Many people assume the only way to avoid children on a cruise is to book an adult-only cruise ship or cruise line. Even on mainstream cruise lines, the number of children onboard can vary hugely, depending on the itinerary, timing … Read more
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’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
When I go on a cruise, I like to sit at a table with my family or the friends I am travelling with. Although I love to meet new people on a cruise and enjoy hearing about their experiences onboard, … Read more
Note: This post was first written in 2017 and is updated once a year (ish). I love both American cruise lines and non-American cruise lines. 🥳🥳 So many of the big cruise lines we know and love are owned by … Read more
Some people would be surprised to find out that I do sometimes suffer from seasickness. I am a very motion-sick person in general. I can feel ill in taxis, sitting and travelling backwards on trains, in cars, ferries or cruise … 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
In December 2024, Cruise Critic U.K. revealed its 2024 Best in Cruise Awards winners. They highlighted the best in cruising as selected by Cruise Critic’s international editorial team. Cruise Critic Combines Editors’ Picks and Cruisers’ Choice Awards Cruise Critic has … Read more
Adult-only cruises are very popular for lots of reasons. Many people want to totally relax when they are away, and although it’s great to have children around, sometimes you just want some peace and quiet! Some cruise lines, like Virgin … 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
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 considering a cruise, you may be considering a British cruise line. British cruise lines are not only a great option for people from Britain, but they’re also popular with Americans, Canadians, Australians – and anybody who wants … 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