As a family-run cruise line, we really take your experience personally. While the cruise industry has gone for bigger ships, brimming with more and more people, we have always believed that smaller is better. We treat passengers as guests, we dock at smaller ports in more interesting places and we avoid overcrowding both aboard and ashore. At capacity, our smaller ships will only ever sail with between 900 and 1,400 guests.

We have a small team of specialist itinerary planners. They take great pride in handcrafting each journey, to ensure we show you hidden gems as well as highlights on each of our sailings. It is a passion that has won us the Cruise Critic award for Best Itineraries for five consecutive years.

Cruise from six regional UK ports to hundreds of destinations worldwide in the classic style and comfort of our smaller-sized ships. For most of the year, the ships are based in Britain, with cruises departing from Rosyth (Edinburgh), Newcastle, Liverpool, Dover, Southampton, and Portsmouth.

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Discover the ships that define this cruise line - each offering its own blend of style, comfort, and adventure at sea.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers sailings to a wide variety of destinations, including the Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Iceland, the British Isles, Northern Europe, and worldwide cruise regions, providing guests with memorable voyages to both iconic ports and lesser-visited destinations.

See what sets this cruise line apart, from signature onboard experiences to the service and value that keep guests coming back.

Our story began in Norway, where time on the water is part of daily life. It’s a heritage we’re proud of, one that shapes our respect for the sea, our love of exploration and the warm welcome you’ll find on board. We live by the saying ‘I det beste selskap’ – ‘in the best of company’, and that’s precisely how we want you to feel when you sail with us: relaxed, valued and part of something truly special.  

Our ships are smaller, warmer and full of charm. With space to relax and thoughtful touches throughout, they offer a more personal way to cruise. We’ve preserved the timeless pleasures of sea travel, but shaped them for today, with comfort, character and a relaxed sense of occasion.  

We design our itineraries to blend iconic destinations with lesser-known gems, creating journeys that enrich and inspire. Whether you’re seeking famous sights or quiet corners, our sailings are carefully curated to help you explore the world in a more thoughtful and rewarding way.  

Whether you prefer a peaceful spot with a good book or a full day of activities and entertainment, life on board offers plenty of choice, all in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships. 

 What sets us apart is our crew. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be greeted with warmth, care and a level of attention that feels refreshingly genuine. They take the time to get to know you, from your name to your favourite drink. 

Alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the Fred. Olsen group also operate a variety of other companies, including Fred. Olsen Travel, and Fred. Olsen Express ferries in the Canary Islands, and has interests in the luxury hotel, aviation, estate management, electronics and offshore energy industries. Fred. Olsen offices are spread throughout the globe, although the group's main headquarters remain firmly in the family's hands in Oslo and Tenerife. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is based in Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, England.