Your complete guide to a Norway voyage with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, whether you prefer a short trip to the fjords, a northern lights hunt, or a long exploration of the Norwegian coastline.
Whether you love or hate cruising, cruise ships offer a fantastic perspective on the wonderful Norwegian landscapes. They've also never been more popular, with record bookings recorded across the industry.
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending several weeks aboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, cruising through the breathtaking landscapes of Norway.
Regular readers will know I've spent a lot of time on these ships in the last few years. I've now been on all three ships in the fleet and as such, I get a lot of questions about the experience.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or considering your first voyage with Fred Olsen, this guide will give you an in-depth look at what to expect on a Norway cruise with this traditional British cruise line.
From itineraries and onboard experiences to tech advice and essential packing tips, I’ve got you covered.
Watch: Fred Olsen Norway Cruises Video
First things first, do you prefer watching videos? If so, you might prefer the video version of this article:
I hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, you might enjoy our series of cruising Norway videos. If you want to learn more about Fred Olsen in Norway, then read on for more details.
Why Choose Fred Olsen for a Norwegian Cruise?
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is renowned for its intimate and traditional cruising experience. Unlike the megaships you often see in Norway, Fred Olsen’s fleet consists of smaller, more classic vessels that offer a more personalised experience.
Now, personally I enjoy large, resort ships. However, smaller ships are beneficial in Norway, as they can access more secluded and scenic ports, giving you a unique perspective on the country’s stunning landscapes.
Having sailed on all three of Fred Olsen’s ships, I’ve noticed that many travellers are drawn to these cruises for the itineraries.
The ships’ smaller size allows them to navigate Norway’s narrowest fjords, access smaller ports, and get closer to natural sights such as waterfalls.
For example, they can get under the Hardanger Bridge to reach Ulvik and Eidfjord, sail the inside passage of Norway to take in the Rørvik straight, the Seven Sisters mountains range, and even the spectacular glacier Svartisen,
This is something you won’t find on larger cruise lines, so it’s worth considering when comparing options.
Norwegian Itineraries with Fred Olsen
Fred Olsen offers three main types of itineraries in Norway:
Shorter Fjord Trips: These are typically four to eight nights long and focus on the fjords. The ships visit smaller ports within the fjords, together with at least one major coastal port such as Bergen, Haugesund, or Ålesund.
Scenic cruising is a major element of these voyages, including hours-long sailings along some of Norway's most picturesque fjords, and close-up visits to waterfalls.
Northern Lights Cruises: These take place in the autumn and winter, offering a chance to witness the aurora borealis. Note the word ‘chance' there, because there are no guarantees with this natural phenomenon.
Due to the need to visit the far north of Norway and stay at least a few nights, these cruises are longer. Typically, they last between eight and ten nights, but they can be up to two weeks long. Check out my review of a northern lights cruise here.
Longer Itineraries: These are usually summer voyages to Northern Norway, perfect for experiencing the midnight sun. They are one-off itineraries and you'll only find a handful of these in any one year.
One advantage of Fred Olsen cruises is their departure from regional British ports, such as Liverpool, Rosyth near Edinburgh, and North Shields near Newcastle. This makes it more accessible for those in the UK looking to explore Norway’s wonders.
Introducing the Fred Olsen Fleet
Fred Olsen’s fleet consists of three classic ships: Balmoral, Borealis, and Bolette. Each ship has its unique charm, and while Borealis and Bolette share the same design with slight differences in décor and facilities, Balmoral stands out with its older, more intimate feel.
Borealis: The first cruise ship I visited Norway on will always hold a special place in my heart! Formerly the Rotterdam with Holland America, Fred Olsen bought and refurbished this beautiful ship in 2020. Maximum passenger capacity is 1,400 with up to 600 crew.
Bolette: Formerly the Amsterdam with Holland America, Fred Olsen also bought and refurbished this ship in 2020. It has the same physical design as the Borealis, with the addition of an extra pool on the aft deck and some different decor in places.
Balmoral: Built in 1988, Balmoral has previously sailed with Royal Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Orient Lines. It became a Fred Olsen ship in 2007, and the line soon lengthened the ship to add additional capacity. Maximum passenger capacity is 1,325 with up to 530 crew.
Regardless of which ship you choose, expect a traditional cruising experience with fewer modern amenities but more charm and character.
It’s important to note that due to the age and size of these ships, you may experience some noise in the cabins at night and more movement compared to larger vessels.
My advice? Pack some earplugs and motion sickness medication, especially if you’re cruising outside the peak summer season.
Onboard Experience: What to Expect
Despite me being a fan of these cruises, I will say very clearly that Fred Olsen is not a cruise line for everyone.
Generally speaking, the smaller, older ships and traditional approach attract a more mature crowd that prefer the way cruising used to be. If you are expecting a ship full of modern facilities like VR arcades and water slides, this isn’t the line for you.
However, what Fred Olsen lacks in modern facilities, it more than makes up for with its focus on enrichment and destination-related activities.
Sea days are packed with things to do, from talks in the main theatre to arts and crafts classes and cooking demonstrations.
Every cruise will feature guest speakers, talking about anything from life in Norway to the history and geology of the places you visit. Talks take place on sea days in the main theatre.
In the evening, you can enjoy a variety of shows, including performances by the onboard team or guest entertainers.
In Norway, however, the primary entertainment is the landscapes. As the ships sail through the fjords, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible on deck, soaking in the natural beauty.
This is a big difference from other cruising destinations, where the focus is often on the ports themselves.
Something else to bear in mind is the dress code. Fred Olsen have formal nights, typically one or two a week.
What does this mean? Well, to dine in the main restaurants on formal night you’ll need to be in formal clothing, but this does not apply to the main theatre, the buffet restaurant or the specialty restaurants.
So, although you won’t miss out by not taking formal clothes, you may still feel a little out of place as the typical Fred Olsen guest does embrace formal night.
My advice? Even if you don’t take a full tuxedo or evening gown, you may want to bring something smart so you don’t feel too out of place.
Technology Tips for Your Cruise
While some cruisers prefer to disconnect during their voyage, others may need to stay connected, whether, like me, you have a business to run, or simply to stay in touch with loved ones.
I do have a few tech tips that will enhance your cruise experience with Fred Olsen, no matter how tech savvy you are, or how disconnected you want to be.
First of all, the Wi-Fi. Many reviews of Fred Olsen’s onboard internet are poor, and that’s because, well, it used to be poor. Dreadful, in fact! The first time I tried the onboard wi-fi, it was basically unusable. However, things have changed.
Fred Olsen has made significant improvements to their onboard Wi-Fi, now offering Starlink internet across their fleet.
On my recent three-week stay aboard Balmoral, the Wi-Fi was excellent. I was able to work just as well as I would at home, even half-way across the North Sea, and half-way to Svalbard up at the top of the world.
Now, bear in mind that the Wi-Fi is expensive, but if you need it, I think it's worth the money. Bear in mind you can access mobile internet in ports and, likely when you’re doing scenic cruising along the fjords or along the inside passage of Norway.
So, if all you want to do is stay in touch with friends and family, consider whether you need the wi-fi at all. One important thing to check is whether mobile data roaming is included in your mobile contract. This will make a big difference to your expenses.
One important tip: always switch your phone to flight mode while at sea to avoid accidentally connecting to maritime data networks, which can be costly.
Additionally, you can still access the Fred Olsen portal for free, which provides useful information about your onboard account and daily activities.
Cabin Tips for a Comfortable Stay
Whether you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin or just use it as a place to sleep and shower, there are a few tips to enhance your comfort.
First of all, choose the right cabin type for you! There is a big price difference between inside, ocean view, balcony, and suite. Be sure to understand the differences before booking to avoid disappointment.
Power outlets in the cabins vary between EU, UK, and US types, so it’s a good idea to bring at least one adapter with you. There's usually at least one EU and UK socket, but a lot depends on how recently the cabin was refurbished.
As an older ship, there typically aren’t any power sockets by the bed, so bear this in mind if you like to charge devices overnight.
It's a good idea to bring a portable battery, which you can keep charged and then use that to charge your phone, for example, when you're out and about.
Your cabin steward will introduce themselves on embarkation day, and this is a great time to let them know your preferences, such as cleaning times or any special requests.
Your cabin steward can also organise laundry for you. Personally, I like to use this service for suits and shirts, but it’s a bit expensive for other clothes.
However, on all three ships there are self-serve laundries and the tokens are very cheap. You can also do ironing in here, although bear in mind the ironing boards are very busy in the hours before formal night!
Also, don’t overlook the cabin TV, which not only provides entertainment but also offers access to your onboard account and recordings of enrichment talks.
Finally, in some cabins, the air conditioning can be strong and that can lead to dry skin, so I recommend bringing some moisturiser and especially hand cream.
Dining on Fred Olsen Cruises
Fred Olsen’s traditional approach to cruising extends to dining. There are two fixed times for dinner in the main dining rooms, and you’ll find your assignment in your cabin unless you’ve selected it beforehand.
If your time doesn’t suit you on a particular day, you can always eat in the buffet restaurant which has open seating.
The buffet gets busy at breakfast and on sea days at lunchtime, but remember you can always eat in the main dining room, which is often less hectic for breakfast and lunch.
On Borealis and Bolette, the poolside grill is an excellent alternative for more casual dining. Unlike poolside grills on many lines which are grab-and-go, the grill on Borealis and Bolette serves much more refined food, cooked to order.
The speciality restaurants ‘Colours and Tastes' and ‘Vasco' are well worth trying and can be booked in advance for a saving on the already low fee.
If you’re feeling tired or a little under the weather, a room service menu is available, which unlike many cruise lines is free. It’s different from the main menu and the dishes are simpler, but the portions are generous.
Even if you enjoy a traditional approach to dining of enjoying dinner at the same time on the same table every night, be prepared for some flexibility in Norway.
On fjords itineraries, the evenings often feature some of the very best scenery of the entire trip, whereas on northern lights itineraries, you’ll want to be on alert in case the aurora comes out to play.
Drinks Tips
On all ships, tea and black coffee is always available from the drinks station in the buffet restaurant. Barista drinks are available in the Bookmark Cafe.
If you think you’ll buy a hot drink at least once per day, the pre-paid Bookmark Coffee Card is worth the investment. It gives you a discount on the overall cost and includes a bag of chocolates.
If you’re a drinker, consider the drinks package, which is one of the best value ones at sea. At the time of writing, the drinks package costs £25 per day when booked in advance, which is the cost of a soft drinks package on some major cruise lines.
Why so cheap? It's restricted to house beer, wine and spirits, plus the cocktail of the day.
Also, keep an eye out for special food and drink events, such as premium afternoon tea, aquavit tasting, a martini experience, and a cheese and wine evening, which add a fun twist to your food and beverage experience.
Packing Tips for a Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack wisely. Regardless of the season, bring rain gear and layers, including fleeces, waterproof, and windproof outer layers.
If you’re sailing outside the peak summer months, seasickness medication is a must-have due to potentially rough conditions in the North Sea. You might be absolutely fine, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
General Tips for a Fred Olsen Norway Cruise
A cruise like this is a great chance to learn something new. Take advantage of the onboard activities, from arts and crafts classes to enrichment talks.
If you’re interested in excursions, it’s best to book them in advance, as popular ones tend to sell out quickly. And remember, flexibility is key, especially when it comes to dining, as some of the best scenery in Norway can be seen during dinner hours.
These cruises offer a unique and intimate way to experience one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. If you book a cruise, have a great time!
Have you taken a Fred Olsen Norway cruise? I'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and tips down in the comments.
