Our Signature Experiences

While other cruise lines tend to take the fastest route from A to B, we prefer to follow the most fascinating route. We enjoy making the time to take in all the islands, ports, waterways, lochs, lakes, fjords and coastal landscapes that are out there, and to help our guests see and understand more about them. Out on deck, or from the comfort of our Observatory Lounges, our on board teams provide commentary, point out points and places of interest, tell stories of local people and culture, and help you spot marine and birdlife. On particular sailings, we travel with nature specialists from the whale and marine life charities, ORCA and Ocean Wildlife Encounters. They will join you on board to ensure that if there are whales to see, dolphins to spot, or other marine life to observe, our guests will be able to witness it firsthand.

Enrichment is very much a part of how we do things at Fred. Olsen. Our enthusiastic Guest Speakers are specially chosen to give our like-minded travellers a deeper understanding of the culture, history and people of the places that we are visiting. Talks take place in our dedicated theatre space with the opportunity for a good chat and Q&A with the speakers after the event. We also host smaller lunches and sociable gatherings for those who have a special interest in a particular subject.

There’s no more delicious way to discover something of a country’s culture than through its food. So, you will always find delicious regional dishes on the lunch and dinner menu in our main and buffet restaurants. Our talented chefs will also host cookery demonstrations where local delicacies are prepared, everyone attending is given a taster and the recipe to try for themselves when they return home. And, for a little evening treat, there’s always the Cocktail of the Day to enjoy as the sun goes down over the sea.

There is nothing quite like a sunrise at sea or looking up at the beauty of the night sky from the deck of a ship. On clear nights we host star-gazing experiences where you can sit back on the open deck, snuggled in a blanket with a hot chocolate or a toddy, and listen to our experts, as we bring the night sky to life. On certain itineraries, we sail to seek out the unique Northern Lights or witness the beauty of the midnight sun.

The Olsen family’s history in shipping dates back to 1848, when three Olsen family brothers bought their first ship and set about discovering the world, so we like to say that maritime is truly in our DNA. Join us for ‘an audience with’ the Captain or some of our crew, take part in discussion sessions about navigation and chart-reading or (for a small extra charge) take a behind-the-scenes tour to see the fascinating workings of your ship.