Ambassador Cruise Line operates 3 ships carrying 1,100-1,400 passengers with adults-only focus, whilst Fred Olsen runs 4 smaller vessels accommodating 800-1,350 guests welcoming all ages. Ambassador features modern amenities and Mediterranean/Caribbean routes, whereas Fred Olsen emphasises traditional cruising with Norwegian fjords and European coastal itineraries. Both offer regional UK departures with no-fly convenience
I’ve cruised on both now and they’re completely different beasts, really. Fred Olsen felt like proper old-fashioned cruising, lovely but a bit creaky, with lots of elderly passengers and that cosy British feel. Ambassador was much more polished and modern. The adults-only bit was brilliant, no screaming kids, decent food and everything felt fresher. But I have to say, there was something quite sweet about Fred Olsen’s old-school charm. Honestly? I’d pick Ambassador for the Med, but Fred Olsen might be perfect for Norway. Just depends if you want modern comfort or that traditional cruise ship nostalgia.
Want to know more about Ambassador’s sophisticated adults-only cruises, their smaller ships, no-fly departures from eight regional UK ports and unique destinations? Read our full Ambassador Cruises Guide.
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Ship Size and Atmosphere: Intimate vs Traditional
The fundamental difference between these two British cruise lines boils down to philosophy and passenger experience. Ambassador’s three ships, Ambition, Ambience and Renaissance, feel refreshingly modern with contemporary décor and streamlined layouts. At 1,100-1,400 passengers, they strike that sweet spot where you’re not queuing for everything but there’s still enough choice to keep things interesting.
Fred Olsen’s fleet includes Bolette, Borealis, Balmoral and Braemar and here’s where it gets interesting. These ships have character, some might say quirks. Borealis started life as a Holland America ship, whilst Bolette began with Royal Caribbean. You can feel the history in the corridors and I rather like that lived-in feeling, though some prefer Ambassador’s pristine newness.
Here’s something most people don’t realise: Fred Olsen’s smaller ship size means they can squeeze into ports that larger cruise lines simply cannot reach. I’ve watched Balmoral navigate into tiny Norwegian harbours where bigger ships anchor offshore and tender passengers in. It’s proper adventure cruising.
Itineraries: Mediterranean Glamour vs Nordic Adventures
Ambassador focuses heavily on the Mediterranean with some Caribbean thrown in, operating from eight UK ports including Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Bristol. Their itineraries tend towards the sun-soaked classics: Spanish coast, Greek islands, Italian riviera. They’ve also expanded into the Caribbean market, which Fred Olsen largely ignores.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines owns the Norwegian fjords market from the UK. Their captains know these waters intimately and honestly, no one does the Norwegian coast better. They also excel at those quirky itineraries to places like the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. Their smaller ships mean they can navigate right into Geiranger and Nærøyfjord, UNESCO World Heritage sites that larger vessels cannot access.
| Destination | Ambassador | Fred Olsen |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Extensive programme | Limited options |
| Norwegian Fjords | Basic offerings | Market leader |
| Caribbean | Growing programme | None |
| Baltic/Northern Europe | Some sailings | Excellent selection |
| Atlantic Islands | Limited | Canaries and Madeira focus |
Pricing: Value for Money Analysis
Ambassador typically charges premium pricing for their adults-only experience and frankly, you get what you pay for. Interior cabins start around £70-90 per person per night, whilst Fred Olsen can be found from £50-70 per night. However, Ambassador includes more in their base fare.
Here’s where it gets clever with Fred Olsen though. Their “All Inclusive” package bundles drinks, gratuities and wifi for around £35 per person per day. When you factor this in, the pricing becomes remarkably similar. Ambassador’s drink packages start at around £25 per day but don’t include premium spirits or speciality coffees.
- Ambassador includes more restaurants in base fare
- Fred Olsen charges extra for speciality dining
- Both offer similar excursion pricing
- Ambassador’s spa and wifi cost more
- Fred Olsen’s shore excursions often better value in Norway
Onboard Experience: Modern Luxury vs Traditional Charm
This is where personal preference really matters. Ambassador’s ships feel like floating boutique hotels. The Ambience has a lovely glass atrium, multiple pools and that adults-only serenity that’s pure gold if you’ve ever tried to read poolside with children doing bombing runs into the water.
Fred Olsen maintains that traditional cruise ship feel with formal nights, afternoon tea service and evening entertainment that harks back to cruising’s golden age. Their ships feel more like classic ocean liners, complete with promenade decks perfect for morning constitutional walks.
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The food deserves special mention. Ambassador’s cuisine feels more international with Asian fusion options and contemporary presentations. Fred Olsen sticks to hearty British fare with some continental touches. Their afternoon tea service is superior, whilst Ambassador wins on dinner variety.
Cabin Categories and Accommodation
Ambassador’s cabins feel more modern with contemporary styling, improved storage and better bathrooms. Even their interior cabins have that fresh, hotel-like feel. Fred Olsen’s accommodations vary dramatically by ship, with some cabins feeling rather dated whilst others have been beautifully refurbished.
One insider tip: Fred Olsen’s solo cabins offer exceptional value, often with minimal single supplements. Ambassador charges full single supplements on most sailings, making Fred Olsen the clear winner for solo travellers.
Entertainment and Activities
Ambassador focuses on sophisticated entertainment with West End-style shows, jazz evenings and guest lecturers. Their evening entertainment feels more polished and contemporary. Fred Olsen maintains traditional cruise ship entertainment with resident singers, dancers and that wonderfully British variety show format.
During sea days, Fred Olsen excels with traditional activities like deck quoits, bridge tournaments and those wonderfully sociable quiz afternoons. Ambassador offers more fitness classes, cookery demonstrations and wine tastings.
Service and Staff Standards
Both lines employ international crew, but the service philosophy differs markedly. Ambassador aims for boutique hotel service standards with attentive but unobtrusive staff. Fred Olsen maintains that friendly, chatty British service where crew members remember your name and your preferred drink.
Fred Olsen’s Filipino crew are particularly warm and welcoming, whilst Ambassador’s international team feels more professionally polished. Neither approach is superior, just different in style.
There’s also interesting differences when it comes to multi-generational sailing. 5 reasons to consider Fred Olsen Cruise include their excellent family facilities during school holidays, whilst Ambassador only welcomes children on selected multi-generational sailings and their Renaissance ship.
Port Selection and Embarkation
Both lines offer excellent regional UK departures, meaning no expensive flights or overnight hotel stays. Ambassador operates from eight UK ports whilst Fred Olsen typically uses four main departure points.
Here’s something most people miss: Ambassador’s embarkation process feels more streamlined and modern, whilst Fred Olsen maintains a more leisurely, traditional boarding experience. If you’re in a hurry, Ambassador wins. If you enjoy the anticipation and ceremony of embarkation, Fred Olsen delivers that old-school cruise ship magic.
Best Value Determination
Determining better value depends entirely on what you prioritise. For Mediterranean sun seekers wanting modern amenities and adult-only serenity, Ambassador delivers excellent value despite higher upfront costs. Their newer ships, contemporary cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere justify the premium pricing.
For Norwegian fjord enthusiasts, traditional cruise lovers or families with children, Fred Olsen offers superior value. Their intimate ship sizes, authentic cruise ship atmosphere and unmatched expertise in Northern European waters make them the obvious choice.
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Consider Ambassador if you want:
- Adults-only atmosphere
- Modern ship amenities
- Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries
- Contemporary dining options
- Polished service standards
Choose Fred Olsen if you prefer:
- Traditional cruising atmosphere
- Norwegian fjord expertise
- Family-friendly options
- Authentic British cruise experience
- Smaller ship intimacy
Bonus Tips for Getting the Best Deal
Here are some insider secrets I’ve learned over nearly two decades of British cruise experience:
Book Fred Olsen’s “All Inclusive” package at booking time rather than onboard – you’ll save around 15%. Their drinks package becomes remarkable value when you factor in premium spirits and speciality coffees.
Ambassador’s best deals come through their direct booking system, often with onboard credit thrown in. Their “Select Price” fares include dining packages and other perks that add significant value.
For Fred Olsen, the smaller Borealis offers the most authentic experience with excellent value, whilst Bolette provides the most modern amenities. Ambassador’s Ambience is their flagship with the best facilities, though Ambition offers identical itineraries at lower pricing.
Solo travellers should absolutely consider Fred Olsen first. Their solo cabin programme and minimal supplements make them unbeatable for single cruise passengers.
If you’re comparing these British cruise lines with other options, you might want to read about Ambassador vs Saga or Ambassador vs P&O Cruises for a broader perspective. For more detailed information about Ambassador’s fleet, check out our Ambassador Cruises compare ships guide.
Common Questions and FAQ
Do both cruise lines require formal wear for dinner?
Fred Olsen maintains traditional formal nights with jacket and tie requirements, whilst Ambassador has a more relaxed “smart casual” dress code with optional formal evenings. Ambassador never requires ties or formal wear as mandatory.
Which cruise line has better wifi connectivity?
Ambassador offers faster, more reliable wifi with streaming packages available, though it costs more. Fred Olsen’s wifi is adequate for emails and basic browsing but struggles with video calls or streaming services.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard either cruise line?
Fred Olsen allows one bottle of wine or champagne per cabin brought onboard at embarkation, whilst Ambassador prohibits all outside alcohol except for special dietary requirements with prior approval.
Which ships have the best medical facilities?
Both cruise lines maintain fully equipped medical centres with qualified doctors, but Fred Olsen’s longer experience and older passenger demographic means they often have more comprehensive medical support and better trained staff for age-related health issues.
Are gratuities automatically charged on both cruise lines?
Fred Olsen includes gratuities in their All Inclusive package or charges them automatically to your cabin account. Ambassador operates a voluntary gratuities policy with suggested amounts provided in your cabin, though you can adjust or remove these at guest services.
Which cruise line offers better shore excursion value in Norway?
Fred Olsen typically offers better value Norwegian excursions due to their local expertise and long-standing relationships with ground operators. Their guides often provide more detailed knowledge of Norwegian culture and history compared to Ambassador’s more generic tour offerings.
