Founded in 1848 in Huitsyen, a small town on Oslofjord in Norway, by 3 Olsen brothers, Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a long history of over 150 years.
The brothers began an international shipping company and in 1901 the business first ventured into taking passengers abroad. Now in it’s fifth generation of the family, Fred. Olsen pride themselves on having adopted a traditional British style of cruising, offering a more intimate and attentive service.
A variety of traditional entertainment, relaxation and fine dining may be found onboard. Owning smaller ships than a lot of their competitors, they can access ports larger ships are unable to visit.
Cruises range from 1-109 nights; the fleet of 4 ships calls at 240 ports in 78 countries. Fred. Olsen’s rich heritage and traditional cruising principles has made them one of the most popular cruise operators among British passengers today.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Ships
More about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
On selected cruises, special interest themed excursions are on offer, where a range of activities and entertainment will be provided, regarding a particular point of interest or subject. A guest speaker will talk about their subject and ‘Shore Tours’ will take place.
A ‘Shore Tour’ is a tour of a particular destination that will help bring to life and give a better understanding of the particular theme/subject that is being taught.
One example is a tour of the wine regions of Bordeaux and Rioja while wine expert Jilly Goolden delivers talks on-board and there is the opportunity to take part in wine-tasting activities and entertainment.
The majority of theme programs are free of charge, however relevant materials and ‘Shore Tours’ may have an additional cost.
200 Cruises ·
4 Ships
Cruise Regions
Africa
Arctic
Atlantic Islands
Black Sea/Med
Caribbean
East US/Canada
Mediterranean
N Europe
Repositioning
S America
World-wide
View cruises with this operator:
Reasons to Book
Fred. Olsen offers a classic style of cruising featuring the finest traditions at sea, from daily afternoon tea and fine dining to elegant surroundings and refined entertainment. Thanks to the size of its ships, the line offers an experience that ensures passenger an intimate and sociable atmosphere. That’s also why they can cruise into ports which are inaccessible to larger ships.
Passengers have a choice of formal dining in the main restaurants, or in a more relaxed atmosphere, in the open-seating eateries.
The line’s large luggage allowance of 90 kg per person lets you pack as much as you want without having to worry. Plus, they also offer a selection of fly cruises so you can start exploring as soon as your land.
Members Club
Oceans Membership
Your level of membership is determined by the number of Cruise points you have.
You will earn 1 Cruise point for every night you have spent on board cruises that have departed since 1st January 2000 (subject to some exclusions detailed in the Membership Guidelines). As you take more cruises and earn more Cruise points, you will automatically be upgraded to the next level of membership.
Each level carries its own benefits, as follows, but please note there may be terms and conditions for certain benefits.
Bronze Level (1-30 points)
E-card only
Advance notice of future cruise programmes
Closer magazine
On-board Representative
Lead time to qualify for 5% Cruise Discount (12 months)
Introduce a Friend Reward Scheme (£25.00)
Silver Level (31-100 points)
Membership Card
Advance notice of future cruise programmes
Closer magazine
On-board Representative
Lead time to qualify for 5% Cruise Discount (9 months)
Introduce a Friend Reward Scheme (£25.00)
On board spend discounts (5%)
Oceans cocktail party on cruises of 5 nights or more
Gold Level (101 - 250 )
Membership Card
Advance notice of future cruise programmes
Closer magazine
On-board Representative
Lead time to qualify for 5% Cruise Discount (6 months)
Introduce a Friend Reward Scheme (£25.00)
On board spend discounts (5%)
Oceans cocktail party on cruises of 5 nights or more
Pre-book shore tours discount (5%)
Complimentary refreshments at Dover & Southampton
Welcome aboard gift
Personalised luggage tags
Dedicated phone line to Oceans department
Highest points award scheme
Platinum (251 - 500 points)
Membership card
Advance notice of future cruise programmes
Closer magazine
On-board Representative
Lead time to qualify for 5% Cruise Discount (3 months)
Introduce a Friend Reward Scheme (£35.00)
On board spend discounts (10%)
Oceans cocktail party on cruises of 5 nights or more
Pre-book shore tours discount (7.5%)
Personalised luggage tags
Complimentary refreshments at Dover & Southampton
Welcome aboard gift
Dedicated phone line to Oceans department
Highest points award scheme
Exclusive event on cruises of 14 nights or more
Priority dedicated phone line to reservations
Diamond Elite (501 plus)
Membership card
Advance notice of future cruise programmes
On-board Representative
Lead time to qualify for 5% Cruise Discount (3 months)
Lead time to qualify for 5% Cruise Discount (any time)
Introduce a Friend Reward Scheme (£50.00)
On board spend discounts (15%)
Oceans cocktail party on cruises of 5 nights or more
Pre-book shore tours discount (10%)
Complimentary refreshments at Dover & Southampton
Welcome aboard gift
Personalised luggage tags
Dedicated phone line to Oceans department
Highest points award scheme
Exclusive event on cruises of 14 nights or more
Priority dedicated phone line to reservations
Milestone awards scheme
Confirmed table number for dinner prior to departure
Streamlined embarkation
Free bag of laundry - wash and fold service
Personal bon voyage call pre-departure
Personal welcome aboard visit from Oceans Representative