I’ve taken a mystery cruise with Fred Olsen where passengers had no idea where the ship was sailing until it arrived in port, sailed through rough seas looking for the Northern Lights, and been onboard when the ship needed an emergency helicopter evacuation. It’s a traditional cruise line and it’s produced some of my most memorable cruises, for all sorts of reasons
Ambassador and Fred. Olsen are two traditional, UK-focused cruise lines that are often compared by travellers looking for a quieter, more classic cruise experience. While they appear similar at first glance, the onboard experience, atmosphere, and target audience can feel … Read more
I’ve been on cruises with Fred Olsen, P&O, MSC and Ambassador where I have been assigned a shared table with strangers for dinner. These aren’t the only cruise lines that do it but some cruise lines like NCL and Marella … Read more
I have been lucky enough to go on quite a few excursions while on cruises, some with the cruise line and some independently. If there is somewhere you particularly want to visit that isn’t near the port area, excursions can … Read more
I’ve just disembarked one of the world’s strangest cruises, where nobody onboard had any idea where the ship was sailing to, we only found out each day when we arrived in port. This cruise was with a traditional cruise line, … Read more
I recently took a mystery cruise with the British cruiseline, Fred. Olsen. We took a five-day trip from Portsmouth, and we had no idea where we would be sailing to. The ship itself felt surprisingly British – small and slightly … Read more
Recently, I sailed from Portsmouth – and I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it was. It’s a smaller cruise port than Southampton, but that can actually make things easier and simpler. Also, it is about 15 miles closer to … Read more
It was a totally normal, relaxing afternoon onboard Fred.Olsen’s Borealis. I was on what Fred. Olsen calls a “Mystery Cruise.” Passengers had no idea where the five-day journey would take them – they only found out when the ship arrived … Read more
People often tell me that they think the cost of cruising is getting more and more expensive, often with hidden extras like service charges that aren’t included in the advertised price. Cruises range in price, and always have done. You … Read more
If you are taking a cruise on Fred. Olsen’s smallest ship, Balmoral, you might be wondering whether an inside cabin would suit you. My parents booked a last-minute cruise on her and booked the cheapest cabin onboard. This is what … Read more
Some cruise lines offer a money-back guarantee. You can ask for a full refund if you don’t love your cruise! As you would expect, many terms and conditions apply to these refunds – but booking a cruise with these lines … Read more
If you are taking a cruise on Borealis, you may be wondering which cabin would suit you best. Borealis – A New Ship for Fred Olsen – But Not New Borealis was brought by Fred Olsen from Holland America Line … Read more
Normally when I embark on a cruise, I make sure I have packed my summer clothes and maybe some swimwear so that I can jump straight into the pool when I reach the sunny climes! That isn’t what happened on … Read more
I’ve just disembarked a traditional British cruise, despite very much not being a traditional person! We had formal nights and dress codes, and I had to share my dinner table with strangers at a set time. I also came across … Read more
If you are taking a cruise on Bolette you may be wondering which cabin would suit you. I disembarked a cruise on Fred Olsen’s Bolette, after a wonderful adventure to Norway, “In Search of the Northern Lights”. Whilst I stayed … Read more
If you are taking a cruise on Fred Olsen’s Bolette, you may be wondering if a balcony suite cabin is a good option for you. I’ve recently a cruise onboard Bolette and I stayed in a balcony cabin on deck … Read more
If you are considering taking your first cruise, you may be considering taking a cruise to Norway. I’ve just disembarked a Norwegian Fjord cruise with Royal Caribbean and have also visited with Viking and MSC. I often recommend cruising to … Read more
If you are a smoker (or want to avoid smoke when you cruise) you may be wondering which cruise lines allow smoking on their balconies. I’ve personally cruised on cruise lines where smoking on balconies is allowed Can You Smoke … Read more
Have you ever considered booking a mystery cruise? There are many advantages to booking a cruise where you don’t know the full itinerary – but there are some disadvantages too. In this post, we will look at what types of … Read more