Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a UK-based cruise operator with Norwegian heritage, tracing its roots back to 1848 when three Olsen brothers established their shipping company in Norway. Now headquartered in Ipswich, Suffolk, and owned by Bonheur as part of the Fred. Olsen Group, the company operates a compact fleet of three cruise ships ranging from 24,000 to 62,000 gross tonnes. The cruise line positions itself in the traditional British market, offering smaller-scale cruising with a distinctly British ambience on board. Their current fleet includes Balmoral, Bolette, and Borealis, with the latter two being former Holland America Line vessels Amsterdam and Rotterdam, acquired in 2020 for £37 million and extensively refurbished. For most of the year, Fred. Olsen's ships operate from UK ports, making them particularly convenient for British passengers who prefer to avoid flying. The cruise line offers itineraries covering Northern Europe, the Baltic, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Africa, Canada, the United States, and South America. Fred. Olsen demonstrates strong community values through its 60-year partnership with the RNLI, with passengers and crew raising over £1 million for the maritime charity. This reflects the line's traditional British character and commitment to seafaring heritage. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is ideally suited for British passengers seeking a more intimate, traditional cruising experience with convenient UK departures, smaller ships that can access ports larger vessels cannot reach, and a quintessentially British atmosphere throughout their voyage.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a UK-based, Norwegian-owned cruise line headquartered in Ipswich, Suffolk. Founded in 1848 by three Olsen brothers in Hvitsten, Norway, the company is now in its fifth generation of family ownership and forms part of the wider Fred. Olsen Group. The line currently operates three cruise ships, including Balmoral, Bolette, and Borealis. Balmoral was acquired from Norwegian Cruise Line in 2006 and entered service in 2008 following refurbishment, while Bolette and Borealis were purchased from Holland America Line in July 2020. With its British headquarters and long maritime heritage, Fred. Olsen is a well-established choice for UK travellers seeking a traditionally styled cruise experience.