Which Fred Olsen Cruise Ship is For Me?

Everybody’s cruise ship needs are different. Cruise preferences range from seeking the best of fine dining to entertainment on tap, while others prioritise kids’ fun and games over a state-of-the-art gym. So in this series of handy cruise line guides we have suggestions for great ships to match your personality, preferences and requirements.

Browse Fred Olsen cruises here >>

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This time, we’re looking at the Fred Olsen fleet of cruise ships.

Activities on Fred Olsen Cruise Ships

Black Watch

Fred Olsen’s Black Watch is an ideal choice for those who want to continue their fitness routine at sea, or simply those interested in trying some stimulating new activities. This ship offers a spacious fitness centre, equipped with everything you need for a satisfying work-out, including treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines and weights.

The full-length windows offer views of the ocean, keeping you connected to your beautiful surroundings and providing a welcome distraction while you burn off those extra calories. The fitness centre is also home to a dance studio, where you can choose from a variety of different fitness classes, ranging from yoga and pilates, to dance and aerobics.

You can clear your thoughts with a quiet evening stroll, or an invigorating morning jog along the ship’s lengthy Promenade. The ship’s two freshwater pools are perfect for swimming laps, after which you can relax with a post-work-out soak in one of the jacuzzis.

You’ll also find golf nets and tennis courts on the Sun Deck, where you can participate in friendly games and work on perfecting your techniques.

Solo Travellers on Fred Olsen

Balmoral

Fred Olsen’s Balmoral welcoming atmosphere and diverse activity options mean that it is easy to enjoy the pleasures of having no-one but yourself to answer to. The ship offers some single cabins, and you’ll hear plenty of announcements inviting solos to participate in various programmes.

Surrogate dance and game partners are available for group activities, but there’s no pressure to join and you can always choose to savour some quiet personal time instead.

The spacious deck area is an inviting place to stretch out on a sun lounger and read a good book, or you can browse the art collection in the ship’s excellent gallery. Head to the Atlantis Spa and Salon and pamper yourself with a hot stone massage, a manicure, or a hydrating facial treatment.

In the evening, unwind at the Morning Light Pub, which recreates the atmosphere of a cheerful neighbourhood tavern, and make some new friends; or simply sit back and enjoy the live music or stand-up comedians.

Fred Olsen Cruise Ship for Food Lovers

Boudicca

With three restaurants, two buffets, and a variety of options for light meals and snacks, fussy eaters will have no problem finding dishes to suit their tastes on Boudicca.

At the ship’s three main restaurants, the chefs use fresh ingredients to create dishes inspired by the cruise destination or a particular theme. The menus include a range of vegetarian options as well as a British ‘Dish of the Day’. Breakfast features a full English fry-up, along with lighter options like cereal; while lunch offers salads, pastas, and comfort foods like fish pie.

The two buffets, including the Asian-themed Secret Garden Café, offer an exceptional selection of seafood and fish dishes, in addition to pastas, roasts, and curries. The Secret Garden also hosts an afternoon tea of cakes and light sandwiches. Enjoy burgers or sandwiches poolside at the Marquee Pool Bar, or take advantage of room service which is available at no extra charge from 6am to 11pm.

Relaxation on Fred Olsen

Braemar

Fred Olsen Cruises is a great choice for those looking to unwind and escape everyday stresses, whether that means lounging around with no plans, or letting off some steam by engaging in fun-filled leisure activities. It’s the ideal place to soak up some fresh air and sunshine, with two outdoor swimming pools and large open deck spaces for sunbathing.

You can linger over honey and whiskey crème brulee at the casual Palms Café, or curl up with a cup of coffee in one of the Braemar Room’s comfortable armchairs. You can stay in your pyjamas all day and order complimentary room service, choosing from options like cheesecake, sandwiches or ploughman’s platters.  Head to the Observatory Lounge for pre-dinner drinks or have a more low-key night sipping cocktails and enjoying an intimate music performance in the chic Coral Club.

A Cruise for Culturists

Black Watch

Black Watch offers some of the most extensive entertainment options of any Fred Olsen ship. The ship’s Neptune Lounge hosts insightful and immersive daily events and activities, such as lectures, providing an opportunity to learn more about a wide variety of specialist subjects, from antiquing to singing. In the evening, this lounge transforms into a venue for cabaret, dancing, and other musical performances.

The Explorer’s Library is a well-appointed library at sea, with book options ranging from novels and biographies, to historical and geographical non-fiction books. In the card room next to library, you can get in touch with your creative side with an art class.

You can also take in a film at the Marina Theatre or listen to a talented string trio in the Braemar Lounge. More musical entertainment can be enjoyed at the Observatory piano bar and lounge. This horseshoe-shaped lounge offers stunning panoramic views over the sea, providing a perfect complement to the soothing piano tunes.

Whatever your personality, preferences and requirements, Bolsover Cruise Club is committed to finding the right Fred Olsen Cruise for you.