Transport to/from your cruise:

At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines we believe your holiday starts from the moment you leave home and therefore we have negotiated a number of subsidised fares for modes of transport to and from the ship. These include coach, rail and air options.

Working with National Express we offer an exceptional travel deal from any of the 1000+ pick up points on the nationwide network. These connect with a dedicated service to and from London Victoria, direct to and from the cruise terminal, operating only on our departure and arrival dates. (Dover and Southampton departures/arrivals only)

Before booking call National Express directly on 08705 808080 (open daily 0800-2000hrs) to check suitable connections for your journey.

If you live near Manchester or Birmingham, Battersby Silver Grey coaches operate a popular non-stop service, exclusive to Fred. Olsen passengers, to Dover and Southampton for all Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar  and Balmoral sailings (subject to minimum numbers). Alternatively we can provide either standard or first class rail travel. Please call our Administration Department on 01473 292444, for prices from any rail station in mainland UK. If booking your own domestic or international flights to connect with a Fred. Olsen fly/cruise, please ensure you allow at least 4 to 5 hours connecting time between flights. This is to allow for any flight delays, the need to change terminal, baggage reclaim and check-in for the onward flight. Through check-in from scheduled to charter flights is not permitted.

IIf you prefer to fly from your local airport, we can take care of this as well by offering both flights and transfers to ensure you get to/from the ship. Please refer to our main brochure for terms and conditions of booking.

Should you wish to travel to the port the night before your cruise we also have attractive rates for hotels in Dover and Southampton. Both Dover and Southampton offer good car parking facilities. Dover parking is operated by Dover Harbour and Southampton parking by Southampton Cargo Handling. Details of how to pre-book car parking at your departure port will be provided in your ticket pack.

For more information on all of the above, and details of how to book, please see our main brochure or contact our Administration Department on 01473 742424.

Check-in procedures:

Embarkation at the Cruise Terminal commences, in general for ex UK cruises, 2-3 hours prior to sailing. All passengers are required to check-in no less than 1 hour before sailing time. Exact details regarding where and when to check-in for your cruise will be advised in your ticket pack.

On arrival at the port you will be directed to the baggage drop-off area where porters will be on hand to take your luggage from you. Your baggage will then be taken directly to your cabin after passing through security checks. Wheelchair assistance is available from the port authorities on arrival.

A complimentary shuttle bus service operates between Dover/ Southampton railway stations and the Cruise Terminal during the morning for disembarking passengers and in the afternoon for embarking passengers. Shuttle buses will also operate in Greenock/Leith/Liverpool and Newcastle. Details of pick up/set down points will be detailed on your confirmation invoice. Passengers on fly/cruise packages will receive full embarkation instructions with their tickets.

At check-in you will be required to produce your passport and tickets. At this time you will be issued with your ship’s pass and boarding card. You may then relax in the Cruise Terminal lounge until embarkation commences. Dover and Southampton Cruise Terminals offer refreshment, telephone and toilet facilities.

Check-in and embarkation arrangements for fly/cruises will differ from ex UK cruises; full details will be enclosed in your ticket pack.

Security:

We regret that owing to strict security measures, no visitors are allowed on board.

At check-in you will receive a ship’s pass which acts as your security pass and on board account card for the full duration of the cruise. Each time you embark or disembark the vessel your card will be swiped to record whether you are on board or ashore. In addition your hand luggage may be subject to either x-ray scanning or a manual search each time you re-join the vessel.

The Merchant Shipping Act prohibits the carrying of certain items on board ship, which include:

• All firearms and ammunition, sporting weapons, replica firearms, and explosives of any kind.
  
• Knives and other sharp bladed weapons.
  
• Flammable substances (petrol, methylated spirit, paint thinners etc).
  
• Items containing incapacitating substances that could be used to maim or disable, such as gas cylinders, unless they form part of a ladies hairdressing kit.
  
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
  
  Needless to say security for fly/cruises is also extremely tight, and a list of prohibited items will be detailed with your flight tickets.