Name: Scenic Summertime Scottish Isles
Brand: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Rating: 4.5 (66 reviews)

Overview

From Southampton, Balmoral, a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ship, whisks you away on a 10-night journey through the waters of Europe and Scotland. With Rosyth, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, and Belfast on the map, plus 2 sea days to decompress between calls, this route has real variety. Whether it's exploring towns and cities ashore or unwinding on deck, this Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sailing delivers variety at every turn. Prices start at £1,458 per person for this 10-night Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines voyage.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

With more than 175 years of know-how behind it, this heritage brand has the expertise to deliver quality cruising with strong, customer-friendly value. It's known for its ideally sized ships and caters to a broad range of guests, including couples, solo travellers and families. It also offers a wide selection of carefully curated itineraries, from no-fly mini cruises from the UK to mystery cruises in the Mediterranean.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Southampton

Imagine setting sail from Southampton on a grand world cruise, a journey that promises unparalleled adventure and relaxation across the globe. As your ship departs, you'll feel the excitement of exploring distant shores and experiencing diverse cultures. Each day brings new horizons, from the bustling markets of Asia to the serene beauty of the South Pacific islands. Onboard, enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities that cater to your every need, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is captivating. A world cruise from Southampton isn't just a holiday; it's a collection of life-changing experiences wrapped into one magnificent voyage

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Rosyth

Day 4

At sea

Day 5

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Day 6

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Sat on the rugged coastline of the Isle of Lewis, Stornoway welcomes cruisegoers with tales steeped in Gaelic lore and seafaring traditions. Its history is intertwined with the resilient spirit of its people, from ancient clans to modern-day fishermen. The climate, shaped by the North Atlantic, offers a raw authenticity, with wild winds and dramatic skies painting a vivid backdrop for exploration. Visitors seeking an escape from tourist hotspots find solace in Stornoway's unspoiled landscapes and genuine hospitality. As a unique fact, Stornoway boasts the title of the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, a testament to its significance in Scotland's maritime heritage.

Day 7

Portree, Isle of Skye

Day 8

Day 9

Belfast

In Belfast, the echoes of its shipbuilding legacy reverberate through time, beckoning travelers to explore its maritime heritage. Amidst the bustling streets, whispers of the Titanic's construction resonate, reminding visitors of the city's pivotal role in maritime history. The climate, kissed by the Irish Sea's bracing winds, offers a refreshing escape for those seeking an authentic experience. Beyond the typical tourist haunts, Belfast unveils hidden gems, from traditional pubs echoing with lively tunes to quaint cobblestone streets steeped in character. As a showcase for Northern Ireland's resilience, Belfast's vibrant spirit endures, captivating cruisegoers with its unwavering charm.

Day 10

At sea

Day 11

Southampton

Day 1

Southampton

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Rosyth

Day 4

At sea

Day 5

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Day 6

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Day 7

Portree, Isle of Skye

Day 8

Portree, Isle of Skye

Day 8

Portree, Isle of Skye

Day 9

Belfast

Day 10

At sea

Day 11

Southampton

1250

Passengers

537

Crew

1987

Launched

2024

Last refit

43537t

Tonnage

218m

Length

32m

Width

18kts

Speed

Decks

GBP

Currency

Balmoral

Our smallest ship, Balmoral, is a classic gem, offering an intimate cruising experience. She has wonderful facilities - five beautiful restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and lovely wide open decks which are perfect for when Balmoral is scenic cruising.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Memorable world crise

Exceptional experience lasting 110 days crusing the Southern hemisphere. Cannot fault Fred Olsen. As a solo traveller special events were put on for us. Port talks were informative. Specialist speakers and entertainment was on a rolling programme. Various classes for dancing,craft,deck games, events were provided fir the whole trip. Optional port excursions well thought out. A truly wonderful experience. Well done FredOksen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Bolette

Reviews

Great ship and great service

We had heard so many good things about Fred Olsen we decided to do a short cruise to give them a try. On 22nd May we boarded Bolette and were very pleasantly surprised at how spacious the community areas were. We had a window cabin which we found quite spacious with lot’s of proper wardrobe space. There was a small refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. The bathroom had a spacious walk in shower compared to many other ships we had been on. Believe it or not there was still a nightly turn down service which has now gone from many ships due to cost cutting. The theatre was I think the best I had seen on any ship and they had some very good entertainment on board. The dining room was great with an upper and lower level with very attentive staff. The menu had certain things on that were on there daily but also with quite a comprehensive menu which changed every day (unlike a lot of the bigger ships I have been on)to suit all tastes. My only disappointment was the fact that they had two sittings for dinner but I would have liked to see an open sitting scheme. I am not a buffet person but I think this is the best buffet I have seen on any of the ships I have been on. We did not try it fully just on the first and last day. Overall I was very impressed.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Bolette

Reviews

Fred at its best

Lovely cruise, staff amazing, food superb ship clean and tidy, staff always smiling . Can’t wait for our next cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral

Reviews

Absolutely fantastic

I recently went on a 5 day cruise, with Fred Olsen on the Borealis. We went to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The whole experience was great. Loved the sea days. Especially the 10am craft classes. The lady leading the class really knew her stuff. I did my own thing in Rotterdam and a Fred Olsen excursion in Amsterdam. Again very well organised and a knowledgeable guide.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Borealis

Reviews

Borealis to Cartagena

Fabulous, only slightly spoiled by a faulty mooring line capstan winch that had inadequate maintenance resulting in horrid noises late at night when the sea conditions got rough, also the Portuguese dock workers strikes at the time that meant we had a day at Queta instead, which was a fabulous alternative. The cruise was a little pricey compared to our usual Ambassador Cruise Line, and missed out on offers from FOCL of £200 per cabin free OBC by just a week when they started extra promotions to sell remaining cabins. Our next cruise will be back with ACL as they are better in Customer considerations of the need for my wife to take a small mobility scooter on board, to enable getting about easier at the ports of call. Most aspects of the FOCL cruise were absolutely superb, however both ACL and FOCL could improve significantly if they really looked at each others operations with little or no extra input.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Borealis

Reviews

Lovely relaxing time.

Lucky we were on this ship, the weather wasn’t brilliant on this cruise to the Canaries but we were well looked after, food good (especially Colours & Tastes Asian Fusion), good shows. Fireworks in Lisbon worked better than the previous year on a different ship.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Borealis

Reviews

A tired old ship

As with all cruise lines the staff were mainly very friendly. Food ok though often lukewarm. All inclusive drinks very limited although that will have changed with FO's new policy. Cabin was frankly shabby but functional. Be prepared for a very senior demographic.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Borealis

Reviews

Best of scenic cruising

Fabulous cruise to Croatia, weather was very hot, accommodation, scaffolding and food all excellent

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Borealis