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 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 subject to schedule 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, Portsmouth 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, Portsmouth and Southampton for all Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Balmoral sailings (subject to minimum numbers).

Additionally, commencing January 2010 , for Balmoral cruises of a 6 night minimum duration, we are pleased to offer an east coast coach service operated by Eddie Brown Tours originating in Newcastle and picking-up at 5 other points en route to Dover. (subject to minimum numbers. Please see brochure for full details).

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.

If 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.

Regardless of your mode of transport, please ensure you always allow sufficient time for your onward connection from scheduled cruise arrival time. Owing to the very nature of sea travel and, despite our best efforts, the vessel’s arrival times can be delayed. All UK ports offer car parking in close proximity to the Passenger Terminal.

Should you wish to travel to the port the night before your cruise we also have attractive rates as detailed in our main brochure.

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. Baggage without labels will not be accepted. 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, and Southampton railway stations and the Cruise Terminal during the morning for disembarking passengers and in the afternoon for embarking passengers. Similarly, a complimentary shuttle will also operate between Rosyth and Inverkeithing Railway Station. In Greenock/Rosyth/Liverpool and Newcastle a payable coach transfer will operate between the city centre and port for both embarking and disembarking passengers. Seats on these payable services must be pre-booked as space is limited. Details of pick up/set down points will be detailed on your confirmation invoice/voucher.

At check-in you will be required to produce your passport, ticket and disembarkation questionnaire. A payable coach service will operate in Greenock. 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. Most 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.