Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to the most commonly asked cruise holiday questions. If the question you have is not listed, please refer to the New To Cruising or Before You Cruise sections of our website, or call our friendly Reservations staff on 01473 746175.
- Single supplements
For those cruise guests on their own, we have a number of single occupancy cabins on each of our cruise ships. Alternatively (or if the single cabins are sold out) then you can occupy a twin cabin. All of our twin cabins have a 100% single supplement charge.
- Can I book a 'share' cabin with another person of the same sex?
Yes, we offer the facility for you to book a cabin sharing with another person of the same sex who you do not know. Please call our Reservations Department on 01473 742424 to book.
- What shall I pack?
During your cruise holiday, day dress is casual. Casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are ideal, although we do ask you to adhere to appropriate dress codes in the main cruise ship restaurants. For going ashore and walking on deck, flat, comfortable shoes are a must. We would also recommend that you take a lightweight jacket or sweater for the evenings.
During the evening, dress code is as follows:
Formal nights - Ladies cocktail or evening dress. Men dinner jacket, tuxedo or lounge suit (of a dark colour).
Informal nights - Men will be comfortable in a lounge suit or jacket and/ or tie. For ladies, anything ranging from tailored trousers to a dress.
Casual nights - On the first and last nights of the cruise we relax the rules - still no vests or shorts though.
- Can I get my laundry done?
All our ships provide excellent Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Pressing services. An ironing room and self service launderette is available on all ships, at a nominal charge.
- What extras should I budget for?
Travel to/from your ports or airports
All drinks on board
Internet usage or telephone calls
Shore excursions
Salon treatments and fitness classes
Laundry services
Photographs
Duty free or items purchased from our shops on board
Gratuities
Medical expenses
Holiday Insurance
Passports or visa costs
Extras on board are charged in sterling. Payment is required at the end of your cruise and if you have pre registered your credit card, your bill will be settled swiftly and without queuing.
- How much luggage can I take?
If sailing from a UK port 200lbs (90kgs) of luggage is allowed. On fly/ cruises allowance will be subject to the conditions imposed by the air carrier and will vary from airline to airline. As a guide, a scheduled air service free baggage allowance in economy is usually 20kgs, while for charted flights we allow 25kgs (although this is subject to change). Please note that no one piece of hold baggage can weigh more than 23kgs. For safety reasons when using one of our advertised coach services each piece of luggage must weigh less than 20kgs.
- Visa requirements?
Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruises and this will be advised to you at time of booking or when the requirement arises. It is the responsibility of all non-British passport holders to ensure that they are in possession of a valid passport and where necessary entry visas or permits for their chosen cruise. If you are unsure as to whether you are required to obtain such documents you must contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate. Failure to comply with this request may result in refusal of carriage or the imposition of individual fines by the local immigration authorities. Please note: When going ashore independently in certain ports of call (i.e. St Petersburg, Russia) it may be necessary for you to arrange a visitor’s visa. Please see your confirmation invoice for further details of how to do this. In St Petersburg, when participating in shore excursions arranged by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, all passport holders will be covered on a group visa.
- How can I keep in contact with home?
It has never been easier to keep in contact with friends and family during your cruise holiday; you can phone, email and even use your own mobile phone whilst on board your cruise ship - charges will apply.
- What are the dining times?
The Maitre d’ on board allocates your dining table arrangements. It is possible to request first sitting (6.15pm) or second sitting (8.30pm) at time of booking your cruise holiday, or by contacting our Administration Department on 01473 292444. Please note that choice of sitting may not be available on certain fare types. When you arrive on board your cruise ship you will find a Restaurant Seating Card in your cabin, which will advise you of your table number and dining time. This will be your allocated table for the duration of the cruise.
Mealtimes are as flexible as possible – after all you are on holiday. Breakfast is normally served between 7.15 and 10.00am and lunch between 12.00 and 2.00pm in the main restaurants. A buffet breakfast and lunch will also be served in designated areas. Poolside cafes and the Marquee Pool bars are also available, weather permitting and only on specific ships (please check deck plans for availability).
Open sitting; evening dinner is offered as an informal option again only in specific restaurants, which operate on a self service basis but bar service is available.
Please check your Daily Times (the on board cruise ship newsletter) for opening hours and restaurant availability.
- Can you accommodate my special diet?
We will do our best to accommodate most dietary requests on board. We currently cater for:
Vegetarian
Low fat
Dairy free
Lactose free
Gluten free
Wheat free
All special requests must be specified at time of booking.
- Are babysitters available?
Unfortunately we do not offer a babysitting service, however kids clubs are run during school holidays when sufficient numbers of children are on board.
- Where can I smoke on board?
Smoking is only permitted on cabin balconies, and in specially designated areas of deck space.
- What medical facilities are available?
For your peace of mind, all our cruise ships have a medical centre offering primary care with a doctor and/or nurse on permanent call. They can easily be called from the phone in your cabin, if needed in an emergency. The medical centres operate outside the British and European health services and charges are levied for consultations, prescriptions and cabin visits. A scale of charges is displayed in the medical centre and charges incurred will be billed to your on board account. Sharp boxes are available on request. If you are taking medication, please remember to bring adequate amounts to last the duration of the cruise. A copy of any regular presciption would also be useful in the event of a medical emergency. Any serious pre-existing medical condition that could adversely affect your cruise must be brought to the attention of our Medical Department well in advance of departure.
- How do I get ashore if the ship is not berthed alongside?
In certain ports of call, where the vessel is at anchor and not berthed at a quay, we will operate a ship to shore tender service. On health and safety grounds only those passengers requiring the minimum of assistance to negotiate steps* and board/alight the tenders will be permitted ashore. We regret that wheelchair reliant passengers will not be able to use this service. Any ports at anchor will be detailed on your chosen itinerary and confirmation invoice.
* the number of steps on the gangway from the ship to the tender will vary subject to the vessel involved. For more information call our Administration Department on 01473 292444.
- What are the currencies I need for the countries I am visiting?
For a list of currenices please follow the link www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/currency.htm *
- What is the easiest way to obtain foreign currency?
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have appointed City Forex, a specialist provider of foreign exchange services, as preferred supplier of foreign currency for all our ships. City Forex offer a unique service for our passengers: order your foreign currency before your cruise departs and it will be available at Reception at the beginning of your cruise*.- Advantages of this service include:
- Highly competitive rates
- No commission charged
- Remove the worry of postal deliveries or collecting large amounts of cash from the high street. Your pre-ordered currency will be waiting for you on board
- No exchange rate worries - your rate is fixed at time of order, not collection
- No hidden transaction costs from making purchases using your credit card ashore
- Buy back guarantee, commission-free - any unused currency can be returned on board at the same rate as purchase
To order currency for your cruise call 0207 6210090, visit www.cityforex.co.uk
Orders must be made at least 3 working days before the cruise departure. Telephone orders can be placed with City Forex 08.30 - 18.00 hrs Mon to Fri. Payment by Credit and Debit cards are accepted, however some may attract a charge levied by the card issuer.
*Service may not be available where cruise embarkation is at port outside the UK.
- What will the weather be like?
For up to a 7 day regional forecast please follow this link
http://www.holiday-weather.com/ *
- How do I get in touch with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?
By phone on 01473 746175
Monday – Friday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Calls are charged at local rate and may be recorded for training purposes.
Online at www.fredolsencruises.co.uk 24 hours a days 7 days a week. However, please note emails sent to cruiseinternet@fredolsen.co.uk are answered Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
- Will sporting events such as the Olympics be broadcast on board the ships?
At Fred. Olsen we like our guests to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere on board our cruise ships. Our lounges and bars provide the perfect sanctuary for relaxing with friends and enjoying a quiet drink, a place to escape everyday life. Consequently, there will be no television live coverage of this summer’s sporting events, including the European Championships and the Olympic Games.
*Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is not responsible for the content of external websites.
