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●  Head-to-Head Comparison

P&O Cruises vs Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

A detailed side-by-side comparison of P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines covering ratings, fleet size, food quality, entertainment, value for money, and available sailings from UK ports. Updated for 2026.

Updated 28 March 2026 P&O Cruises edges it on overall score
●  Side By Side

The head-to-head

Ratings are based on aggregated passenger reviews, editorial analysis, and expert scoring. The cobalt outline marks the stronger line for each attribute.

Best value
Premium

P&O Cruises

From£671pp
View P&O Cruises
Traditional

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

From£708pp
View Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Price from
£671 pp
£708 pp
Overall Rating
4.5/5
4.4/5
Fleet Size
7 ships
4 ships
Family Score
8/10
3/10
Luxury Score
7/10
5/10
Value Score
8/10
7/10
Food Score
8/10
6/10
Entertainment Score
7/10
5/10
Founded
1837
1848
Headquarters
Southampton, UK
Ipswich, UK
Sailings live
50available now
48available now
●  Choosing Between Them

Who should choose which?

Every cruise line has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest look at who each line is best suited for, based on passenger feedback and our editorial assessment.

Choose P&O Cruises if you want…

  • UK departures (no-fly)
  • Families with children
  • Traditional British cruising
  • Food lovers (Marco Pierre White)

P&O Cruises may not suit you if…

  • Ultra-luxury seekers
  • Mega-ship thrill rides
  • Non-English speakers

Choose Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines if you want…

  • No-fly cruising from UK
  • Small-ship intimacy
  • Unusual itineraries
  • Solo travellers (low supplements)

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines may not suit you if…

  • Families with children
  • Those wanting mega-ship facilities
  • Modern luxury seekers
●  Fleet Overview

Ships at a glance

A quick comparison of each line's fleet including passenger capacity, tonnage, and year of launch.

P&O Cruises Fleet (7 ships)

Iona

Built 2020 · 5,200 guests

184,700 GT

Arvia

Built 2022 · 5,200 guests

184,700 GT

Britannia

Built 2015 · 3,647 guests

143,730 GT

Azura

Built 2010 · 3,100 guests

115,055 GT

Ventura

Built 2008 · 3,078 guests

116,017 GT

Arcadia

Built 2005 · 2,094 guests

83,781 GT

Aurora

Built 2000 · 1,874 guests

76,152 GT

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Fleet (4 ships)

Borealis

Built 2021 · 1,360 guests

63,524 GT

Bolette

Built 2021 · 1,380 guests

63,524 GT
●  Browse Sailings

Available cruises

Current sailings from both cruise lines. Prices shown are per person based on two sharing the lowest-grade cabin available.

P&O Cruises Sailings

Britannia — Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton

Britannia Southampton 18 Sept 2026

Ports: Southampton · Haugesund · Olden · Stavanger, Norway · Kristiansand, Norway

Drinks
From
£679pp
View deal
Iona — Norwegian Fjords cruise from SouthamptonSave 3%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton

Iona Southampton 19 Sept 2026

Ports: Southampton · Haugesund · Olden · Innvikfjorden (Scenic Cruising) · Flam · Aurlandsfjord (Scenic Cruising)

From
£708pp
£728 pp
View deal
Britannia — Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton

Britannia Southampton 25 Sept 2026

Ports: Southampton · Haugesund · Olden · Stavanger, Norway · Kristiansand, Norway

From
£756pp
View deal
Iona — Norwegian Fjords cruise from SouthamptonSave 3%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton

Iona Southampton 26 Sept 2026

Ports: Southampton · Haugesund · Olden · Innvikfjorden (Scenic Cruising) · Flam · Aurlandsfjord (Scenic Cruising)

From
£679pp
£699 pp
View deal
Arvia — MediterraneanSave 2%14 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Mediterranean

Arvia Southampton, Great Britain 27 Sept 2026
From
£1,029pp
£1,049 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - etc.15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - etc.

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - ...16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - ...

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - VallettaSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026
Drinks
From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — 7 Night Mediterranean CruiseSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

7 Night Mediterranean Cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta

From
£719pp
£749 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Lanzarote - TenerifeSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Lanzarote - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026
Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — 16 Night Mediterranean Cruise16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

16 Night Mediterranean Cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Lanzarote - TenerifeSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Lanzarote - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Drinks
From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - ...15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - ...

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — 15 Night Mediterranean CruiseSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

15 Night Mediterranean Cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta · Cartagena

From
£1,343pp
£1,399 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - MarseilleSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier · Lanzarote

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Various portsSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Various ports

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome)Save 4%16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome)

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier · Lanzarote

Drinks
From
£1,439pp
£1,499 pp
View deal
Azura — Cruise only from VallettaSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Cruise only from Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome)Save 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome)

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome)

Drinks
From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — AzuraSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Azura

Azura 1 Oct 2026
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille ...15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille ...

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - Multiple DestinationsSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Multiple Destinations

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Various DestinationsSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Various Destinations

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - FlorenceSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Florence

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome)

From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — 16 Night Azura Cruise16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

16 Night Azura Cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026
Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - VallettaSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta

Drinks
From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - CivitavecchiaSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Drinks
From
£1,439pp
£1,499 pp
View deal
Azura — 15 Night Azura Cruise15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

15 Night Azura Cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026
Price on request
Enquire
Azura — 7 Night Azura CruiseSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

7 Night Azura Cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026
From
£719pp
£749 pp
View deal
Azura — Azura from VallettaSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Azura from Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta

From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia - TenerifeSave 4%16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Tangier · Lanzarote

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - TenerifeSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta · Cartagena

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - TenerifeSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Drinks
From
£1,343pp
£1,399 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - CivitavecchiaSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome)

Drinks
From
£671pp
£699 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - VallettaSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia · Cartagena · Tangier · Lanzarote

Drinks
From
£719pp
£749 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - Tenerife - TenerifeSave 4%16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - Tenerife - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta · Cartagena

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Various Locations15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Various Locations

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - Various Locations with Added Stops16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Various Locations with Added Stops

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Departing Valletta - Multiple Locations15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Multiple Locations

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - TenerifeSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

From
£1,343pp
£1,399 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - VallettaSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome)

From
£719pp
£749 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - TenerifeSave 4%16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - TenerifeSave 4%16 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

Drinks
From
£1,746pp
£1,819 pp
View deal
Azura — London fly cruiseSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

London fly cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta

Drinks
From
£1,295pp
£1,349 pp
View deal
Azura — Bristol fly cruiseSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Bristol fly cruise

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

From
£1,343pp
£1,399 pp
View deal
Azura — Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - VallettaSave 4%7 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Valletta - Marseille - Florence - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Florence · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Valletta

From
£767pp
£799 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - TenerifeSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Marseille - Livorno - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Cartagena - Tangier - Lanzarote - Tenerife

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Valletta · Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier

From
£1,343pp
£1,399 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Multiple Ports - VallettaSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Multiple Ports - Valletta

Azura 1 Oct 2026
From
£719pp
£749 pp
View deal
Azura — Departing Valletta - Valletta - Various15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Departing Valletta - Valletta - Various

Azura 1 Oct 2026

Ports: Marseille · Livorno · Civitavecchia (Rome) · Cartagena · Tangier · Lanzarote

Price on request
Enquire
Azura — Bristol fly cruise fromSave 4%15 NIGHTS
P&O Cruises

Bristol fly cruise from

Azura 1 Oct 2026
Drinks
From
£1,439pp
£1,499 pp
View deal

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Sailings

Balmoral — Spain & the River Cities of FranceSave 3%12 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Spain & the River Cities of France

Balmoral Southampton 18 Sept 2026
From
£2,134pp
£2,199 pp
View deal
Borealis — Regions of Northern SpainSave 2%7 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Regions of Northern Spain

Borealis Southampton 21 Sept 2026

Ports: Southampton · Santander · Getxo · Gijón · La Coruña

Drinks
From
£1,077pp
£1,099 pp
View deal
Bolette — MediterraneanSave 3%16 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Mediterranean

Bolette Liverpool 22 Sept 2026
From
£7,614pp
£7,849 pp
View deal
Borealis — MediterraneanSave 3%26 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Mediterranean

Borealis Liverpool 28 Sept 2026
From
£6,984pp
£7,199 pp
View deal
Bolette — Western EuropeSave 3%8 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Western Europe

Bolette Liverpool 8 Oct 2026
From
£1,241pp
£1,279 pp
View deal
Bolette — Andalusia & Portugal with Madeira from Liverpool13 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Andalusia & Portugal with Madeira from Liverpool

Bolette Liverpool 16 Oct 2026

Ports: Liverpool · Lisbon · Cadiz · Malaga · Ceuta · Funchal, Madeira

Drinks
From
£2,526pp
View deal
Bolette — Islands & Bays of the Mediterranean from LiverpoolSave 11%23 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Islands & Bays of the Mediterranean from Liverpool

Bolette Liverpool 29 Oct 2026

Ports: Liverpool · Ceuta · Cartagena · Cagliari · Messina · Siracusa

Drinks
From
£3,010pp
£3,378 pp
View deal
Borealis — In Search of the Northern Lights from Southampton15 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

In Search of the Northern Lights from Southampton

Borealis Southampton 8 Nov 2026

Ports: Southampton · Alesund · Narvik · Sortland · Tromsø, Norway · Harstad, Norway

Drinks
From
£1,943pp
View deal
Bolette — MediterraneanSave 3%16 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Mediterranean

Bolette Liverpool 21 Nov 2026
From
£2,522pp
£2,599 pp
View deal
Balmoral — Canary IslandsSave 3%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Canary Islands

Balmoral Southampton 30 Nov 2026
Drinks
From
£1,164pp
£1,199 pp
View deal
Bolette — Canary Islands & Geminid Meteor Shower from Liverpool Hot deal14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Canary Islands & Geminid Meteor Shower from Liverpool

Bolette Liverpool 7 Dec 2026

Ports: Liverpool · Leixoes · Funchal · Santa Cruz de La Palma · Santa Cruz · Vigo

Drinks
From
£1,362pp
£1,944 pp
View deal
Balmoral — Northern EuropeSave 3%6 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Northern Europe

Balmoral Southampton 10 Dec 2026
From
£824pp
£849 pp
View deal
Borealis — A Celebration of Dance at Sea with Dame Arlene Philips & Ian Waite!5 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

A Celebration of Dance at Sea with Dame Arlene Philips & Ian Waite!

Borealis Southampton 13 Dec 2026

Ports: Southampton · Amsterdam · Honfleur

Drinks
From
£708pp
View deal
Balmoral — Northern EuropeSave 3%6 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Northern Europe

Balmoral Southampton 16 Dec 2026
From
£911pp
£939 pp
View deal
Bolette — Canary Islands Christmas & Cadiz New Year from Liverpool15 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Canary Islands Christmas & Cadiz New Year from Liverpool

Bolette Liverpool 21 Dec 2026

Ports: Liverpool · Santa Cruz de La Palma · Santa Cruz · Las Palmas · Puerto del Rosario · Cadiz

Drinks
From
£3,592pp
View deal
Bolette — Southern Spain Siesta from Liverpool13 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Southern Spain Siesta from Liverpool

Bolette Liverpool 5 Jan 2027

Ports: Liverpool · La Coruna · Cadiz · Malaga · Gibraltar · Vigo

From
£1,391pp
View deal
Balmoral — Canary IslandsSave 3%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Canary Islands

Balmoral Southampton 6 Jan 2027
From
£1,455pp
£1,499 pp
View deal
Bolette — Canary IslandsSave 6%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Canary Islands

Bolette Liverpool 18 Jan 2027
Drinks
From
£1,652pp
£1,749 pp
View deal
Bolette — MediterraneanSave 3%16 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Mediterranean

Bolette Liverpool 1 Feb 2027
From
£3,298pp
£3,399 pp
View deal
Balmoral — Canary IslandsSave 3%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Canary Islands

Balmoral Southampton 2 Feb 2027
From
£1,455pp
£1,499 pp
View deal
Bolette — Norwegian FjordsSave 3%10 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Norwegian Fjords

Bolette Newcastle upon Tyne 22 Feb 2027
From
£1,455pp
£1,499 pp
View deal
Balmoral — Norwegian FjordsSave 3%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Norwegian Fjords

Balmoral Southampton 28 Feb 2027
From
£1,697pp
£1,749 pp
View deal
Bolette — Norwegian FjordsSave 3%10 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Norwegian Fjords

Bolette Newcastle upon Tyne 4 Mar 2027
From
£1,212pp
£1,249 pp
View deal
Bolette — Norwegian FjordsSave 3%10 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Norwegian Fjords

Bolette Newcastle upon Tyne 14 Mar 2027
From
£1,212pp
£1,249 pp
View deal
Bolette — Northern EuropeSave 3%10 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Northern Europe

Bolette Newcastle upon Tyne 24 Mar 2027
From
£1,164pp
£1,199 pp
View deal
Balmoral — France & Belgium Easter BreakSave 3%8 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

France & Belgium Easter Break

Balmoral Southampton 25 Mar 2027
From
£921pp
£949 pp
View deal
Balmoral — Capitals & Cultures of Scandinavia7 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Capitals & Cultures of Scandinavia

Balmoral UK 22 Apr 2027
Drinks
From
£1,119pp
View deal
Bolette — Northern EuropeSave 3%10 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Northern Europe

Bolette Newcastle upon Tyne 8 May 2027
From
£1,940pp
£1,999 pp
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Borealis — British IslesSave 3%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

British Isles

Borealis Liverpool 14 May 2027
From
£1,940pp
£1,999 pp
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Borealis — Remote Isles of Scotland from Liverpool6 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Remote Isles of Scotland from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 28 May 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Ullapool · Lerwick · Stornoway

Drinks
From
£974pp
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Balmoral — Coastal Gems & Culture of Ireland from Rosyth9 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Coastal Gems & Culture of Ireland from Rosyth

Balmoral Edinburgh (Rosyth) 2 Jun 2027

Ports: Rosyth · Slieve League Cliffs · Killybegs · Carrickfergus Castle · Belfast · Dun Laoghaire (for Dublin)

Drinks
From
£1,119pp
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Borealis — Cultural Charm of Ireland from LiverpoolSave 16%6 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Cultural Charm of Ireland from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 20 Jun 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Cobh (Cork) · Galway City · Killybegs

Drinks
From
£925pp
£1,100 pp
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Borealis — Fjords & Mountains of Norway from LiverpoolSave 16%9 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fjords & Mountains of Norway from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 26 Jun 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Alesund · Nordfjordeid · Nordfjord · Skjolden · Lustrafjorden

Drinks
From
£1,264pp
£1,504 pp
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Balmoral — Western EuropeSave 3%9 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Western Europe

Balmoral Southampton 19 Jul 2027
From
£1,164pp
£1,199 pp
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Borealis — Scenic Isles of Scotland from LiverpoolSave 14%8 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Scenic Isles of Scotland from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 19 Jul 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Portree · Isle of Skye · Ullapool · Kirkwall · Orkney Islands

Drinks
From
£1,458pp
£1,691 pp
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Borealis — Volcanic Azores & the Solar Eclipse from LiverpoolSave 17%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Volcanic Azores & the Solar Eclipse from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 27 Jul 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Matosinhos (Porto) · Lisbon · Funchal · Madeira · Ponta Delgada

Drinks
From
£2,138pp
£2,572 pp
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Borealis — Whales & Wonders of Iceland from Liverpool9 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Whales & Wonders of Iceland from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 10 Aug 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Reykjavik · Grundarfjordur · Latrabjarg · Eyjafjordur · Akureyri

Drinks
From
£1,846pp
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Balmoral — Norwegian FjordsSave 3%14 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Norwegian Fjords

Balmoral Southampton 18 Aug 2027
From
£1,309pp
£1,349 pp
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Borealis — Scenic Summertime Fjords of Norway from Liverpool9 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Scenic Summertime Fjords of Norway from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 19 Aug 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Andalsnes · Olden · Skjolden · Bergen

Drinks
From
£1,313pp
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Borealis — Scottish Isles Bank Holiday Break from LiverpoolSave 2%5 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Scottish Isles Bank Holiday Break from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 28 Aug 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Kirkwall, Orkney Islands · Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Drinks
From
£854pp
£873 pp
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Bolette — Bank Holiday Fjords of Norway from Newcastle5 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Bank Holiday Fjords of Norway from Newcastle

Bolette Newcastle 28 Aug 2027

Ports: Newcastle · Lysefjord · Bergen · Ulvik · Hardangerfjord · Maurangerfjord

Drinks
From
£873pp
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Borealis — Cultural Mediterranean with the Amalfi Coast from LiverpoolDeal16 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Cultural Mediterranean with the Amalfi Coast from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 2 Sept 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Malaga · Cartagena · Olbia · Naples · Salerno

Drinks
From
£2,914pp
£2,915 pp
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Bolette — Nine Nations of Northern Europe from Newcastle13 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Nine Nations of Northern Europe from Newcastle

Bolette Newcastle 11 Sept 2027

Ports: Newcastle · Oslo · Aarhus · Malmo · Gdansk · Klaipeda

Drinks
From
£3,010pp
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Borealis — Autumn Fjords of Norway from Liverpool9 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Autumn Fjords of Norway from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 18 Sept 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Alesund · Andalsnes · Olden · Skjolden

Drinks
From
£1,264pp
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Borealis — MediterraneanSave 3%26 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Mediterranean

Borealis Liverpool 27 Sept 2027
From
£6,576pp
£6,779 pp
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Borealis — Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar Escape from LiverpoolSave 13%11 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar Escape from Liverpool

Borealis Liverpool 23 Oct 2027

Ports: Liverpool · Gibraltar · Malaga · Cadiz · Lisbon · Matosinhos (Porto)

Drinks
From
£1,313pp
£1,511 pp
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Balmoral — Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt from Piraeus12 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt from Piraeus

Balmoral Piraeus 23 Nov 2027

Ports: Piraeus · Istanbul · Kusadasi · Alexandria · Heraklion

Flights Drinks
From
£1,212pp
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Borealis — Discovering the Amazon & Antarctica from SouthamptonSave 3%87 NIGHTS
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Discovering the Amazon & Antarctica from Southampton

Borealis Southampton 5 Jan 2028

Ports: Southampton · Santa Cruz · Tenerife · Santa Cruz de La Palma · La Palma · St. John's

Drinks
From
£15,040pp
£15,499 pp
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●  Our Verdict

P&O Cruises vs Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: the bottom line

Choosing between P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ultimately comes down to what kind of holiday you are looking for. Both are well-established cruise lines with loyal followings, but they cater to different preferences and budgets.

P&O Cruises, founded in 1837 and headquartered in Southampton, UK, operates a fleet of 7 ships. It is categorised as a premium cruise line and scores 4.5/5 overall based on 12,400 reviews. The line is particularly strong for uk departures (no-fly) and families with children, making it a natural choice for cruisers who value those attributes.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, established in 1848 from Ipswich, UK, has a fleet of 4 ships. As a traditional line rated 4.4/5 from 5,600 reviews, it excels at no-fly cruising from uk and small-ship intimacy. If those are your priorities, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines deserves serious consideration.

On food, P&O Cruises scores 8/10 compared to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines's 6/10. For entertainment, P&O Cruises comes in at 7/10 versus Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines's 5/10. Value for money favours P&O Cruises with a score of 8/10.

Our recommendation: browse the available sailings above and compare itineraries, dates, and total cost including what is bundled in the fare. The best cruise line is the one that matches your specific needs, budget, and travel dates. Use the scores as a guide, but remember that individual ship and itinerary matter just as much as the cruise line brand.

P&O Cruises vs Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines — FAQ

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