First Time Cruises
At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we make your first cruise simple and special, offering a range of shorter cruises perfect for first-time cruisers.[ReadMoreMob] Each morning brings a new destination to explore, while on board you’ll be greeted by our friendly and attentive crew, dedicated to making your journey truly memorable. Enjoy delicious dining every day and a wide variety of activities tailored to suit every interest.
Begin your first Fred. Olsen cruise with a choice of adventures: sail along the river cities of France and Belgium, or spend Easter aboard Bolette, discovering the dramatic coastlines of Scotland and Ireland.
What's more, book a Saver fare on selected sailings and enjoy specially reduced prices, with your cabin and dining times selected for you, so you can simply relax and look forward to your unforgettable cruise.
At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we make your first cruise simple and special, offering a range of shorter cruises perfect for first-time cruisers. Each morning brings a new destination to explore, while on board you’ll be greeted by our friendly and attentive crew, dedicated to making your journey truly memorable. Enjoy delicious dining every day and a wide variety of activities tailored to suit every interest.
Begin your first Fred. Olsen cruise with a choice of adventures in 2026: sail along the river cities of France and Belgium, or spend Easter aboard Bolette, discovering the dramatic coastlines of Scotland and Ireland. [ReadMoreMob]
What's more, book a Saver fare on selected sailings and enjoy specially reduced prices, with your cabin and dining times selected for you, so you can simply relax and look forward to your unforgettable cruise.
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Perfect cruises for your first time
Where can I cruise to?
Our mini cruises are the perfect way to discover your love of cruising with Fred. Olsen. Choose from exploring the natural beauty of Norway, the rugged coastlines of Scotland, or sailing along the River Seine and Tagus into the heart of intriguing French and Portuguese cities. Go in search of the Northern Lights or discover the cultural treasures of the Baltic – our first time cruises are designed with newcomers in mind, offering manageable port stops and comfortable sailing distances so you can ease into the cruising experience at your own pace.
Ideal destinations for your first cruise
The Mediterranean
Explore sun-soaked iconic cities like Barcelona and Rome and enjoy gentle sailing between ports.
Norwegian Fjords
Experience dramatic scenery and charming coastal villages, with itineraries carefully designed to showcase Norway’s natural wonders without feeling rushed.
The Canary Islands
Enjoy year-round sunshine, volcanic scenery and a relaxed island atmosphere, perfect for a winter escape.
Northern Europe
Discover historic capital cities and medieval towns on itineraries that are ideal for first time cruisers, blending cultural richness with relaxed sailing in calm waters.
How do I get to my cruise?
Starting your cruise is simple, with departures from convenient UK ports, so you can begin enjoying your holiday straight away.
Southampton offers excellent transport links and hassle-free boarding, with London just 90 miles away.
Newcastle cruise port offers a relaxed embarkation experience with car-parking located close to the cruise terminal.
Liverpool is a city with a proud maritime heritage and offers easy access to your ship.
Begin your Fred. Olsen cruise from Portsmouth, a historic naval city where iconic sights like the Spinnaker Tower and Historic Dockyard frame your departure to inspiring destinations across Europe and beyond.
Located just 40 minutes from Scotland’s capital, with departures that sail out under the iconic Forth bridges.
Why choose a cruise?
A cruise is something rather special, offering the chance to visit multiple destinations in one holiday, unpack just the once, and not have the worry of arranging hotels or navigating unfamiliar transport. Simply settle into your cosy cabin and wake up each morning to an exciting new port of call. [ReadMoreMob]
For those new to cruising, Fred. Olsen provides an ideal introduction to life on the ocean. Our smaller ships are welcoming and personable, with attentive crew who soon come to know you by name. There are no overwhelming crowds or impersonal encounters, just genuine hospitality and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts you at ease as soon as you step aboard.
Cruising from the UK allows for exploring the world at a relaxed pace, taking you to off-the-beaten-track destinations, sailing along narrow Norwegian fjords or docking in the centre of iconic coastal cities, so that you can begin exploring straight away.
Friendly advice for your first cruise
If you’re planning your first cruise, we know it can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. From choosing the perfect cabin to packing smart and making the most of life on board, there’s a lot to think about. Our blog is packed with helpful guides, tips and expert advice to make your first cruise smooth, stress‑free and unforgettable. Take a look and discover everything you need to know to set sail with confidence.
Choosing your cabin
Find the cabin that best fits your trip by comparing types (interior, ocean-view, terrace, balcony or suite), thinking about how much time you’ll spend onboard, and matching your choice to your travel style and destination.
Solo cruise advice
Yes solo cruising is a great way to enjoy freedom, relaxation and adventure at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people or simply unwind.
Packing for your first time cruise
Preparing for your first cruise can feel overwhelming, so pack smart by starting with key travel documents and essentials, choose versatile clothing for everything from casual days and formal evenings to varied climates, bring the right footwear and tech gadgets, and don’t forget handy items for shore excursions, while using smart strategies like rolling clothes and packing cubes to make the most of your luggage space.
What is a cruise cabin like?
Discover what your cruise ship cabin will feel like. Cabins are like hotel rooms with essentials such as a shower, toilet, smart TV, air conditioning, power sockets, hot drink facilities, safe and hairdryer. They come in a variety of types, from budget‑friendly inside cabins and ocean‑view rooms with windows to balcony, terrace, junior and premium suites with extra space and outdoor access, helping you pick the right space for your style and budget.
What's included in your cruise
First time cruises offer exceptional value, with accommodation, meals and entertainment all included, making it easy to budget for your holiday with peace of mind, so you can settle in, relax and begin exploring your ship. Should you wish to personalise your experience further, a selection of optional upgrades, including speciality dining and shore tours, are available to book either before you sail or on board.