Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Small-ship, no-fly cruising from UK ports. Intimate ships, friendly service, and itineraries to places larger ships can't reach.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a Norwegian-owned, UK-based cruise line that specialises in small-ship, no-fly cruising. With four ships — Bolette, Borealis, Balmoral, and Braemar — all sailing from UK ports including Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, Fred. Olsen is the go-to choice for cruisers who want to avoid flying entirely. The smaller ship size (800-1,400 passengers) means access to ports that larger ships can't visit, a more intimate onboard atmosphere, and genuinely friendly service from crew who learn your name. The passenger demographic skews older and British, with a social, convivial atmosphere and traditional entertainment including dance hosts, craft classes, and guest speakers. Food quality is solid if not spectacular, with a single main dining room and one or two alternative venues. Fred. Olsen excels at unusual itineraries: Arctic Norway, the Azores, Cape Verde, and extended grand voyages that visit 10+ countries. The Oceans loyalty programme offers excellent benefits including up to 10% discount on future cruises.