Press release -
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils new Freedom Fare Price Promise with launch of Summer 2026 itineraries
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a new early booking incentive, its Freedom Fare Price Promise, encouraging guests to book early to get the best value for their cruise.
The Price Promise assures guests that anyone who books a Freedom Fare within the first four weeks of a cruise going on sale will receive either a cabin upgrade or credit to spend on board, should an equivalent cabin on their cruise be reduced at a later date.
Booking a Freedom Fare comes with additional benefits, such as the ability to choose your cabin grade and number, dining time and table size, among others.
Guests’ first opportunity to take advantage of Fred. Olsen’s new Freedom Fare Price Promise will be on its Summer 2026 itineraries, unveiled today and departing from 27th May 2026.
The programme includes three specially-timed sailings to coincide with the solar eclipse in August 2026, with Bolette and Balmoral sailing to Iceland and Borealis heading for Spain. In addition, there will be chances to witness waterfalls at their most powerful in Norway, British Isles cruises taking in summertime views of remote isles and rugged coastlines and short five-night cruises to coincide with British bank holidays: perfect for the first time cruiser.
Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Our Freedom Fare Price Promise has been created with our guests in mind, following feedback that they weren’t sure when the best time to book was to get the best value for their cruise.
“Our new Price Promise means that if guests book a Freedom Fare within the first four weeks of a cruise going on sale, they will not get better value for money.
“If the price of an equivalent cabin on their cruise is reduced, we promise they will receive either a free cabin upgrade or credit to spend on board.
“We want our guests to know that they are getting the best value for their money by booking early with us.”
Martin Lister, Head of Product Innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“There are many highlights from our new summer 2026 itineraries, but undoubtedly, the special sailings for August’s total eclipse of the sun, are particularly exciting.
“In Iceland, guests on board Bolette and Balmoral will experience whales, waterfalls and geysers, all while being in the place where the moon will cover the sun for the longest period, while those aboard Borealis will discover the old towns and promenades in Spain, plus a full eclipse before the sun sets.
“All of our new itineraries have been curated to allow guests to embrace the local way of life, seek out native wildlife and witness spectacular natural wonders and breathtaking scenery.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer 2026 programme will feature departures from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth, with highlights including:
Borealis’ 14-night S2613 ‘Enchanting Landmarks of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 4th June 2026. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
- Discover fairytale castles of the Baltic in summer
- Enjoy folkloric dances and savour traditional local dishes
- Explore Lithuania’s spectacular sand dunes and pine forests
Itinerary: Southampton, UK – Copenhagen, Denmark – Gdansk, Poland – Klaipeda, Lithuania – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia (overnight port) – Warnemunde, Germany – Southampton, UK
For more details: Visit S2613 ‘Enchanting Landmarks of the Baltic’
Bolette’s 14-night T2612 ‘River Cities of France, Spain and Portugal’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 20th June 2026. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
- Explore the iconic rivers of Gironde, Douro and Tagus
- Sample wine in Bordeaux and Rioja and fortified wine in Madeira and Porto
- Experience Madeira’s celebrated annual Atlantic Festival
Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Pauillac, France (overnight port) – Getxo, Spain – Funchal, Madeira (overnight port) – Lisbon, Portugal – Leixões, Portugal – Liverpool, UK
For more details: Visit T2612 ‘River Cities of France, Spain and Portugal’
Balmoral’s 12-night L2625 ‘Wonders of Iceland with the Solar Eclipse’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 6th August 2026. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
- Experience the solar eclipse from Balmoral with Go Stargazing experts
- Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture like horseback riding
- Admire the powerful waterfalls of Dynjandi, Goðafoss and Gullfoss
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight port) – Solar Eclipse – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruise Seyðisfjörður – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2625 ‘Wonders of Iceland with the Solar Eclipse’
Bolette’s 11-night T2619 ‘Wonders of Iceland with the Solar Eclipse’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 7th August 2026. Prices start from £1,499 per person.
- Witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse
- Experience the Icelandic culture of bathing in hot springs
- Go in search of humpback whales on tours in Akureyri and Húsavik
Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland – Cruise Arnarfjörður to Dynjandi Falls, Iceland – Pass Látrabjarg, Iceland – Solar Eclipse – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Liverpool, UK
For more details: Visit T2619 ‘Wonders of Iceland with the Solar Eclipse’
Borealis’ 10-night S2620 ‘Northern Spain with the Solar Eclipse’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 10th August 2026. Prices start from £1,299 per person.
- Marvel at the natural phenomenon of the solar eclipse from Borealis
- Sample Portuguese pasteis de nata and traditional Spanish tapas
- Discover significant monuments in Lisbon on their iconic trams
Itinerary: Southampton, UK – La Coruña, Spain – Vigo, Spain – Cádiz, Spain – Pass Belém Tower and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal (overnight port) – Southampton, UK
For more details: Visit S2620 ‘Northern Spain with the Solar Eclipse’
Balmoral’s five-night L2628 ‘Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 28th August 2026. Prices start from £599 per person.
- Enjoy friluftsliv by cycling and kayaking, or hiking in Briksdal National Park
- Admire Norway’s scenic landscapes from the decks of Balmoral
- Discover geology and the Ice Age legacy at Kjenndalen glacier
Itinerary: Newcastle, UK – Ålesund, Norway – Olden, Norway – Cruise Nordfjord, Norway – Newcastle, UK
For more details: Visit L2628 ‘Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com
Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 215 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
