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Fred. Olsen Cruise Line Borealis Deck Plans & Reviews

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line Borealis

Activities & entertainment

• Guest Services
• Destination Services *
• The Photo Gallery *
• Jewellery Shop *
• Boutiques *
• The Flower Shop *
• Port Shop *
• Future Cruise Information *
• The Bolette Card Room
• Atlantis Spa *
• Thermal Suite *
• Fitness Center
• Whirlpools (2)
• The Olsen Art Studio
• Sports Courts
• The Observatory
• Forecastle - Observation Area
• The Lookout - Observation Area
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Self-Service Laundry
• Medical Center
• Neptune Lounge
• The Auditorium
• Film Screenings
• Stand-Up Comedy
• Cabaret Shows
• Enrichment Lectures
• In-Room Entertainment
• Borealis Restaurant - Main
• Aurora Restaurant - Main
• The Indian Ocean Room Restaurant - Private Dining
• Colours & Tastes Restuarant - Asian Fusion *
• The Oriental Tea Room - Tea Bar *
• Afternoon Tea
• The Bookmark Cafe & Lounge - Coffee Bar *
• Piano Bar - Piano Bar *
• Morning Light Pub & Lounge - Cocktail Bar *
• Ocean Bar - Popular Bar *
• The Poolside Cafe - Pool Grill
• The Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Vasco Restaurant - Indian *
• The View Buffet Restaurant - Buffet
• The View Bar - Scenic Bar *
• Room Service

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Wish I hadn’t booked…

Not travelled yet. Booked for my wife’s “significant” birthday. Never been on a cruise before. I paid for a B grade superior cabin with a sea view… it appears it is a restricted view with a lifeboat in front of the window! 
I phoned up and asked if I could upgrade but told nothing was available. Then they phoned me and offered a cabin with a better view for £395! 
I guess if you get a saver fair which is £100 cheaper you get allocated the worst cabin that meets their grade. 
I could have sailed with P&O for less money, 2 more nights and a better cabin.
 Very disappointed.

Date of experience : 23 April 2024

Heartless Attitude

Not about the actual cruise but more about the heartless attitude of their staff. My mum and her husband booked a cruise for Aug 2024 and paid £1100 deposit. In Feb this year my step dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died within 2 weeks. My mum called up to cancel the cruise and request a refund and was advised to send the death certificate which we did then they advised they can only refund £200. Surely in this instance 6 months before they were due to go a better refund could be offered. Just an FYI I did what they said and contacted Stuart and his response was to claim off the travel insurance, so not only did they insisted we sent them the death certificate to be offered this paltry refund they have just wasted our time again in some vein way to make it look like they are doing something, they haven’t done anything

Date of experience : 29 February 2024

Reply from Fredolsencruises

Good morning, thank you for your comments, and we're so sorry for your loss. I have today spoken with our Guest Relations Manager who has requested that you email his team and they will look into this for you. Please can you email them at [email protected] for the attention of Stuart Foreman, and he or a member of his team will respond to you directly. Warm regards, Shona - Marketing

Canary Islands…

We have held off so far from publishing this on Trust Pilot and other social media, but after having read a lot of the reviews, feel this will fit in nicely. Where to start, hmm. Arrived in cabin to be met by twin beds. Booked a double room with double bed (check the phone conversation that I was told was recorded). Cannot move us because no cabin of this level was available. Stinky pillows which we asked to be replaced. They were replaced and we requested the new ones be left for the entire voyage. Not so, switched many times again with smelly pillows. Four nights of waiting for new pillows and rude customer service. Getting to bed around 1 a.m. nightly. Finally we ended up locking the good pillows in our suitcase in the morning and out again at night. Rather inconvenient don’t you think? Needed a bottle of water in cabin but although that was included in our package, wasn’t available and we had to deal with a karafe which we didn’t care for. A number of other issues such as tough meat every night and frankly the worst food we’ve ever had on a cruise. Cigarette smoke coming into our cabin. Unpleasant stains on carpet and chairs in cabin. Dirty decks. No coffee spoons at coffee station 3 times and nobody around. Sour milk at coffee station. Short days in port. Lack of cutlery at breakfast in dining room. Thin walls in cabins. Filthy windows. Stories of black mould and stained mattresses and pillows from several people. I filled in the “penny for your thoughts” postcard and took it to guest services and finally it caught someone’s attention. Suddenly a suite became available as somebody cancelled (seriously in the middle of a cruise). We were moved and it was a definite improvement We have been on loads of cruises (mainly Princess) but wanted a smaller ship as Princess ships are now so large. Sorry Fred Olsen, never again. Offered us £1000.00 off our next cruise. Still not enough to get us back and never on the Balmoral.

Date of experience : 01 February 2024

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're so sorry to read of your concerns. Here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our teams work really hard to make sure that our guests receive the best service possible, so we’d like to discuss your concerns further with you. Could you please email our Guest Relations team on [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so that they can take a look into this further for you? Thank you. – Shona, Marketing.

Outstanding - and great for Coeliac

This was our first cruise, and it was fantastic in every way. The scenery was incredible We saw the northern lights on 4 of the 9 nights on board The talks were great The entertainment was a brilliant standard and my highlight was the food ... incredible My husband is Coeliac, and they catered for him so well throughout the whole trip, without making him feel "different" and without getting "glutened" at all. It made the trip We already have out next one booked :)

Date of experience : 01 March 2024

Thank you for taking the time to offer us feedback on your recent cruise. We're delighted that you had such a wonderful time, and that you were able to see the Northern Lights so much, it's a very special sight and really magical. We're equally pleased that your husband was able to really enjoy the food on board, our teams work very hard to ensure our guests dietary needs are well catered for. We can't wait to welcome you back on board again soon. Warmest regards - Shona, Marketing

Must be No1 for Cruise from Hell!!

Booked the Northern Light Cruise from 14/2/24 to 28/2/24, on Balmoral. Advertised as luxury cruise with visits to four ports. Started well then due to bad ship hygiene we were plunged into the plague of Norovirus. This isolated many passengers in their cells. Everything on board apart from bars, restaurants and the theatre were banned for all passengers who were able to avoid the virus. We did as we spent most of our luxury holiday in our cabin. Then we were told bad weather would prevent anymore stops and began a 5 day slow paddle home. The Captain when questioned stated all he had to do was get the ship back to Southampton ready for the next cruise. This was untrue as a deep clean was required to rid the ship of the virus. They only allocated three days for such a deep clean, having had to cancel the follow on cruise from Southampton. I assume they must have had help from Mary Poppins to complete such a task, especially when you discover the history of the virus being present on Balmoral and other Fred ships. The cancellation of port visits is also a frequent occurrence.so Fred Olsen is advertising cruises which frequently do not do what is promised and paid for. Definitely not following consumer rights. We paid for a 14 night holiday and we’re only given a 6 day holiday. We have emailed Fred requesting compensation for a failed poor quality holiday. They have said sorry and will inform the various heads of departments but do not think we are entitled to compensation. They appear to be ignoring our emails now which is consistent with other passenger complaints. I think we now need to escalate our request. Any future first time travellers on Fred ships and read reviews BEWARE AND MAKE USE OF YOUR BARGEPOLE.

Date of experience : 14 February 2024

If Union Jack themed nights with OAPs are yr thing, you'll love it.

'Hotel' aspects ie restaurants & cabins generally good though very irritated to find that 'the last two cabins' one of which I was urged to book was also a sales technique used on another passenger. Food heavily dairy & meat based. Passengers mainly elderly & in varying stages of immobility. Entertainment pretty dire unless themed nights including dressing up in Union Jacks & singing we'll meet again are yr bag. Port stops interesting but badly organised. Swingeing single supplement made it expensive for what it was.

Date of experience : 27 January 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent cruise - we're sorry that you felt it wasn't as you'd expected. If you'd like to discuss your cruise with our Guest Relations team, please email us at [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned and we'll pass it over to them for you. Warm regards, Shona - Marketing.

Balmoral. Worst Cruise we have ever experienced

Went on the Northern Lights 14th to 28th February 2024 on Balmoral and to be honest we wouldn`t even give it 1 star. First few days were okay but once Norovirus hit we`ve never with all the cruising we have done witnessed such a catastrophic disorganised crew as we experienced on Balmoral. Missed 2 ports due to bad weather, what a joke, apparently tried 3 other ports but the passengers were not informed of anything, we only know this because Guest Relations has told us once we were home and this complaint had gone to them. The virus was completely out of control, really poor cleaning, managers wandering around with absolutely no clue what to do. We were informed by the Captain that all the crew were trained for such issues, well i`m sorry but NO. Still saw passengers and crew hugging, public toilets were supposed to be manned but the crew didn`t want to get cold so stood round the corner. Gel was everywhere but this does nothing to stop the spread (NHS website) tables were generally wiped but what about the chairs. Mixed messages and for 6 days all we heard was a recorded message from the Captain. Passengers still handling tongs even though the self service was taken away, i even had to tell one passenger the new rules, what was worse a senior member of the crew was standing right next to me and said nothing. Many passengers having room service due to the virus with crew going into rooms dressed in full ppe. Guest Services a complete waste of time as they had no idea what to do. We`ve sailed on ships with other cruise-lines straight after lockdown and they did a great job of trying to keep Covid and Norovirus at bay hence we didn`t have any issues. Fred Olsen think they are a great cruise-line but they are simply the worst we have ever sailed on and will never sail again. They`ll take your money but will offer nothing as compensation especially when we were confined to the inside of the ship for two days and the last 48 hours we kept to our cabin as we had absolutely no confidence in the cleaning regime on the ship. We had a long drive back home so couldn`t risk getting the virus. Fred Olsen completely ruined what should have been a great cruise. We had forwarded our complaint, didn`t get a reply for 30 days which breached ABTA rules and only did get a call because we were going to ABTA. They have offered nothing in the way of compensation. We have even asked for a phone-call from the manager at Guest Relations which we still have not received. Lastly when booking with Fred Olsen all is good until something goes wrong then they look for every excuse under the sun to justify why they will take your money but provide a zero star service. This review has taken so long as we feel we wanted to give Fred Olsen time to reflect and at least talk to us but they have seriously failed. We have never had to put such a negative review on these platforms but feel Fred Olsen didn`t want to help us. They had their chance but didn`t want to deal with the issues we raised. This was our first time with Fred Olsen and will certainly be the last.

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're so sorry to read of your concerns. Here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our teams work really hard to make sure that our guests receive the best service possible, so we’d like to discuss your concerns further with you. Could you please email us at [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so we can ask our Guest Relations Manager to respond to you as soon as possible? Thank you. – Shona, Marketing.

Booked a double cabin through Iglu…

Booked a double cabin through Iglu Cruises, when confirmation came through informed it was a fixed double! total lies from Iglu and Fred Olsen, took Iglu 33 days to respond to my query, then quoted and additional £225 to change cabins and correct their miss selling!!!!!

Date of experience : 05 March 2024

Good morning, thank you for your comments regarding your concerns about Iglu Cruises, and we're sorry that you've experienced some concerns. Please can we request that you email our Guest Relations team on [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so that they can take a look at this for you? Kind regards, Shona - Marketing

I have only booked cruise

I have only booked cruise, online, and already a problem. For those of us who are members of English heritage please note: NO WHERE ON FRED OLSEN SITE IS THERE REFERENCE TO 10% DISCOUNT for members. Do not pay until you get discount as you can not claim afterwards.

Date of experience : 27 February 2024

Good morning, thank you for your comments. The English Heritage page on our website is a dedicated page arranged by our Groups Team for guests who book via EH only, and it is not visible for all visitors to our website to view. Our understanding is that you are given the page url by the team at EH, and then make your booking over the phone with our Reservations team. We're sorry that you were unaware of this before making your booking. Might it be worth discussing with EH at all? We do hope that you'll enjoy your cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Warm regards - Shona, Marketing.

We went in search of the northern…

We went in search of the northern lights 10 march - 19 march and had a fantastic time. I can't believe some of these reviews. We found all the staff really helpful and very friendly. They always had a smile and said hello to us. The food was excellent. And they catered for me being diabetic. Our waiter even reminded me that I couldn't have a certain pudding because it wasn't sugar free! Our stop at Bodo was cancelled because of bad weather, but there was so many different activities to do it really wasn't a problem. I can't comment on the drinks package as we never bought it. The staff were always wiping down all areas. There was plenty of hand sanitisers, especially outside the restaurants but you still got people walking straight in and not sanitising their hands. The only bad point as far as I was concerned was the last 3 days of the trip I was confined to our cabin because it got gastroenteritis and was quite poorly. Room service provided me with soup and a roll the following day but it was so salty I couldn't eat it.

Date of experience : 10 March 2024

Good afternoon. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with us a review of your recent cruise - we're delighted that you had such a wonderful time on board Balmoral, although we're sorry that you were unwell and the food wasn't seasoned correctly - we'll pass this comment over to our Hotel Operations team, and do hope you'll join us for another cruise again soon, warmest regards - Shona, Marketing

Rudest staff out

Rudest staff out, rolled eyes when asking what drinks they have, manager then gets aggressive and swears at us. Local, that’s used the place for years, progressively worse.

Date of experience : 16 March 2024

Good morning, thank you for your review - please can we ask if you're referring to a Fred. Olsen Cruise you've sailed on recently? If so, we're sorry to read this, so please could you email us at [email protected] with details of your booking reference, which cruise and ship you were on, and which bar you were in on board, so that we can ask our Hotel Operations team to investigate further? Kind regards, Shona - Marketing.

Do not bother.

Do not bother. January cruise to the Canary Islands. Shore leave was to industrial type ports, the food was anything but Gourmet with the leftovers regurgitated the following day. On board entertainment was so old and tired people were falling asleep during the comedian, that's a first.

Date of experience : 04 January 2024

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're sorry to read of your concerns. Here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our teams work really hard to make sure that our guests receive the best service possible, so we’d like to discuss your concerns further with you. Could you please email our Guest Relations team on [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so that they can take a look at this for you? Thank you. – Shona, Marketing.

I can't believe the bad reviews

I can't believe the bad reviews. We had a fantastic time on the Balmoral in search of the northern lights. The food was excellent and the service of all the staff was impeccable.

Good afternoon. Thank you so much for taking the time to offer us a review of your recent cruise - we're so pleased to read that you had such a lovely time on board Balmoral, and that the food and our on board teams were fantastic. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon, warmest regards - Shona, Marketing

First and last for me

First and last for me. Two ports cancelled due to bad weather and nova virus. Disinfectant everywhere. And they bill gratuities too. All one sided and the customer loses out. Not as sold in the brochure. Bye Fred!

Date of experience : 26 February 2024

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're sorry to read of your concerns. We're really sorry that 2 of the ports on your cruise were cancelled due to the weather, but our guests safety and comfort are our utmost priority. Unfortunately, norovirus is a quick-spreading condition which our teams on board did their best to keep on top of by cleaning and asking guests to be vigilant. Our gratuities are added to your cruise price, but while very much appreciated, they are voluntary and can be adjusted or removed completely at Guest Services on board your ship if you wish; and you are welcome to tip personally if you prefer. Full details of our tipping policy can be found on our website here: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/faqs/on-board/what-is-your-procedure-for-tipping-on-board We do hope that you'll rethink your decision and will choose to cruise with us again in the future. Kind regards - Shona, Marketing

Balmoral Northern Lights

14th - 28th February, Northern Lights. Our first Fred Olsen cruise. First 9 days were super because of the 4 ports of call and our chosen excursions. Then, because of stormy weather, Bodø on Saturday was cancelled. On Saturday morning it was announced that Stavenger stop on Monday was also cancelled because of bad weather. Can't ships travel in stormy weather?? I thought this was rather early to cancel somewhere 2 days in advance. Sunday evening, Monday morning, the sea was calm, the extra day at sea meant we had caught up and we were at Stavanger. So why didn't we stop? I asked at Guest Services and they said it was 'because of stormy weather'. My guess is that they wanted to push on to Southampton to do the deep clean. 5 days at sea with little to do. So disappointed.

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're sorry to read of your concerns. We're really sorry that 2 of the ports on your cruise were cancelled due to the weather, but our guests safety and comfort are our utmost priority. However, at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our teams work really hard to make sure that our guests receive the best service possible, so we’d like to discuss your concerns further with you. Could you please email our Guest Relations team on [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so that they can take a look at this for you? Thank you. – Shona, Marketing.

.Canary Isles Christmas

Christmas cruise to the canaries on borealis .The ship is beautiful with comfortable lounges and stunning decor. The balconied theatre ensures everyone has a clear view of the stage. The staff are so kind and friendly nothing is too much trouble for them .However we were disappointed to find the food was the worst we have ever experienced on any cruise we have ever been on.Expecting something special it being Christmas we certainly were not impressed with a cold turkey dinner more suited to a works canteen than fine dining.All the meals were either cold or lukewarm and the emphasis was on curry even the alternative restaurants were Asian .Fine if you like spicy food not so good if you can’t tolerate it. Bangers and mash and cheese pie is not what we expected to see on a dinner menu in the restaurant.As good food is part of the cruise experience it spoilt our holiday . It seemed quite noticeable that Fred Olsen has lowered his standards considerably therefore we will not be sailing with them again.

Date of experience : 22 December 2023

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're so pleased that you enjoyed the majority of your cruise, although are sorry to read of your concerns surrounding the food. Here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our teams work really hard to make sure that our guests receive the best service possible, so we’d like to discuss your concerns further with you. Could you please email our Guest Relations team on [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so that they can take a look at this for you? Thank you. – Shona, Marketing.

Christmas markets cruise 2023

We went on the Christmas markets cruise from Liverpool on Boreallis. The ship was beautifully decorated for Christmas and as usual the service from everyone was excellent. Our cabin was upgraded for us for which we were very grateful as the extra space was ideal for the 3 of us. We were disappointed not to go to Amsterdam but realised if the captain says it isn’t safe then his decision is final. We should have been told sooner though. Shuttle buses dropped us off quite a way from the town centres- too far to walk for some people but we managed. We’ve been on Boreallis 6 times now and can honestly say that this cruise had the best food yet. Fantastic variety and quality and decent portions. The special Christmas dinner was delicious. Entertainment was also good although we prefer to listen to the band in the observatory and felt some of the games were a poor reflection on Fred Olsen standards. We’re already booked on another cruise later this year and looking to book something in between we enjoy ourselves so much.

Date of experience : 14 December 2023

Good morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to offer us a review of your recent cruise - we're so pleased to read that you had such a lovely time on board Borealis just before Christmas, and that the food was fantastic; and thank you for you constructive words regarding the games. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon, warmest regards - Shona, Marketing

Empty Promise....

Like most other passengers lured onto this cruise on Balmoral by a promised stop in Algiers which is difficult to visit any other way. Less than 48 hours after departing captain announced we were not going there as the visa fee had increased. No option for passengers to pay the increased fee and still see Algiers but decision made to go to Palma/ Mallorca instead. Suspect they may never had any intention to call at Algiers in the first place. Ship old and dated, cabin scuffed and could have had a much better ship/facilities with another cruise line for less money. We will not cruise with them again although has to be said that Phillipino crew in cabins and restaurant were amazing.

Date of experience : 14 November 2023

Good afternoon, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback on your recent cruise, and we're sorry to read of your concerns regarding Algiers. Here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our teams work really hard to make sure that our guests receive the best service possible, so we’d like to discuss your concerns further with you. Could you please email our Guest Relations team on [email protected] with your booking reference, contact details and the concerns you have mentioned, so that they can take a look at this for you? Thank you. – Shona, Marketing.

Update - customer service

I posted on trust pilot the other day regarding the cruise on Balmoral that sailed from Southampton on 30.10.23 the cruise to hell) Here is an update on their post cruise customer service . Basically very, very , very poor to say the least. In fact almost non existent! We have made contact four times now to be told someone more senior will call back ! NOTHING !!! I note that I have also not had a response from Fred Olsen regarding my earlier post on Trust Pilot . For future reference anyone considering booking with Fred Olsen my advice - DON’T . In summary an appalling cruise company and customer service . Stay well away .

Date of experience : 30 October 2023

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to leave us reviews from your recent cruise, and we're sorry to read that you haven't had a response as yet to your queries. Please can you send us an email to [email protected] with your booking reference on, so I can speak with our Guest Relations team and ask them to call you back as soon as possible? Thank you and regards, Shona - Marketing.

Excellent and helpful staff

Excellent and helpful staff. Equally excellent entertainment. Boarding from Southampton was smooth. Gorgeous ship. Cabin was spotless and perfectly adequate. Only downside was the lack of food choices for vegans. If not for this, would have been a five star rating.

Date of experience : 03 August 2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent cruise - we're delighted that you had such a wonderful time and were so well looked after by our on board teams! We'll pass on your comments regarding vegan dishes to our Hotel Department, and do hope to welcome you back on board again in the not too distant future. Warmest regards, Shona - Marketing.

I Took a Traditional British Cruise with Fred Olsen (Entertainment, Food & Ship Review)

I’ve just disembarked a traditional British cruise, despite very much not being a traditional person!

We had formal nights and dress codes, and I had to share my dinner table with strangers at a set time.

I also came across a few strange rules which I was not expecting!

Planning My Fred Olsen Cruise

This cruise was very different from any cruise I’ve ever taken before and we had highs and lows that I could never have predicted.

Those highs and lows were literal as well, the ship was so rocky and the seas were seriously rough! 

I usually cruise with the casual cruise lines. I love big, new exciting cruise ships, the ones that have ropes courses and waterslides. I’ve been skydiving on cruise ships and even tried surfing, which was so cool!

Taking a traditional cruise on a small ship wasn’t on my radar but when I saw an amazing itinerary sailing with the traditional cruise line “ Fred Olsen ” I thought maybe this would be my chance.

Reading their website I saw that it said:

‘If after a couple of days on board you find that it is not right for you, we will fly you home and your cruise fare will be refunded.’ Fred Olsen Cruiselines

I’ve never seen a cruise line promise anything like that before so I figured I had nothing to lose really, and I booked the cruise !

I was nervous, I didn’t know if I’d fit in, I wasn’t sure if there were lots of rules I’d have to follow. I thought I might find it a bit boring, to be honest.

I had no idea how a small ship would handle the notoriously rocky seas on the route I was taking.

Embarkation

We embarked the ship in Newcastle. Embarkation was made very easy by the fact that I’d already been sent my luggage tags and tickets pre-cruise so there wasn’t anything for me to organise myself.

With most of the big cruise lines you have to remember to print the paperwork you need – Fred Olsen send it all by post.

This was a really good sign for me that traditional cruising might have some benefits that I hadn’t thought about!

I was still nervous but only time would tell if I’d be converted to the more classic style of cruising.  

The ship that I was cruising on was Fred Olsen’s “Bolette.”

As soon as we got onboard we walked into this amazing atrium area and were greeted with a huge clock, that looked like something out of a steampunk-style movie!

There were fresh flowers everywhere and there was music playing in the background which made it all feel very classy.

This was very different from the sparkly atriums that I’m used to on more modern ships, but I personally loved it!

The carpets were so colourful too, it really felt like the ship was making a statement. Nothing about this ship was subtle!

Up until 2020, most of Fred Olsen’s cruise ships were from the 1960s and 1970s. They really didn’t interest me at all.

In 2020 they bought this ship from the cruise line Holland America and that’s when I added Fred Olsen to my ‘maybe’ cruise list.   

I recently took a little cruise on a ship of a similar age that had some serious maintenance issues so I wondered if we would find any problems like that onboard.

To find out more about that disastrous trip, read the article below:

My Cruise Was CANCELLED 4 Hours After I Boarded – Ambassador Ambience Review

I hoped that we wouldn’t, especially since we were spending 9 nights on this cruise. It isn’t uncommon to find things like broken toilets or broken air conditioning on ships of this age. 

Heading up to the top of the ship to explore we found a massive lounge that overlooked the ocean on three sides. I love lounges like this and I particularly love them when they have chairs that recline.

I had no idea that the seats did recline to start with, until I saw another guest do it. He must have been here before because he sat straight down and flipped out his legs! I copied, and it was so comfortable – I imagine a lot of people fall asleep in this bar! 

I noticed a little stage beside the bar and started to wonder what sort of entertainment would be onboard.

I couldn’t imagine that there would be much happening in the day and I very much came on this cruise ready to entertain myself.

I couldn’t have been more wrong about a lack of entertainment! There were things on the schedule that I have never seen on cruise ships before. 

After a quick Pepsi, we decided to head to the buffet for lunch. I’ve been in lots of cruise ship buffets over the years so I thought I knew how this would work.

Usually, you walk up to the food and either take the food or ask the person behind the counter to serve it to you. Then you find somewhere to sit down. 

That wasn’t how it worked on Fred Olsen, and it did confuse me a little bit at the start. As I tried to walk up to the food one of the members of crew stopped me and asked how many of us there were. I was a bit confused but I said “two” and she took us to a table.

I’ve never been seated by a crew member in a buffet before, and although it was nice to not have to find my own seat I did wonder if it might get a little annoying as the cruise went on.

I’m somebody who likes to get snacks from the buffet quite often, and I don’t always want to sit down -and definitely not with people that I don’t know!

Also, the first thing you do once you’re seated is stand right back up again to go back and choose your food. This was served by the staff. It was a little bit odd, but I appreciated the idea behind it. 

This was one of the first signs that this cruise would turn the things I thought I knew about cruising on their head. 

I straight away found Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes in the buffet – which made me very happy!

I was expecting this cruise to be very British in things like the food, because the majority of guests onboard were from the UK.

I did find some Americans later on in the cruise but at this point, I’d only spoken to other British people. 

Next, it was time to complete the safety drill that is a legal requirement on cruises. It has to be completed on the first day of a cruise and for this, we had to go and find out cabin. 

We’d booked a “balcony cabin suite” on deck 8, which meant that we didn’t have far to walk from the buffet which was also on deck 8.

On big cruise ships, I’m pretty used to walking from a cabin on deck 5 right up to decks 15 or 16 to go to the buffet! That is a lot of stairs…

Just walking down one or two flights of stairs to reach things was amazing. Our cabin was pretty central too, which was good. 

The first thing I did when I went into the cabin was run straight into the bathroom!

This might sound odd, but I’d heard a few rumours pre-cruise that some of the cabins onboard Bolette had baths. It has always been a cruising dream of mine to have a bath on a cruise! 

It’s very rare to get a bath on a cruise ship without booking a suite. When I saw one in there, my goodness, I was so happy – some would say disproportionately happy – but I can’t explain how much this bath meant to me!

To find out more about my cabin on Bolette, click here:

Fred Olsen’s Bolette – Balcony Suite Real Review and Photo Guide (I Spent 9 Days Onboard)

Our cabin felt very spacious and we had tons of storage space.

I’ve been asked a lot:

‘Were the cabins dated?’ I always find that one hard to answer…

“Dated” technically just means that you can work out the date of something by looking at it. You can tell that she’s not a new cruise ship, but having said that, nothing was broken or damaged,

It felt as though Fred Olsen had taken great care of this cabin, and for me – that’s the most important thing.

Some people love this more traditional design and some people prefer more modern-looking designs like the cabins on MSC cruise ships.

I do like the traditional thing of leaving chocolates on the pillow every night, most cruise lines have got rid of that and I definitely miss it! 

Our balcony was huge and I instantly noticed the ashtray sitting on the table.

Almost all cruise lines have banned smoking on balconies in recent years, but Fred Olsen are one of only 4 lines that do still allow it.  

To find out who the others are, read the post below:

Cruise Line Balcony Smoking Policies – On These 4 Lines You Can

There was loads of storage in our cabin, a big bed which interestingly had two separate duvets, a sofa, a TV, a kettle which I used a lot and some rather interesting art.

During the cruise, I looked at this one picture a lot as it was opposite my bed. I am convinced that I can see a little man inside this fish, and I did ask my viewers to name him.

They did not disappoint me with the funny names they came up with! He ended up being called “Jonah the Grape.”

There was interesting art like this all over the ship and every time I walked down a corridor I’d find something to make me laugh!

Assigned Late Dining!

In our cabin, I found a piece of paper that said that we had been assigned late dining. I am absolutely a person who likes to eat early, at home I eat around 5 pm but I didn’t think that would be a problem.

On every cruise I’ve ever taken, I’ve been able to change my dining time without issue so I assumed – wrongly – that I would be able to have it changed. 

Reading down a little bit more, I realised that I would be charged to change my dining time!

I am a very stubborn person, so there was no way in the world I was going to pay to change the time of my dinner!

Guests who pay for the more expensive “freedom fare” when booking their cruise do have priority when it comes to dining times, but in true Emma style, I’d booked the cheaper saver fare.

It was only £2($2.50) per person per night, but that would have been £36 ($45) in total, which is insane to me!

This may be the most ridiculous and random charge I’ve ever come across on a cruise.

If Fred Olsen are reading this, please get rid of it! It leaves a bad taste in people’s mouths on day one of the cruise, and that isn’t a good way to start.

They did have a little table map on the back of the dining times paper though, which was awesome. I wish all cruise lines did this as I like to be prepared! 

Late dining was 8.30 pm, so we had plenty of time to watch the sail away from Newcastle.

Our cruise was heading up into the Arctic Circle in pursuit of the Northern Lights, and at this point, I thought it was cold. I couldn’t have been more wrong! It was about to get much, much colder! 

Table Sharing

When we headed to the Terrace Restaurant, I was expecting to be seated at a table for two, but to my surprise, there was already another couple sitting down at the table when we arrived.

The other couple looked just as confused as we were to be table-sharing! There had been no mention of it before.

This was actually their first cruise and they weren’t expecting table sharing either!

I would usually never pick table sharing, but we were so lucky with our table mates. We had a great meal in this really cool restaurant that was split over two levels. It felt very grand and had stained glass on the ceiling. 

The food was all very good and we came away very happy from that first meal.

There were always vegetarian choices, and things like gluten-free options were clearly marked. That said, I didn’t know if I would regularly be back in this dining room, just because of our 8.30 pm timeslot.

We did tell our new friends about this so that they didn’t think we were avoiding them if we didn’t come to dinner ever again!

If you do take a cruise with a cruise line that includes fixed dining, you don’t ever have to go to dinner there at that time – it just means that if you want to eat in the main dining room, that is your space.

You can still eat in other places, or go to the buffet instead. This is included in the cruise fare.

You can eat in the speciality restaurants too, but that costs extra.

We ended up eating in the buffet a lot more than normal on this cruise, mostly because I actually got pretty seasick, so didn’t feel like eating a sit-down meal. 

When I take a lot of travel sickness medication I tend to just sleep, and I did that on this cruise a lot.

The ship was moving so much that my Apple Watch actually recorded a 3-and-a-half-hour dance workout while I slept!

(Because of how much I was moving around, it assumed I was dancing!) 

Leaving the restaurant at around 10 pm, we were perfectly timed to head to the theatre for the 2nd performance of the evening show.

The Theatre, Bars and Entertainment

The theatre onboard Bolette is called the “Neptune Lounge” so I didn’t expect it to be a big theatre.

On some smaller cruise ships like the Azamara fleet, you’ll find that they just have a lounge where they do shows in the evening. The Neptune Lounge was every bit as impressive a theatre as you’d find on the larger ships.

The show told us a little more about what we could expect from the cruise and introduced us to a few crew members.

We saw a couple of songs from the show team and were introduced to the guest speakers who would be hosting talks during the cruise.

It’s fairly common for a cruise to have a guest speaker on board, but I’ve never been on a cruise that had this many before.

There were four guest speakers on board, covering various topics from “Life In Norway” to “Photographing the Northern Lights.” All were very interesting !

Drinks Packages and Pricing

They did have bar service in the theatre which was very good, it was very fast and the crew were always so friendly.

The drinks on Fred Olsen are a decent price too!

There’s no automatic gratuity added on drinks, as you’ll find on American cruise lines.

The drinks themselves are reasonably cheap – for a cruise ship anyway.

A soft drink like a Pepsi was £2.50 and a cocktail was around £7. A pint of beer was £5 which is pretty similar to a pub on land. 

Fred Olsen does have a drinks package available which is called ‘All-Inclusive.’ Like most drinks packages, this isn’t really all-inclusive, but with it you can get soda, beer, wine, spirits and a “cocktail of the day” included.

It costs £25 per person per day, which is pretty cheap for a package that includes alcohol. In the past, I’ve paid £20 a day just for a soft drinks package! 

I spent our first sea day feeling pretty seasick and awful, so I was so happy when we docked in our first port of Alesund.

Usually, cruise ships stay in port until at least dinner time, but we were only there for a few hours.

It was amazing to be able to at least explore in the snow. We do not get much snow in the UK, so it was quite an experience. 

Our ship actually sailed away at 1 pm, so we had to be on board at 12.30 pm – which was a shame.

Other Bars Onboard

This afternoon onboard the ship gave me the chance to properly explore. We found a big bar area called “The Morning Light.”

This was a pub-type of venue, they had games here to play, and this lounge was very popular when the football or rugby was on.

They would even bring food here sometimes. I don’t watch any sports so I would tend to go to another bar, but it was very popular. 

This bar area was actually the casino when the ship was owned by Holland America Line, but Fred Olsen took out the casino and now there isn’t one onboard.

It’s actually not uncommon for British cruise lines to not have casinos, or to have smaller ones. We don’t tend to gamble as much as Americans or Australian cruisers – so I’m told! 

We also found “The Piano Bar” which would become one of my favourite bars onboard. It was small and felt modern in its design. There was a piano here as the name suggests, and they’d play live music in the evenings.

My only criticism of this bar was that they would sometimes play “My Way” by Frank Sinatra – if I had my way I’d ban that song from cruise ships!

It’s the most popular funeral song in the world, so I think most of us have been to a funeral where it’s been played. It seems an odd choice for me but it’s very popular on cruises! 

We also found another bar, which was beautiful but had no name on the deck plans! I just called it the “Garden Bar with the tearoom next door.”

These areas have been refurbished most recently, but even the parts of the ship that felt a little less modern never felt damaged or old. It was clear to me that the ship was well looked after.

There was another bar by the atrium, where they would have live music and play games. We would often get a drink from here to take to our cabin because it was just up one flight of stairs.  

The Poolside Cafe

By this point, we were getting hungry so we decided to go and grab a bit to eat at the poolside cafe.

On most cruises you’ll find somewhere by the pool that serves food – like pizza or hot dogs usually, it’s just “grab and go” but on Bolette this was a sit-down cafe.

They had similar things to most poolside restaurants on the menu but in a much more refined and classy way. They had burgers, they had fish and chips and they had Halloumi – which I ate quite a few times.

At one point I asked if I could have a Halloumi burger – which wasn’t on the menu. They said “Of course, no problem!”

The crew on Fred Olsen were some of the loveliest I’ve ever met on any cruise line!

I would often see the crew helping guests with things like putting on their coats if they needed it, and it really felt as though they had time to help their guests. Often on cruises, I feel bad when I see the crew running around, rushed off their feet.

On Bolette it felt as though they had a much higher ratio of crew to passengers. 

Fred Olsen talks about the “Fred Olsen way” :

“An experience that’s elegant and relaxed, rather than busy and brash.” ” The Fred Olsen Way ”

They talk about how the industry is changing to be all about the bigger ships and they want to keep things more traditional. 

I really felt this with the staff. I did wonder if that extra service would come at a cost though, would I have to stick to strict dress codes or find anything I didn’t like?

Would I be bored during the day? I was on a mission to find out!

Heated Pools

The cafe is located right by the inside pool. (I say inside pool, but it could be the inside or the outside pool depending on if the roof was open. )

During our cruise, the roof was closed because we were in the arctic circle, but I’ve been assured that it does open during warmer cruises.

All the pools on the ship were heated, whether inside or out. This was amazing given the chilly temperatures outside.

At one point the temperature got down to -14c / 6F. Being able to come into this area, even just to pick up a drink from the bar, was fantastic.

At the back of the ship, there is another pool that’s also heated and some people did brave a swim here.

I have to say the snow on the deck really did put me off, but some people seemed to love it and good for them! – I’m sure it’s very good for you! 

If the inside pool area was on a cruise ship owned by another cruise line it would be always full of people – and probably full of kids !

At this point in the cruise I’d only seen two children onboard, so I didn’t know if they were hiding somewhere or if this really was mostly an adult cruise.

Fred Olsen doesn’t have a lot of things on their ships for kids – like waterslides or ropes courses. They do have kid’s clubs that operate during peak seasons. 

We decided to skip having dinner in the main dining room as we’d already eaten by the pool, and this would turn into a habit that we would repeat quite a few times during the cruise. 

Life Onboard Ship

The daily schedule was far busier than I imagined pre-cruise. Every day would start with “walk a mile” -where guests and crew would walk a mile around the promenade deck.

I did walk around the promenade deck but was never up at 8 am to join in with the group!

I saw that the “Blue Nose Ceremony” was on the list one day, This is a ceremony carried out when ships sail into the Arctic Circle.

I also wanted to see the guest speakers present – but apart from that my schedule was wide open to attend any events that I thought would be interesting. 

I also knew that tomorrow was formal night, and I was nervous about how seriously Fred Olsen cruisers would take it.

I don’t mind dressing up when I cruise, but I really don’t like being told that I have to! 

I started my morning with a bath which is the absolute best way to start any day! I did find that the bath took ages to fill up with the tap so I would usually fill it by putting the shower head in the bath which was for some reason quicker.

It was incredible, It was a very small bathtub of course, but I’m going to miss that on every cruise going forward! 

We headed to the buffet for breakfast and they had the most amazing doughnuts! I ate a lot of bread on this cruise too, and I can confirm this is some of the best bread I’ve had at sea!

To me, this is very important as I’m mostly fuelled by bread, cookies and Pepsi. That’s my ideal meal right there!  

It was around now that I realised that I hadn’t heard anybody on this cruise complain about the food – which is very rare! Usually, I hear people complain about things within an hour or two of getting on board, so that was a nice treat. 

I wondered if that may be to do with who was on this cruise. Fred Olsen do have an older-than-average passenger demographic and they have a lot of repeat cruisers – more than on any other cruise line I’ve ever found.

The other guests loved to chat, especially at times like lunch when we would be seated with other people.

Other guests often told me how this was their 5th or 10th or even 20th cruise with Fred Olsen! They have so many repeat passengers, which is always a good sign!

This might be one of the reasons why I never heard anybody complain, everybody already knew what they were getting. It could also be just because the food was very good though!

There wasn’t a huge selection because the buffet on the ship isn’t massive. There were always local dishes to try as well as classic British things, like roast dinners and sandwiches.

I liked the little section that had small pots of dishes – like salads you could just pick up. They even had Crisps (Potato Chips) and Custard creams (Biscuits) at afternoon snack time – which was incredible! 

British Biscuits!

The definitions of “Biscuits” and “Cookies” does always get confusing for other Nationalities. The most important thing is that in the UK we call this a biscuit and a “Custard Cream” is the best biscuit of all time.

When I was a child I’d always come home every day and have two biscuits from the biscuit tin after school. I really can’t imagine a life without custard creams, which sounds odd – but I must have eaten hundreds of thousands in my life.

They had “Bourbons” too! Another type of chocolate-flavoured biscuit. These aren’t cookies – not by the British definition anyway. 

They had bar service in the buffet which was always pretty good and most days, this day included, I ended up eating here instead of waiting until 8:30 to go to the main dining room.

I was determined that I would go again to dinner in the main dining room during the cruise though, and I did later in the trip.

I went to the main dining room for lunch and was put on another table, sharing with strangers.

We were very lucky with our table mates once again.

In future, I’ll definitely try to stick to cruise lines without fixed dining times or table sharing – it just isn’t me!

Other Areas of the Ship

I knew that there was still an area of the ship that I hadn’t discovered. I’d seen the art gallery mentioned on the daily schedule but hadn’t found it yet, and I had heard rumours that there was another area for presentations called “The Auditorium.”

Still on my to-do list was to see a proper theatre show with the theatre team. I’d watched a Q&A with the cast about their lives onboard, which was very interesting but I wanted to see them in action.

It turns out that all of the members of the cast were on their first contracts at sea, and they seemed like such a friendly and open group. They chatted about how they got into this career, and what it was like behind the scenes. 

All of the crew onboard always seemed very accessible to the guests and nothing ever seemed like too much trouble.

One crew member even got me a blanket when I was cold at one point, which definitely is going above and beyond!

Activities Onboard

They had lots of exercise classes, golf putting, bridge classes, cooking demonstrations, and arts & crafts!

There was a small charge for a few of the activities – like the crafts where you had to pay for the materials.

I think is fair enough, but it really was a ‘small charge’ of about £2, not like some cruise lines where they say a ‘nominal charge’ of $39.99!

I got the impression from the daily schedule that if you were somebody who liked to learn, a Fred Olsen cruise would be fantastic for you .

They had quizzes too. and gameshows – as well as things like “Name That Tune” which are pretty common on cruise ships. 

The real difference on a ship like this, compared to say a big cruise ship with a cruise line like Royal Caribbean was that there were just one or two things happening at a time.

On a much bigger ship, there can be four, five or even six activities happening at once!

They have to have full daily schedules on the big ships because some ships can hold up to 7000 guests. Bolette had a maximum capacity of 1300, which in comparison is tiny. 

I did really like the lack of ‘Fluff’ in the schedule. Some cruise lines will include things like a spa discount on the daily schedule in the main list, which really isn’t an event at all! 

On the theatre schedule, I saw “Let’s Go To The Movies.” I love this traditional kind of theatre singing and dancing entertainment. It definitely wasn’t the type of big “Broadway style” show that you’ll get on the American cruise lines, but I wouldn’t expect it to be.

Bolette has a relatively small team, they had lots of colourful costumes and sang a range of songs that the audience knew.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a shame that we couldn’t see more theatre shows really.

Some theatre shows had to be cancelled due to the bad weather and the rocky seas.

Afternoon Tea

We did have afternoon tea in the observatory which was lovely. I love a good scone!

They had live music playing, the food is served to you by the crew, who wear white gloves.

I was still feeling the motion of the ocean quite a bit, and watching the horizon go up and down out of the windows wasn’t ideal – but the food was lovely.

Afternoon tea does cost extra on Fred Olsen cruises, it’s £13 per person.

If you don’t want to pay for that, you’ll find most of the same foods (including the scones) in the buffet for free. 

Guest Speakers

When I embarked on the cruise I met one of the guest speakers, David Nikel, who would be holding talks throughout the cruise. He is a Brit who moved to Norway in 2011. He now writes and presents about living in Norway.

There was a Q&A happening with him in the theatre next and I knew that I didn’t want to miss it. We took a seat on the top level and I had a great view from up there. 

If you were somebody who liked to learn, a Fred Olsen cruise would be fantastic. All the guest speakers were really interesting and knowledgeable.

Fred Olsen’s App

Fred Olsen does have an App, but this App doesn’t actually do a lot. They do have a webpage you can access when you’re onboard though, and that does a lot more. It lets you check things like your onboard account and look at the daily schedule. 

Apps vary greatly from one cruise line to another. To find out more about them, read the article below:

You Don’t Need to Pay For Wi-Fi To Use a Cruise Line App – Here’s Why

There was definitely less focus on “Tech” on this cruise than on the bigger British or American cruise lines.

It would be totally fine to take a cruise with Fred Olsen without having a phone, whereas on some of the other cruise lines this is getting increasingly tricky.

On Bolette we were given a paper schedule each day, and you had to book things like speciality restaurants at reception rather than on the App.

I did do this, and there was no queue there at all which surprised me. I never saw any queues there to be honest and I don’t think I had to queue for anything during this cruise, other than a little bit getting off the ship at busy times – but that’s to be expected. 

We decided to get dressed up for the formal night, but I just couldn’t wait until 8.30 to eat – so we ate in the buffet again and started to plan our next few days. 

Tromso and Alta

We were spending the next two days in Tromso and Alta and spent most of our evenings keeping watch on the top decks for the Northern lights.

In Alta, I went on an excursion to see racing Huskies. This was probably the best cruise line excursion I’ve ever taken!

In Tromso, we bought the most amazing snack, which is basically a Norwegian version of a British “Kit Kat” bar, but so much better!

I said earlier this cruise was about learning, and for me it was about learning that there is a much better version of Kit Kats! I’ve ordered more since I got home too, they’re addictive!

Fred Olsen did put on a free shuttle bus for us in Tromso which was great.

Many cruise lines never offer free shuttle buses, and you are always expected to pay extra.

Speciality Restaurants

Bolette has two speciality restaurants onboard and I decided to book both.

I rarely do speciality restaurants when I cruise but Fred Olsens are much cheaper than the speciality restaurants that you’ll find on the big American cruise lines.

Each Speciality restaurant cost £10 per person, which for a cruise ship speciality restaurant is very cheap – Some speciality meals on other cruise lines cost over $100 each!

As I was on the cruise for quite a long time, and didn’t want to always wait until the late dining, booking speciality meals actually worked out pretty well for us. 

I’m glad I did because somehow the team at “Colour and Taste” managed to turn cauliflower into the best food on the ship! I have no idea how! The sauce, oh my gosh, it was SO good!

The food in “Vasco” was great too, but I was absolutely not hungry enough when I went to dinner. My friend David had warned me that you need to go to Vasco with “an empty stomach and a big appetite” – but I wasn’t prepared. I did the best I could though!

I’ve been cruising since I was 11 years old and without a doubt, we had the rockiest seas on this cruise!

To find out more about what that was like, how I coped with my seasickness and whether we did actually find the Northern lights, check out this video next:

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Discover the perfect day at sea with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 06 March 2022

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a unique take on cruising, with its smaller ships and hand-crafted itineraries.

Ever wondered what life is like on board a Fred. Olsen cruise ?

Fred. Olsen masters serene spa treatments, delectable restaurants and engaging entertainment – everything you could possibly want from a cruise.

Read on for a sneak peek of what you can expect, from observing stunning scenery on deck and listening to fascinating talks, to spending your days at sea relaxing in the spa and enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea in The Observatory – there’s plenty to keep you amused.

So, sail away with Fred. Olsen and discover your perfect day on board.

Fred Olsen's Bolette to sail first world cruise in 2025

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You are truly spoiled for choice with Fred. Olsen. The line has four ships that carry a smaller number of passengers, with elegant, hand-crafted decor throughout.

No matter which ship you decide to cruise on, you can be sure that a whole host of lounges, spa facilities, dining options, entertainment and cabin choices await.

- READ MORE: Squeeze through the Corinth Canal with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines -

As the newest additions to the fleet, Fred. Olsen’s Bolette and Borealis are both spacious and stylish, with each offering an unforgettable cruising experience.

On board you can soak up the best views in The Observatory. Sink into one of the plush chairs and admire the passing scenery out of the panoramic windows while listening to the relaxing tunes played by the talented resident pianist.

The Ocean Bar is a truly transformational venue. During the day it is a space for socialising and in the evening, you can start your night here for a drink and boogie with the resident DJ before heading over to an evening show.

Calling all tea lovers – the Oriental Tea Room will be your haven on board. Admire the stylish furnishings and feel as if you have stepped into an authentic Far Eastern tearoom.

Choose from oolong, black, green and white teas as well as home comforts such as English, Chamomile and Earl Grey.

Missing your local? Well not for much longer with Fred. Olsen’s Morning Light Pub which adopts the charming style of a British pub. Sink into a plush armchair and enjoy your favourite pint before heading down to dinner or the evening ashore.

Meanwhile, The Bookmark Café offers a selection of hot drinks, from an espresso to macchiato, to keep you warm on those colder journeys.

Search all cruises with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines - search all cruises

Fred. Olsen spa

Go on, treat yourself! Start your day by spending some much overdue you-time with a visit to Fred. Olsen’s impressive spa .

From 8am to 8pm, the Atlantis spa offers a fantastic array of treatments – step ashore sporting a classy new hairdo or glamourous nails.

The Atlantis Spa is available across all four ships (lucky you), ensuring your cruise holiday gives you time to recuperate and recharge.

- READ MORE: Discover Spain, Northern Lights and Canary Islands with Fred. Olsen -

To be really pampered, make your way to the Thermal Suite where you can truly relax.

Melt away the stresses of daily life in one of the steam rooms and inhale crafted aromatherapy vapours while relaxing on a heated relaxation bed.

Take a dip in the mineral bath that is perfectly warmed to body temperature to relieve your muscles and joints.

Pamper yourself with a facial; from anti-ageing and tightening to eye treatments, every target point is covered.

Or, feel completely refreshed with the ‘Exception Marine Redensifying Treatment’, which claims to be a manual facelift – don’t mind if we do.

After your skin has been well looked after, opt for an Indian head massage that focuses on your upper back, shoulders, neck and scalp.

Go for the whole hog and get a manicure or pedicure – or both. If you are in a rush you can opt for an express pedicure, during which your hands will be gently soaked and your soles and heels cared for thanks to cuticle care, nail filing, shaping, lotion and polish.

Fred. Olsen food

You will have surely built up an appetite after relaxing or discovering the countless exciting areas on board, so now it is time to indulge in some delicious cuisine .

Expect buffets, à la carte dishes, afternoon teas, in-cabin snacks, evening meals, formal nights and speciality restaurants.

- READ MORE: Inside Fred Olsen's cruise ship Bolette, from cabins to dining -

Colours and Tastes on board Bolette and Borealis is a delectable Asian Fusion dining experience.

Savour such tasty dishes as crispy fried chilli beef with a sweet and spicy sour glaze or white miso-glazed salmon with Japanese buckwheat noodles – your cravings will certainly be satisfied.

Alternatively, if you fancy traditional Goan cuisine – think seafood, curry and grilled meat dishes made authentically by Fred. Olsen’s Goan chefs – visit Vasco on board Bolette or Borealis.

Should you prefer a relaxed dining experience, then opt for The View buffet restaurant where you can enjoy Mexican sweetcorn drizzled with an avocado and tomato dressing or Huevos Rancheros (ranch style fried eggs with refried beans and vegetables on a flour tortilla topped with cheese and guacamole).

Want to watch the world pass by as you delve into a classic afternoon tea experience? Tuck into classics from smoked salmon with lemon butter and watercress on sourdough bread to warm home-baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, butter and strawberry preserve in The Observatory – yum!

Fred. Olsen activities & entertainment

With something to entertain film lovers, quiz nerds and dance enthusiasts, Fred. Olsen offers a wide range of activity options – if you can move after indulging in the delicious food on board that is...

From daily activities such as carpet bowls, table tennis, craft class, cookery demonstrations and afternoon trivia to evening activities including an impressive array of headline acts such as comedians, live music and cabaret – you certainly won’t be bored.

- READ MORE: Discover Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' different take on cruising -

There you have it – your perfect day on board – start with relaxing in the Atlantis Spa, then indulge in one of the restaurants on board such as Colours and Tastes before winning a game of bingo – sounds like heaven to us.

Fred. Olsen Travel Ready Service

With their new Travel Ready Service, Fred. Olsen will order your NHS Covid vaccination letter to ensure you have proof of vaccination, complete, submit and print your Passenger Locator Form and assist you with any other online forms that you might need.

And from only £29 per person, this service is an affordable and convenient option.

This is in conjunction with you being fully vaccinated (including a third dose) to embark, adopting a social bubble of up to six people and wearing a mask inside the ship and where you cannot physically socially distance yourself from others.

First Celebrity Cruises passengers visit Perfect Day at CocoCay

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Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

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The Cruise Blogger | Cruise Blog

Unpacking the myths about cruise holidays. Tried and tested cruising advice from a thirty-something former officer's wife.

Ship review: Balmoral, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

I had a couple of preconceptions before boarding the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines flagship Balmoral this month. I’d heard that Fred. Olsen ships looked dated and their passenger base was a lot older than many of the other larger cruise lines. I hadn’t been on one of their ships before, so this was a first for me. Having sailed with P&O Cruises for most of my life, I was very keen to see how Fred. Olsen compared to, what I consider to be, ‘the other’ cruise line aimed at the British market.

Balmoral had an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment in December 2017, so I was intrigued to see the results of her refit. Stepping on board, I found her to be a really warm and friendly little ship (little by my standards). At 43,537 tonnes, she carries 1350 passengers and over 500 crew. She is the largest vessel in the four ship Fred. Olsen fleet, and she has an extremely loyal following. On a regular cruise at least 50% of her passenger base are repeat cruisers, with this percentage rising on longer itineraries. Her passengers are predominately British and she carries crew from 28 different countries. Balmoral boasts 710 rooms and suites, multiple bars and lounges and two new speciality restaurants post-refit (alongside her original dining outlets). Oh, and she has a unique Scottish theme running throughout in homage to her royal namesake.

Here are a few highlights from my ship visit:

There is a warm gold, orange and red theme in the atrium on decks 6 and 7. The area is much smaller than the atriums I am used to, but it is very pleasant all the same. There is a small shopping arcade which is operated by Harding Brothers, where you can buy your usual ship souvenirs and cosmetics. Nearby there is a seating area with a fabulous model of the ship. On deck 6 you’ll find the main guest services desk, shore excursions, a photo gallery and art gallery.

Balmoral has a number of dining options. These include two new select dining restaurants, which were opened after her latest refit. The first sits at the aft end of Palms Café, serving as a café/poolside eatery in the day and a select dining venue in the evening. It has glass doors which are pulled open when the weather is nice, giving passengers a unique indoor/outdoor dining experience.

The second new restaurant, The Grill, is one deck above on deck 8. This was being refurbished during our visit, but it features a lovely parquet floor with sumptuous white seating.

Palms Café is the ship’s main buffet area at the aft end of deck 7. This might sound strange, but it doesn’t feel like the buffet restaurants I am used to. It was set out more like a formal restaurant, with a buffet section in the middle, which I really liked.

There are three main restaurants: Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon. The latter two offer the main dining menu but in a more intimate setting than the larger Ballindalloch. These restaurants also have a buffet area/salad bar serving the same main dining menu options, for those wanting a buffet in a formal restaurant setting. This means that Palms Café doesn’t need to be any bigger, as there are several buffet locations available. I thought this was a really good concept that I haven’t seen on other cruise lines yet.

The Bookmark Café is a great place to relax with a novel, sample some handmade truffles or enjoy a speciality cup of tea. This is definitely where I would spend my time on a sea day, as the seating options are plentiful and there is also a library attached.

The suites were lovely. I understand there are around 90 suites, which is a really large number by any ship’s standards. You have the option of booking an owner’s suite, premier suite, Marquee suite, superior suite, balcony junior suite or single balcony suite. I saw the owner’s suite which features a full dining table, dressing area, bathroom with bath, balcony, bedroom and lounge. There are also some great modern touches like Nespresso machines and interactive TVs. I also had a look around a junior suite, which is not as grand but is still very nice. The top suite spans an impressive 430 sq ft.

Even the regular cabins are spacious. You can book an interior, ocean view or balcony cabin on Balmoral. She also has single cabins for solo travellers. There are still a lot of ships that don’t offer single rooms, so it’s nice to see that Balmoral has this option. Cabin size varies from 130 sq ft (interior single) to 190 sq ft (superior balcony).

Balmoral has two reasonably sized swimming pools and several Jacuzzis. One pool is located at aft end of deck 7. When the weather is nice, passengers can make use of the nearby poolside dining area. It is also close to Palms Café, the ship’s main buffet area.

The other pool is located in the centre of deck 11. Outdoor seating is plentiful, with tasteful sofa areas meaning you can relax in comfort. I often struggle to find comfy outdoor seating areas on big ships, so I really liked this space. I also loved the indoor/outdoor feel of the Marquee Bar, which you can enjoy even when it’s raining outside. It features a glass roof, lots of large windows and it overlooks the pool area.

Bars and lounges

The ship has a number of bars and lounges, which are perfect for whiling away long sea days. Two areas really stood out for me. The first was the Observatory Lounge, which has a wall of picture windows. I could imagine sitting there in the evening with a cocktail. There are also lots of really nice small touches like the clear handrails and the twinkling star-effect lighting.

The second bar that stood out was the Lido Bar on deck 8. This has the feeling of an outside bar because of its magnificent glass windows and panoramic views over the aft end of the ship. This is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink and I can imagine it’s really lovely in the evening. It is quite a small bar, but Fred. Olsen have made great use of the space. I also had a look around the Neptune Lounge and the Morning Light Pub, which both offer live entertainment.

Spa and fitness

You really feel as though you are entering a relaxation zone when approaching the spa on deck 10. You walk along a small corridor lined with windows to get to the reception area. The gym is compact but equipped with top of the range machinery and there are several rooms where you can enjoy an array of beauty treatments.

Conclusion:

Balmoral reminded me very much of the former P&O Cruises ships Canberra, Artemis and Victoria. Having sailed on the Canberra and Victoria when I was younger, I could see similarities in terms of layout and finish, but Balmoral obviously feels much more modern. My ship visit definitely busted my preconception about Fred. Olsen ships feeling dated.

Balmoral is incredibly well maintained and the fixtures and finish are of an extremely high standard. Fred. Olsen had a major overall of carpets and soft furnishings across the ship, which has resulted in immaculate public areas and I couldn’t see signs of wear and tear. The crew were very friendly and the passengers that were on board seemed very content. Everything on the ship is priced in British pound sterling, which is what I am used to sailing with P&O Cruises.

I really loved Balmoral but she does cater for a more mature market, which could deter some younger cruise passengers. It is also worth me mentioning that there are no childcare facilities on board. The majority of her passengers are over fifty, so this facility isn’t essential. I liked Balmoral’s intimate environment and she has some great itineraries. I imagine she is a great ship for anyone wanting to get to know their fellow passengers, and perhaps make some new friends.

You can find out more about cruising with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, via their official website . Don’t miss my other ship views, available to read here .

You can keep up to date with all of my latest blog posts by subscribing for updates at the top of this page. I post content on my social media channels daily. To make sure you don’t miss out on exclusive photos and cruise news, you can follow me via the social links below.

13 comments

Great review. We really liked the Balmoral on our visit too. It has a very classy interior and we loved the attention to detail too. We loved that there were multiple areas that you could sit and have views through the large windows and there was also plenty of deck space to use when the sun was out. We are now in our 50’s and this classic style of British Ship would really suit us.

Thank you for posting this review. I have only cruised once with Fred previously and did so on the basis of an amazing itinerary. Yes the itinerary was indeed amazing but I found the ship (Black Watch) to be in very poor condition and the facilities to be out-dated. The cabin (Balcony) was also far inferior and far more expensive than anything we’d ever experienced before. We too cruise extensively with P&O but the downside of that is the journey from Scotland to Southampton for every cruise, so Fred offers us something very special: a departure from our home port. However I was especially interested to read your review because we have a cruise booked on Balmoral this year in a Junior Suite and booked this on the strength of it home-porting here and from recommendations of people we met on Black Watch. Your review certainly suggests our expectations should be higher and we hope Balmoral meets them.

I hope you have a lovely time on Balmoral. Her interior is superb and I trust my photos have done her some justice. I had a look around a junior suite (as well as the owner’s suite) and I liked it, but that is my personal opinion. Hopefully you will have a more positive experience with your cabin this time around. I haven’t been on Black Watch, so I cannot compare the two, but I was left with a positive impression of the ship and of Fred. Olsen as a cruise line.

I would like to point out that the photo of me in the Morning Light pub was taken when the bar was shut for Alcohol. (Large man in a blue “T”-shirt.) We were having a coffee and soup. My family think I was caught “boozing”, again! Your portrayal of Balmoral and Fred Olsen cruise line is very fair. I would add that anyone who is thinking of going on a cruise on Balmoral should go for it. Especially if you are in your second (or even third) childhood.

Thanks for your comment Peter. I hope you had a lovely time on your back-to-back cruises.

I wonder if you can remember what number the owners suite was that you have photographed? 1023 or 1026? We have booked one for June this year for our first ever cruise. Great photographs, thanks for sharing. Any tips for first time cruisers?

Hi Judi. Unfortunately I don’t know the cabin number for the owner’s suite, sorry! It was stunning though, with plenty of room.

As a first time cruiser I would recommend doing a bit of research on the ports you are visiting, before you go. Have an idea of what you want to do ashore, as tours can book up quickly once you get on board. It is also worth understanding the dress codes, as I am sure Fred. Olsen will have some formal evenings. Also, there is a really helpful Fred Olsen Facebook group where other cruisers share their Fred. tips and advice. I find these type of forums really useful for ship information.

I hope this helps. If you want any more advice, please feel free to contact me using the form on my Contact Me page.

Have a fabulous cruise!

Thank you Anna, helpful tips and the fb group looks to answer most queries.

Hi Judi. We are cruising the Fjords on Balmoral at the end of May/early June and are in Suite 1026. The owners 2 suites are beautiful and basically the same. this is literally where the owners stay when on board and the Olsen family have the best! We have met several of the family over the years and they are such lovely friendly people. Enjoy your suite, the rest of the ship and the cruise. Lounge, Dining area, dressing area, BIG bathroom, bedroom and large balcony. Home from Home. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff on Fred Olsen and your suite will have a few extra touches when you arrive to make you feel welcome. Enjoy. Ann

Does it have a theatre?

There isn’t a theatre but the Neptune Lounge is the location for the main shows in the evening. There isn’t really a need for a theatre due to the size of the ship.

We have just had our cruise itinery changed for the back watch and instead of returning to Liverpool we are being landed at rosyth and coached back to Liverpool. We are not happy as we have lost a day’s cruising and the only compensation is 10% off the next cruise. We will never cruise again as we can’t afford it, but this is a special retirement/birthday holiday. So we get nothing. Is this breach of contract?

Hi Heather. I am afraid I don’t know the answer to that but I suggest contacting ABTA to find out more. They should be able to offer you further advice. https://abta.com

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More From Forbes

A guide to haugesund, norway, for cruise ship visitors.

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Haugesund is one of Norway's most popular cruise destinations.

Located on the southwest coast of Norway, Haugesund is a historic town recognized as one of the country’s premier cruise ports. As a cruise port, it appeals as a gateway to exploring Norway's coastal landscapes and rich Viking heritage.

In 2023, the city welcomed 125 cruise ship visits, accommodating more than 370,000 passengers, thanks to its ability to handle some of the world’s largest vessels.

Among these, Iona , one of Britain’s largest ships with a capacity of 5,206 passengers, makes regular stops here as part of its P&O Cruises Norwegian fjords tour. European focused lines AIDA and Costa Cruises make occasional calls at Haugesund, as do Cunard and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Visitors can explore ancient monuments like the Haraldshaugen, stroll along the bustling waterfront, or venture into the surrounding countryside to discover serene trails and traditional farms.

Despite the rising number of visitors, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore on your own, away from the typical cruise line excursions.

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Apple’s iphone ai plans confirmed with new software upgrade, packers complete safety overhaul with georgia’s javon bullard, discover the vikings at avaldsnes.

For 3,000 years, nearby Avaldsnes was a pivotal Viking power center, dominating the essential "Nordvegen" sea route.

Actors play the roles of Viking Age people at the Avaldsnes Viking Farm.

Today, the Nordvegen History Center delves into its storied past, revealing rulers known from sagas, archaeological discoveries, and tales of the Norse gods. History here is preserved in an underground museum, brought to life through modern storytelling techniques.

A short walk from the visitor center, the Viking Farm transports you back to the Viking Age with live demonstrations inside and out of reconstructed buildings. The site is particularly engaging for families, offering a range of activities that bring history to life.

Local bus routes 209 and 210 serve Avaldsnes on Karmøy Island from the center of Haugesund, with a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. The history center is a 10-15 minute walk from Avaldsnes.

Download the Kolumbus app to pay the 45 kroner fare ($4) or pay by card at one of the ticket machines in the downtown area. Check timetable information with Kolumbus .

Visit Norway’s National Monument

Extend your Viking Age experience with a visit to Haraldshaugen, also known as the National Monument of Norway. This site commemorates the 9th-century unification of Norway under King Harald Fairhair, and is believed to be his burial place.

According to the medieval book of Norwegian royal sagas, King Harald Fairhair is said to be buried ... [+] here at the National Monument in Haugesund.

A scenic 45-minute walk from the cruise port through central Haugesund and its northern suburbs, the monument offers panoramic views of the North Sea and surrounding landscapes.

The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic, absorbing the region’s historical significance at your own pace. On the way, be sure to stop by the statue of King Harald Fairhair, staring out to sea opposite the city park.

If time is short, you can take the five-minute ride on local bus 231 from central Haugesund to the ‘Gard A’ bus stop, just a few minutes walk from the monument.

Enjoy a Boat Trip to Røvær

Escape the crowds of your cruise ship and downtown Haugesund by taking an enjoyable boat trip to the islands of Røvær to discover Norwegian island life.

Several daily ferries make the journey easy, allowing you to explore the island's diverse natural beauty on foot.

Climb to Bråvarden, the island’s highest point, for breathtaking views, or stroll along ‘Proposal Road’ to the Bridge of Love, where couples leave padlocks as tokens of affection. For a more relaxing day, unwind at the small beach or visit the Viking Age graves at Grønasvika.

Røvær is a small group of picturesque islands, home to just over 100 people.

Ferry tickets cost just 70 Norwegian kroner ($6.50) each way. Just be sure to double check the ferry timetable with Kolumbus to make sure you can get back to Haugesund in good time.

Downtown Haugesund

If you find yourself wandering through downtown Haugesund with time to spare, make sure to visit Viking Planet . Here, Haugesund’s Viking Age history is brought to life through immersive virtual reality, 3D presentations, and other digital experiences.

Of course, there’s more to Haugesund’s history than just its Viking roots. Karmsund Folkemuseum reveals the stories of the city’s involvement with shipping, fishing, and agriculture, in the 1,000 years since the Viking Age.

Elsewhere in the city, Our Savior’s Church is a striking red-brick, new Gothic church with a notable tower and room for more than 1,000 people inside. The church is usually free to enter on cruise days, although donations are appreciated.

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