Your guide to Fred Olsen Cruises ships

Fred Olsen Cruises – small, classic ships with a personal touch

Fairly Good

Average Ship Age

Cabin Variety / Outside Cabins

Environmental Impact

Tech & Innovation

Accessibility & Design

There is a certain magic to smaller ships, a sense of intimacy and discovery that can be hard to find on the vast ocean liners of today.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines captures this feeling perfectly. Its fleet of three ships – Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral – offers a refined yet friendly way to travel, where service feels personal, spaces become familiar, and every sailing feels like joining a well-kept secret. This is cruising with character, blending traditional maritime style with the comforts of modern travel.

Ship design and layout

Stepping aboard a Fred. Olsen ship feels less like entering a floating resort and more like being welcomed into a grand, seafaring home. These are ships built for travellers, not tourists. The interiors are light and elegant, with open lounges, sweeping sea views, and wide teak decks that invite quiet moments of reflection. The decor expertly balances modern design with a timeless maritime character—polished wood, soft, inviting fabrics, and subtle nods to a rich seafaring heritage are found throughout. The layouts are intuitive and thoughtfully planned, making it easy to find your way from a quiet library corner to a lively evening show without feeling overwhelmed. This considered design creates a calm and comfortable atmosphere that encourages exploration and relaxation in equal measure.

Fleet age and modernisation

While the ships were acquired from the esteemed Holland America Line, each has been thoughtfully refurbished to create a fresh, contemporary feel that aligns with Fred. Olsen’s classic style. Cabins, restaurants, and public spaces have all been updated with a discerning eye, bringing them into the modern era while preserving the solid build quality and ocean-going comfort of classic vessels. The result is a fleet that feels modern in spirit but traditional in soul, offering the best of both worlds. The ships carry their history with grace, yet provide all the amenities and comforts expected by today’s travellers.

Cabin comfort

A cabin on a Fred. Olsen cruise is a genuine retreat. They are notably spacious by industry standards, designed with excellent storage, exceptionally comfortable beds, and a smart, practical layout. For those undertaking longer voyages, the balcony and suite options are particularly appealing, offering private outdoor space for a morning coffee, an afternoon of reading, or watching the sunset over the horizon. The decor is fresh and welcoming, creating a bright and airy atmosphere, while the standard of cleanliness is impeccable. It is clear that every detail has been considered to ensure a restful and restorative private space.

Family features

Fred. Olsen’s cruises are primarily tailored for an adult audience, creating a serene and sophisticated onboard atmosphere. However, the line makes it possible for multi-generational families to travel together comfortably, thanks to interconnecting cabins and dedicated family suites. While there are no specific kids’ clubs or sprawling waterparks, the environment is safe, calm, and conducive to shared family time. It is an ideal setting for families who wish to spend quality time together, exploring destinations and enjoying the simple pleasures of life at sea.

Adult amenities

The onboard experience for adults is where Fred. Olsen truly excels. Elegant lounges provide sophisticated settings for pre-dinner drinks, quiet libraries are stocked for peaceful afternoons, and the Atlantis Spa offers a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. Hot tubs are dotted across the open decks, and the beautiful observation lounges provide peaceful escapes with panoramic views. The bars and evening venues strike the perfect balance between sociable and serene, allowing for both lively conversation and quiet contemplation. Everything feels purposeful and refined, never excessive, creating an environment of understated luxury.

Accessibility

Fred. Olsen has made commendable progress in ensuring its ships are accessible to all guests. Each vessel in the fleet offers a number of specially adapted cabins designed for comfort and ease of movement, along with step-free routes through most public areas. The crew are attentive and always ready to offer assistance when needed. Furthermore, the smaller size of the ships makes the process of embarking, disembarking, and simply navigating the decks a much simpler and less daunting experience than on a modern megaship.