Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines marked 20 years of sailing from Newcastle yesterday with a special programme of entertainment for guests joining smallest ship, Balmoral, at the Port of Tyne.
Since launching its inaugural programme of sailings from Newcastle in 2006, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed more than 180,000 guests aboard its fleet of smaller ships, sailing from the city to destinations i
Fred. Olsen has become the first cruise line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board’s (MNWB) Seafarer Pledge, reinforcing its long-standing focus on crew wellbeing, career development and the future of maritime talent.
Inspired by the Armed Forces Covenant, the Seafarer Pledge unites organisations in recognising and respecting the seafarers whose skill, professionalism and service keep the UK
Those looking to exchange the cooler UK months for winter sunshine can take advantage of up to £150 onboard spending credit per cabin on a host of sailings with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines throughout Autumn, Winter and beyond.
Available on new bookings made between 12 August and 30 September 2026 inclusive, the promotion applies to selected sailings departing from October 2026 through to May 2027
The launch of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' 2028 Amazon and Antarctica Grand Voyage has delivered the strongest single trading day in the cruise line's history, building on continued demand across its 2026 and 2027 programmes.
The 87-night sailing, which went on sale on 22nd July, attracted three times as many guests in its first six days as the launch of the line’s South America Grand Voyage in 20
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a one-of-a-kind, 87-night Grand Voyage to the Amazon and Antarctica in 2028, offering the only opportunity to experience both regions on a round-trip sailing from the UK.
The new voyage, which goes on sale tomorrow (22nd July), will see Borealis depart Southampton on 5th January 2028 for an 87-night adventure. Calling at 28 ports across 17 countries and fi
Acclaimed composer Benjamin Squires has announced the launch of his new album, Soundtrack for the Seas - the world’s first original musical score of a cruise. Inspired by a voyage to seek out the Northern Lights, it was created in his new role as the first ever Composer-in-Residence for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and the cruise industry as a whole.
A creative departure from his recent work on t
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been awarded Silver Carbon Literate Organisation status, becoming the first cruise line to achieve the recognition and underlining its commitment to supporting a more sustainable future for cruising.
The accolade was presented at The Carbon Literacy Project’s seventh annual Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) Awards on 3rd June.
The recognition reflects Fred. Olse
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled its brand-new Autumn/Winter 2027 programme, designed to help guests escape the cooler UK months in favour of winter sunshine, cultural discovery and memorable adventures.
The programme features 20 sailings departing between October and December 2027, offering opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, explore the rich cultures of M
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is giving guests even more reason to look forward to time at sea, with half‑price premium drinks packages now available on selected autumn and winter cruises.
Available on new bookings made before 30thJuly 2026 (inclusive), guests can enjoy premium drinks packages from just £20 per person, per night on selected sailings aboard Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral, departing b
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a new 24/7 public access defibrillator in Rosyth as it’s cruise ship, Balmoral returns to Scotland for its summer programme.
The defibrillator was funded by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines following fundraising efforts for Norfolk-based charity Heart 2 Heart by guests and team members across the fleet and in its UK office.
Installed outside Rosyth Fish Bar, the
Dance legends Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite will headline a specially curated dance-themed sailing in a first for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines this year.
Setting sail from Southampton aboard smaller ship Borealis in December, this five-night cruise will bring together a mix of dance, from ballroom, Latin and sequence, to tap, line-dancing and more.
Olivier award-winning Dame Arlene Phillips, o
Holidaymakers chasing warmer days can swap the UK’s autumn chill for Mediterranean sunshine, with free flights on selected sailings with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
On the 30th September, Fred. Olsen’s smaller ship Balmoral, will set sail on a Grand Voyage around the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands, which unfolds across six individual itineraries. Highlights include calls to iconic destination
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomed future female talent aboard its flagship, Bolette, bringing together women who are shaping the maritime industry to inspire future careers at sea.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, in partnership with Liverpool Cruise Port, recently invited 39 female students from Liverpool John Moores University, Hugh Baird College and Fleetwood Nautical Campus aboard Bolette to mark
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has brought guests and crew together to plant 300 trees in Madeira, supporting ecological restoration through a hands-on shore experience.
On 23rdApril, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines invited 28 guests and crew members from Bolette to join an exclusive, complimentary shore experience – a hands-on morning of tree-planting at Funchal Ecological Park, a protected nature reserve
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed Leanna Lakes to its Senior Leadership Team, following her appointment to the newly created role of Technical and Marine Operations Director.
The appointment reinforces Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ continued focus on operational excellence as the company supports its future growth plans.
In her role, Leanna will lead a newly established operational function
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed Rebecca Argent to its Sales Team as Account Manager for the North West.
Rebecca joined the team in late March, bringing extensive industry experience to the role. She previously held positions as Cruise Product Executive at Cruise 118 and Travelpack, where she worked closely with account managers across multiple cruise lines, gaining valuable insight into
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has partnered with KITRO to trial AI-powered food waste monitoring devices on board its flagship Bolette, supporting efforts to reduce onboard waste and improve operational efficiency.
The six-month pilot project with the Swiss technology company marks a significant step in transforming how food waste is managed on board. It forms part of the cruise line’s broader commi
In a playful April Fools’ announcement, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveiled FleetPortals™, an imaginative concept for instant travel across its fleet.
Earlier today, the cruise line announced the introduction of FleetPortals™, a fictional technology that would let guests move effortlessly between its smaller ocean ships – Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral – sharing the announcement across its socia
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomed healthcare professionals from Hospice Malta aboard Bolette for a dedicated wellbeing day, as part of its ongoing community engagement work and in recognition of their vital contribution to palliative care.
39 staff members were invited aboard while the ship was docked in Valletta. Their visit included a guided tour of the ship, a crafts class and a relaxed lunc
Acclaimed composer Benjamin Squires has today joined Balmoral to begin writing the world’s first dedicated cruise score – an original orchestral work inspired entirely by life at sea.
His arrival marks the start of a ten‑night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ sailing and his role as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ first ever composer‑in‑residence, following the partnership announced in January 2026
