a welcoming, social space in which you can openly and informally discuss thoughts and views on bestselling lighter reads, crime-thrillers and traditional or contemporary classics.
With ample time and space to relax, many of our Guests make the most of the opportunity to get stuck in to a good book during a cruise holiday on board one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller, friendlier ships. This is why to enhance reading enrichment further, we have introduced the Fred. Olsen Book Club on selected sailings, a chance to talk all things ‘bookish’ with like-minded people.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and discover the hidden secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship. You'll gain special access to areas usually off-limits to guests, offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of our vessel. Venture into the Galley to see how our chefs prepare your delicious meals, learn what it takes to manage the stores and laundry room, and enjoy visits to the Engine Control Room and the Bridge. Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet and speak with our dedicated crew members, gaining insights into life on board and hearing their stories first-hand. You will also receive a keepsake lanyard and a professional photo to commemorate your adventure. To ensure the most enjoyable, immersive experience, we have limited this tour to just 12 spaces.
Approx. 2 hours | £49pp
Arts & Workshops
The Olsen Art Studio
Bringing the Olsen family's appreciation of art to life, The Olsen Art Studio on board Borealis is a light and airy space filled with arts and crafts materials for a variety of projects. For those guests who love to paint or draw at home and would like to refine their skills whilst at sea, or who perhaps used to enjoy art in the past and wish to take it up again, or have a particular craftring interest, then this is the perfect place to hone your skills.
The studio will host classes and activities guided by different instructors, as well as providing an open space for guests to work on their own particular projects.
Dance Classes
For many of our guests, the time spent on the dance-floor is one of the highlights of their days on board our smaller ships. So its no wonder that our Dance Classes – hosted by our wonderful Entertainment teams – always prove popular.Show less
Our instructors teach a variety of dancing styles, from line dancing to ballroom and sequence dancing, helping guests to learn and perfect their steps and moves before they head for their ship's lounges in the evening to dance the night away.
A Celebration of Dance at Sea
A vibrant, feel-good celebration of dance, this special sailing brings together ballroom, Latin, line-dancing and so much more, all with a touch of festive sparkle. Designed for everyone, not just dancers, it offers the chance to watch, learn, take part or simply soak up the energy. Olivier Award-winning choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips and professional dancer Ian Waite will join us on board for special events, including ‘An Audience With’ sessions and meet-and-greets, while Ian will also host an exclusive masterclass. Enjoy workshops, social dance sessions, film screenings, production shows and visiting entertainers, before a Gatsby- inspired finale party with a festive twist. Between the on-board highlights, discover Amsterdam’s seasonal charm and Honfleur’s harbourside beauty.
Sun 13 Dec-Fri 18 Dec
Food & Drink
Cookery Demonstrations
On board Bolette and Borealis, our expert chefs and teams from the Galley host cooking demonstrations to showcase their culinary craft and provide a taste of the skill and passion that goes into every meal served at our dining venues.
Guests can take a seat at the spacious Auditorium to watch, listen and learn how to make some of their favourite Fred. Olsen dishes, as the chefs take them through each step of their creation, from preparation to plate.
Tasting Events
Hosted by our Sommeliers, Tasting Sessions* on board our smaller ships offer a fascinating insight into the production processes, scents and flavours of some of the world's finest tipples.Show less
The Tasting Sessions on your cruise could include opportunities to sample everything from delicious wines and Champagne to whiskey and a range of spirits, while occasionally our experts will also teach you the art of pairing food and drink to create combinations that perfectly blend the nuances of their flavour.
