Like many cruise lines, Fred. Olsen has its fair share of die-hard fans who return time and time again. This got us wondering – what is it that keeps them coming back for more?

After all, the cruise line has been around for almost two centuries and still stands by doing everything ‘The Olsen Way’. Yes, we know what you’re thinking: “What on earth is that and, more importantly, what does it mean for me?”

Well, we’ve taken a closer look. And here’s what we discovered…

Sizing up the competition

Less is more. Bigger isn’t always better. Size doesn’t matter. Pick your cliché – when you do things The Olsen Way, you’re signing up for that warm, fuzzy feeling you often get from a smaller ship.

Fred. Olsen have been in business for a whopping 173 years, so quite simply, they’re just doing what they do best. Small ships with an attention to detail are at the heart of The Olsen Way, and the latest additions to the fleet, Borealis and Bolette, are no exception. If you’re a fan of linen, not cotton, leather instead of plastic (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?) then Fred. Olsen have you covered.

They’re also pretty straight-talking. When you hop aboard a Fred. Olsen cruise, you get a cabin that’s called a cabin, on a ship that looks like a ship. You don’t need a degree in cruise speak to understand what’s going on here – it’s top-notch, traditional cruising, done The Olsen Way.

Power to the people

People are what truly make cruising unique. From that couple you keep bumping into at dinner to the cabin steward who never fails to greet you with a smile, there’s something special about the characters we meet at sea.

Fred. Olsen truly recognises this, which is why people are always front and centre of its operations. At maximum capacity, Fred Olsen Cruises is home to 924 guests and 401 crew members, meaning you’re always going to get that personalised service.

If you want to cruise with like-minded people on a ship where everybody knows your name, then it’s time to discover The Olsen Way. Cheers to that!

Handcrafted cruise itineraries

The Olsen Way isn’t just about travelling from A to B in ultimate luxury, with plenty of food and great company to boot (although that still comes as standard). Each itinerary has been expertly crafted to get you right into the heart of a destination – and their smaller ships make it possible.

There’s also no FOMO with Fred. Olsen (that’s ‘fear of missing out’ if you’re not down with the latest lingo). They open up new experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come.

What’s so special about it, we hear you ask? Well, it only comes around once every 10 years. Yep, the last time this one happened, London was hosting the Olympic Games and we were celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. A selection of Fred. Olsen cruises will make sure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-decade experience.

Fred. Olsen Bolette

Enjoy the journey as much as the destination

“I’ve been on a real journey” might be something we have become sick of hearing from reality show contestants over recent years. And while Fred. Olsen can’t promise to propel you to superstardom, they can guarantee that you’ll love your journey just as much as the destination.

By doing things The Olsen Way, scenic cruising comes as standard. From the tranquil waters of the Sound of Mull to the chiseled cliffs of the Corinth Canal, there are plenty of thrills to be had from the comfort of your ship.

Many of the public areas onboard have been designed to give you an awe-inspiring perspective of the world around you. Enjoy a brew with a view in The Bookmark Café, or sip on something stronger as you watch the world go by from The Observatory – the choice is yours. Just make sure you’ve got your camera handy.

If you see yourself as a guest, not a passenger, a traveller rather than tourist, then don your best deck shoes and try cruising The Olsen Way.