Its all about the Journey - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Signature Experiences

Most people book a cruise based on the itinerary and ports of call, but what makes a trip really memorable can be the time spent on board, in between these exciting destinations, when the staff, activities and hospitality elevate your trip into the extraordinary. With 175 years of experience sailing, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have become experts in making the moments on board their ships extra-special for guests. New Signature Experiences can enhance every journey into something even better - delivered by an enthusiastic team of experts in their chosen fields, they share their deep knowledge of the history, cultures, people and nature in the places visited, bringing them to life perfectly:

Discover dolphins or spot a whale

On selected sailings nature specialists from the whale and marine life charities, ORCA and Ocean Wildlife Encounters are on board to help guests spot whales, dolphins and other marine life. In 2023 Nearly 3,500 marine animals were spotted by guests on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships, the most frequent species spotted was the common dolphin with 1,409 sightings, with the total number of individual dolphins being seen at 2,312. Other sightings included 135 harbour porpoises, 11 orca, 84 humpback whales, 44 grey seals and seven Cuvier’s beaked whales: known as the deepest diving animal. A blue whale, a bearded seal and an ocean sunfish were among the rarest sightings.

Steve Jones, Director of Fundraising and Operations at ORCA, said: “Five years after our first itinerary with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we’re still amazed by the incredible level of engagement that we get from guests and crew on Borealis, Bolette and Balmoral. Not only do we have the opportunity to inspire people about the wonderful world of whales and dolphins, but the data that we collect gives us vital insight into the amazing animals we see during our voyages. Understanding these animals better is the only way we can protect them for future generations”

Delve deeper into your destination

Guest speakers are specially chosen for each trip to give guests a broader understanding of the history, culture and people of the destinations visited. As well as lecture-style theatre presentations there are smaller lunches and social gatherings for those with a special interest in a particular subject.

Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan joins a Norwegian Fjord cruise this Autumn, delivering a talk about British wildlife, before accompanying guests on tours including kayaking in Alesund.  Spring 2025 she joins Bolette in South Africa, where she has lived for 22 years, to talk about penguin rescue and conservation, having volunteered for SANCCOB, the local sea bird rescue centre. She also accompanies guests to Boulders Beach to see the penguin colony, the Cape of Good Hope and the Aquilla Game Reserve.

Its not all about wildlife though, each itinerary includes a carefully crafted programme of guest speakers on a variety of subjects, from astronomy to history; photography to geography; architecture to art, offering guests an opportunity to pique their interest and learn more about where they are visiting.  

Taste Sensations

There will always be regional dishes on the lunch and dinner menus on board a cruise, but Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ talented chefs also host special cookery demonstrations on board, preparing local delicacies for guests to taste and the recipes for them to follow once back at home. Gastronomic shore excursions may also see you sampling maple syrup in Canada or Belgian Chocolate in Bruges. There are opportunities to try local wines as part of an on board Wine Tasting, or pair a bottle of your favourite drop with a delicious selection of local cheeses at a Wine & Cheese tasting, held in the Observatory, so that you can take in the stunning views whilst you sip and nibble.

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Heavenly Skies

Cruising is the perfect opportunity to witness spectacular sunsets and sunrises over the endless horizon. The night skies are perfect for star gazing, free form the inevitable light pollution of life onshore. With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Sky at Sea Signature Experiences, stargazing experts spend time on deck helping guests to navigate the night sky with laser-guided tours of the constellations. Sit back on the open deck, wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate or toddy to keep you warm as the night sky comes to life before you. Certain sailings are specially selected to coincide with astral phenomena – witness the Northern Lights or the ethereal beauty of the midnight sun on Norwegian and Arctic itineraries, and specially scheduled sailings have been created to the Azores to view the Milky Way, Perseid Meteor Shower and shooting stars.

Enjoy the view from the Bridge

The Captain and Senior crew love to share the Fred. Olsen’s passion for maritime exploration with their guests - take part in navigation and chart-reading sessions or, for a small charge, enjoy a small group behind-the-scenes tour to witness the fascinating workings of the vessel. Here you can explore areas that are normally off-limits to guests, providing a unique peek into the secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship. As well as the Engine Room and the Bridge, you can visit the Galley to see the chefs preparing all that delicious fare and learn about managing the stores and laundry facilities.

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As well as the new Signature Experience programme, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ three ships each offer the classic onboard experiences you would expect, to make every day at sea memorable:

• Pamper yourself at the Spa, with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the view as you relax and rejuvenate, as well as a Fitness Centre for a workout, yoga or pilates session.

• Make a splash in the Swimming pools and Jacuzzis, which, on Bolette and Borealis, can be enjoyed all year round with their retractable roofs.

• Visit the purpose-built Art and Craft Studio for drawing and painting classes, or perhaps learn a new craft.

• Join a dance or ukelele class, or raise your voice at an onboard choir session.

• Play traditional deck games like Quoits, and Shuffleboard, or pit your wits in a fun quiz.

• Learn to play Bridge in the Card Room, or complete a puzzle with fellow guests.

• Enjoy an eclectic programme of live music, performances and recitals from the ship’s house band, with visiting classical musicians, and singers.  

• While away the evenings watching the ship’s own musical Theatre Company, regularly joined by visiting professional performers, comedians and magicians to ensure a constantly varying programme of entertainment.

So next time you consider a cruise, don’t forget that as well as the ports of call and exciting shore excursions, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Signature Experiences offer a wealth of new ways to while away your time on board; gazing at the skies; spotting wildlife; learning from the experts; sampling destination delicacies or experiencing the view from the bridge. What with these and the regular programme of onboard activities, you can fill every single day of your cruise full of wonderful moments.

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If you would like to discuss your next Fred. Olsen Cruise please contact you nearest branch

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