Introduction: Escape the Crowd. Find the Character.

If you are asking which Fred. Olsen ship is the “best”, you’re already looking for a cruise experience that prioritises intimacy, attentive service, and immersive destinations over mass-market crowds. You are looking for a ship with character.

Fred. Olsen is renowned for its fleet of smaller, classic vessels designed to navigate waterways and dock at ports the mega-liners simply cannot reach. However, within this carefully curated fleet – Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral – each ship offers a distinctly different ambience.

At Ocean World Travel, your independent Fred. Olsen specialists, we help match your dream itinerary with your perfect ship. Here is our in-depth comparison to help you find your ideal home-at-sea.

Quick Comparison: Small Ships, Big Space

The core of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines experience is the exceptional guest-to-space ratio. While smaller overall, the ships feel incredibly spacious, offering a genuine escape from the crowds often found on larger competitors.

The Fleet Deep Dive: Matching Your Travel Style

1. Bolette: The Elegant Evolution

Bolette, Fred. Olsen’s flagship, is the largest and most recently acquired vessel in the fleet (2020), yet she still maintains a beautifully intimate feel. She represents the next generation of Fred. Olsen cruising – a little more spacious, a little more luxurious, but with the same warm, British welcome.

The Dream: Imagine finding a secluded corner in the two-tiered theatre, enjoying a fine dining experience in The Orchid Room, or simply relaxing on the expansive open deck space. If you want the Fred. Olsen atmosphere with the most open and uncrowded space, along with the most modern touches, Bolette is your ship.

2. Borealis: The Explorer’s Companion

Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for guests whose holiday priority is the destination. While equally spacious, she has earned a reputation for mastering long, complex, and scenic voyages that dive deep into a region’s culture and history.

The Dream: Picture yourself sitting in the glass-roofed atrium watching the dramatic cliffs of a Norwegian Fjord glide by, or taking part in an insightful lecture about the next port of call. If your focus is genuine, in-depth cultural exploration and breathtaking scenic cruising, Borealis is the ideal choice.

3. Balmoral: The Classic Intimacy

Balmoral is the most intimate vessel in the active fleet. Her smaller Gross Tonnage allows her to access destinations that are completely closed off to even Bolette and Borealis, including navigating rivers like the Elbe to Hamburg, or docking in the heart of Seville.

The Dream: This is traditional British cruising at its best. Imagine a genuine smile from a crew member who remembers your name and your favourite drink, or the pleasure of docking in the heart of a European capital city. If you value a cosy, club-like atmosphere and unique, up-close access to destinations, Balmoral is unmatched.

The Best Fred. Olsen Ship FAQs

Why are Fred. Olsen cruises often more expensive than large-ship lines?

This is the most common question, and the answer lies in value, not just price. You are paying for the access and the experience. Fred. Olsen’s higher crew-to-guest ratio ensures unparalleled service. Furthermore, their superior space-to-guest ratio means fewer crowds and a more comfortable experience overall. You are paying a premium for a smaller, more exclusive, and better-serviced product that offers itineraries the giants can’t match.

Is Fred. Olsen suitable for first-time cruisers?

Absolutely. Fred. Olsen is often recommended for those seeking a traditional, refined cruise experience without the need for high-octane activities like waterslides and bumper cars. Their UK departure ports, friendly atmosphere, and emphasis on quality are perfect for UK first-timers.

Are the ships too old?

Fred. Olsen deliberately acquires older ships, as their classic design allows for better scenic cruising and navigation of challenging waterways. They are constantly and meticulously maintained, providing reliable sailing with all modern safety and comfort standards. Passengers choose Fred. Olsen for their character and history, not their age.

Where Do Fred. Olsen Cruises Usually Sail From?

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines focuses on providing highly convenient voyages from the UK. The vast majority of their cruises depart directly from regional UK ports, meaning you often don’t need to fly to start your holiday.

Their four main UK departure ports are:

1. Southampton
2. Liverpool
3. Newcastle (Tyne)
4. Rosyth

This regional approach is a key part of the Fred. Olsen small-ship experience, offering a stress-free start to your cruise.

What is the Dress Code on a Fred. Olsen Cruise? Is it Very Formal?
The dress code on Fred. Olsen is often described as “traditionally British,” meaning it is refined but not overly restrictive. Most evenings are Smart Casual, with one or two opportunities to dress up formally.

What is the Dining Style? Fixed Sittings or Flexible Freedom?

Fred. Olsen offers a blend of traditional and flexible dining, so you’re never restricted.

• Traditional Dining: The main restaurants operate on a Fixed Seating basis (usually an early and a late sitting). This means you have the same table and the same friendly waiters each evening, which many guests love for the social atmosphere and consistent service.
• Flexible Dining: The casual, self-service restaurants (like The View on the newer ships) offer flexible, open seating every night. You can simply walk in and dine whenever you like during opening hours.
• Speciality Dining: For something special, the highly-rated speciality venues (Vasco, Colours & Tastes) are available by reservation for a small supplement.

In Short: You can opt for the classic, fixed setting or choose flexibility nightly – it’s entirely up to your preference.

Final Word: Why Book Your Fred. Olsen Cruise with OWT?

As an independent, specialist consultant, Ocean World Travel has no ties to any single cruise line. Our goal is to match you with the best ship and itinerary, not just the one Fred. Olsen wants to sell.

We leverage our independent status to offer you the most comprehensive and competitive quotes, often including exclusive Fred. Olsen cruise deals, promotions, or onboard credit that you won’t find booking direct as a thank you for booking with us we will send you a bottle of champagne & chocolates.

Take the next step: Call 02380 714 790 or submit a Cruise Enquiry once you have found the perfect sailing for you.