Take a look below at our Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines infographic for 5 reasons you should consider cruising with this traditional British cruise company.
A FAMILY OWNED COMPANY SINCE 1848
Fred. Olsen is a Norwegian family owned and run company since 1848 with their first cruise sailing taking place in 1987.
Today, the corporation is based in Suffolk, England and embarks from 10 UK ports including Belfast, Dover, Greenock, Leith, Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton. This makes it convenient for the British passenger as there is no need to fly and pay for excess luggage.
Their ships sail all over the world with an emphasis on the British Isles, Mediterranean, the Baltic, Norway and Africa. Cruise holidays to the Caribbean are available in the winter months.
A cruise holiday onboard the Balmoral, Boudicca, Black Watch or the Braemar is unique and offers a refreshing change. Fred.Olsen concentrate on a more focused approach to the passenger and can do so as their ships accommodate far less people than some of the other major lines.
With a small passenger to staff ratio and travelling to remote destinations, this has caused a jump in popularity for the brand, proving that smaller is better.
Their ships interiors reflect traditional design features. Dressing for dinner on formal nights is required. There is also an endless amount of entertainment options available too.
While other cruise lines are building mega ships that carry more than 3000 passengers, Fred.Olsen’s success story of time honoured style speaks for itself.
Written by Veronica Shine
Cruised with Fred. Olsen before? Let us know below.
11 Responses
Went on the Black Watch three years ago on my own and met some lovely people.
Braemar for me. Never been on one of the new fancy liners as they look like amusement parks.
We only cruise with Fred. Food and service is always good but be careful before you book as some cabins can be a little noisy.
Having sailed, for the first time with Fred Olsen ,on Boudicca, out of Belfast, I was absolutley disgusted.
A stinking, norovirus infected ship, which every crew member tried to bluff over. When the dining room is only half full, I know something is not right.
The Captain wouldn’t even shake hands with guests at the cocktail party (he could have worn gloves).
No announcements regarding the outbreak, but my daughter sent me a text saying that it was on the news re the outbreak! She said it was reported that 70 plus people were infected, but I think 170 would be nearer the truth.
Hi just returned from Africa on the Braemar and met some very friendly people and had great food.
A very friendly crew and a great drinks package.
The only negative side was the size of the shower and I’m only a small man but all in all ok.
Have been on many Fred Olsen cruises. Off to South Africa in January.
Have travelled by myself many times on their ships.
They are small enough to meet people and easy to find your way around.
Can recommend to anyone who is looking for a good holiday at reasonable price.
Not the ship that causes norovirus, usually a passenger brings it on.
No problem with me regarding the captain not shaking hands, they are only looking after the passengers.
Fred Olsen are the best.
I travelled on the Boudicca with my son Nicholas.
He was ten and I can honestly say that we had a fab time.
All the staff were friendly and professional they looked after us and our waiter Con we was great, nothing was too much trouble, the lady who did our room was also great.
The Captain was kind and on our side when this man was cruel to my son. Barnaby the comedian was so funny and Adam the pianist was nice and played a mean tune.
Marlene Graham
Also great food and lots of it.
so much choice.
I have travelled on three cruises with Fred, one on the Balmoral and the last two on the Braemar.
I have enjoyed every one. The ships are not too big, so therefore you meet different people and see them again and again.
It is such a friendly line, the staff are tremendous, and nothing is too much trouble.
The food is of a very high standard, and I am a “food snob” ! and I cannot complain about anything I have been supplied with.
The entertainment has been first class, particularly from the ‘resident’ entertainers, who are also very friendly to all the passengers.
There is just one small point one could class as a negative, and that is that there are insufficient balcony cabins at affordable prices, especially for the single traveller (me !!).
But this is a minor point. God willing, I will be back again in the future.
I have been twice on Boudicca. Last year we went to Norway, fantastic and friendly ship.
Also had a drinks package for £6 per person!