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

Days 2-3

At sea

Day 4

Ålesund

Perched on Norway's rugged coastline, Ålesund beckons with its captivating blend of history and natural beauty. This charming town rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1904, resulting in its unique Art Nouveau architecture, a testament to rebirth and resilience. Blessed with a temperate maritime climate, Ålesund offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat, inviting cruisegoers to explore its picturesque streets and waterfront promenades. For those seeking an authentic experience, Ålesund's proximity to the majestic Sunnmøre Alps provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to exhilarating fjord cruises. Don't miss the chance to savor locally caught seafood delicacies, a true taste of Norwegian coastal cuisine.

Day 5

Day 6

Narvik

Day 7

Sortland, Vesteralen Islands

Days 8-9

Tromsø

Day 10

Harstad

Days 11-12

At sea

Day 13

Bergen

Tucked away along Norway's stunning coastline, Bergen invites you to uncover its vibrant history and cultural tapestry. Once a thriving hub of trade for the Hanseatic League, this city's storied past echoes through its narrow alleyways and picturesque harbors. With a temperate maritime climate, Bergen offers a refreshing respite from the ordinary, where crisp sea air mingles with the scent of pine forests. Its rugged landscapes beckon adventurers, while its authentic markets and cozy cafes promise an immersive local experience. As the gateway to the fjords, Bergen unveils a world of natural wonders, including the iconic UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, a testament to its maritime heritage.

Days 14-15

At sea

Day 16

Southampton

Day 1

Southampton

Days 2-3

At sea

Day 4

Ålesund

Day 5

Ålesund

Day 5

Ålesund

Day 5

Ålesund

Day 6

Narvik

Day 7

Sortland, Vesteralen Islands

Days 8-9

Tromsø

Day 10

Harstad

Days 11-12 At sea

At sea

Day 13

Bergen

Days 14-15 At sea

At sea

Day 16

Southampton

1353

Passengers

642

Crew

1997

Launched

2022

Last refit

61849t

Tonnage

238m

Length

34m

Width

22kts

Speed

Decks

GBP

Currency

Borealis

Sister ship of our flagship Bolette, Borealis joined us 2020, and is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.

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