What is The Olsen Way?
Proud to sail our own course
The world of cruising is changing.
Cruise ships that are ever bigger, ever busier and (some would say) ever brasher, are beginning to dominate and there are many guests looking for an alternative.
We stand up for the smaller ship experience because we know that is what our guests would rather choose: an experience that makes the most of the beauty of the journey and the nature and culture of the destinations along the way. An experience that’s elegant and relaxed, rather than busy and brash.
So, our purpose here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is to stand up for a different way of cruising.
We call this way The Olsen Way.
Imaginative and unusual itineraries
Our team of Journey Planners change our itineraries every year. Follow in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as we sail around the world in 80 days, or in 2024, join us as we arrive at the perfect time to watch the fascinating bird migration cross the Straits of Gibraltar. And our Captains will always navigate to show you local wildlife or beautiful scenery along the way.
Our Norwegian heritage and knowledge of the beautiful coastline also means no one can show you the fjords quite like us.
As a result, we have won Cruise Critic’s award for best itineraries 5 years in a row.
Imaginative and unusual itineraries
Our team of Journey Planners change our itineraries every year. Follow in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as we sail around the world in 80 days, or in 2024, join us as we arrive at the perfect time to watch the fascinating bird migration cross the Straits of Gibraltar. And our Captains will always navigate to show you local wildlife or beautiful scenery along the way.
Our Norwegian heritage and knowledge of the beautiful coastline also means no one can show you the fjords quite like us.
As a result, we have won Cruise Critic’s award for best itineraries 5 years in a row.
We believe smaller is better
We are incredibly proud of our fleet of three smaller ships; Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. Never sailing with more than 1,000 guests on board, each has been elegantly designed and they all look and feel like ships (not hotels or holiday resorts); with wide open deck spaces as well as lounges and restaurants which have been meticulously planned to ensure you have a wonderful experience.
With fewer guests, our crew can really get to know you and what you like. And the atmosphere on board our ships is always warm and friendly.
The smaller size of our ships also allows us access to more interesting places, such as Norway’s lesser-known Fjords as well as European cities with narrow waterways and size-restricted bridges. It also means we can dock in the heart of some of the world’s most fascinating cities.
We believe smaller is better
We are incredibly proud of our fleet of three smaller ships; Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. Never sailing with more than 1,000 guests on board, each has been elegantly designed and they all look and feel like ships (not hotels or holiday resorts); with wide open deck spaces as well as lounges and restaurants which have been meticulously planned to ensure you have a wonderful experience.
With fewer guests, our crew can really get to know you and what you like. And the atmosphere on board our ships is always warm and friendly.
The smaller size of our ships also allows us access to more interesting places, such as Norway’s lesser-known Fjords as well as European cities with narrow waterways and size-restricted bridges. It also means we can dock in the heart of some of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Family-run and determined to do things a different way
Founded by three Olsen brothers in 1848, we have 175 years of maritime history. We still consider ourselves one big family, so each and every member of our team takes your experience personally. As a result, we are very proud to welcome back more returning guests than any other cruise line.
(YouGov independent survey 2019).
Family-run and determined to do things a different way
Founded by three Olsen brothers in 1848, we have 175 years of maritime history. We still consider ourselves one big family, so each and every member of our team takes your experience personally. As a result, we are very proud to welcome back more returning guests than any other cruise line. (YouGov independent survey 2019).
The on board experience re-imagined
In 2022 we launched five new Signature experiences on board our ships, this is another area where we differ from other cruise lines.
On every sailing, these experiences have been designed to ensure you get the most out of the culture and nature of the destinations we are visiting – from our ‘Treats of the Region’ sessions where you can enjoy a taste of the destinations on your cruise to our Sky at Sea star-gazing sessions where you can relax with a hot toddy while our astronomer talks you through the night sky.
We are also passionate about delivering the very best treats and past times during your cruise and can promise great food and speciality restaurants, the chance to learn something new, spa and beauty treatments, fun and games, quizzes and puzzles and showtime, music and dancing.
The on board experience re-imagined
In 2022 we launched five new Signature experiences on board our ships, this is another area where we differ from other cruise lines.
On every sailing, these experiences have been designed to ensure you get the most out of the culture and nature of the destinations we are visiting – from our ‘Treats of the Region’ sessions where you can enjoy a taste of the destinations on your cruise to our Sky at Sea star-gazing sessions where you can relax with a hot toddy while our astronomer talks you through the night sky.
We are also passionate about delivering the very best treats and past times during your cruise and can promise great food and speciality restaurants, the chance to learn something new, spa and beauty treatments, fun and games, quizzes and puzzles and showtime, music and dancing.