The Latest news from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

With the festive season now in full swing, our ships are brimming with seasonal cheer. Festive music plays in the background, crew don Father Christmas hats and decorations twinkle across the fleet – complete with charming gingerbread displays – while little surprise-and-delight moments appear throughout.

Guests can enjoy an array of seasonal treats, from Christmas-themed snacks in the buffet and festive cocktails in the bars to a special Christmas afternoon tea. Entertainment takes a joyful turn too, with quizzes, games, Christmas craft classes and even traditional panto adding to the celebrations, while the Sea Cove shop is stocked with festive favourites, including Christmas jumpers and baubles.

And on the big day itself, you can look forward to Christmas carols, dinner with all the trimmings and even a visit from the big man himself.

Take a look at our festive gallery to see what’s happening on board.

Each year, one of our favourite new festive traditions is celebrating our wonderful crew who go above and beyond to make the season feel truly special. From the smallest thoughtful gesture to the moments that linger long after you’ve left the ship, these are the people who help create the magic of Christmas on board.

This December, we’re inviting you to help us shine a light on them once again. On each of our ships, you’ll find Star Cards at Guest Services – a simple way to nominate a crew member who’s created a magical moment for you during your voyage. Just jot down their name and your reason, then hang your card proudly on the Christmas tree.

If you’re celebrating from home rather than on board, you can still take part. Simply visit our Facebook page and leave a comment telling us your Christmas Star’s name, the ship they’re part of, and why they deserve to be recognised. Nominations are open until 24 December 2025.

And because the magic of Christmas doesn’t only happen front of house, our teams behind the scenes are part of the celebration too. Star nomination cards are available for team leaders and officers, ensuring the hard-working crew keeping everything running smoothly can be recognised as well.

Take a look at some examples from last year's nominations...

This year has brought an incredible array of marine wildlife encounters across our fleet, made possible through our ongoing partnership with ORCA, the marine conservation charity dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins, porpoises and their habitats. Their Ocean Conservationists have been out on deck on many of our sailings, scanning the horizon, gathering vital data and sharing their passion for the ocean with guests.

Along with some amazing sightings of iconic species like orca, humpbacks and sperm whales, 2025 delivered some unforgettable moments. Among the standout sightings were:

• A pod of 28 short-finned pilot whales – including three calves – spotted from Borealis during her Island-Hopping in the Caribbean cruise at the start of the year
• Around 60 common dolphins racing through the waves on Bolette’s Madeira, Azores & Portugal sailing in October
• Four breaching Sowerby’s beaked whales making a rare appearance on the Madeira, Azores & Portugal cruise in July.

In total, ORCA teams recorded 2,366 sightings, including:

1,014 common dolphins

80 bottlenose dolphins

87 striped dolphins

30 orcas 50 fin whales

111 humpback whales

73 short-finned pilot whales

3 sei whales

50 minke whales

2 loggerhead turtles

24 seals

These sightings are about far more than memorable moments at sea. Every record contributes to ORCA’s vital conservation work. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re proud to continue this meaningful partnership.

Here’s to another year of discovery, research and unforgettable wildlife moments shared with ORCA’s dedicated teams.