The company originated in Hvitsten, a small town on Oslofjord in Norway, in 1848 when three Olsen brothers Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas bought their first ships and began an international shipping company.
Now into the fifth generation of the family, they operate companies skilled in various aspects of the cruise and passenger shipping trade as well as aviation, ships’ crewing, shipbuilding and offshore industries.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines are proud with their tradition for smaller ships. A each one in their fleet has it's own unique personality and a home from home feeling.
The largest and newest cruise ship in Fred Olsen's fleet, Balmoral offers a wide range of facilities, yet still enjoys a home from home atmosphere. Named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family, Balmoral has accommodation for about 1,300 passengers, through 710 cabins and suites. All the ship's public rooms have a Scottish theme: its principal restaurant, Ballindalloch, is named after a Speyside village and castle; while the ship's other two formal restaurants, Avon and Spey are named in honour of two of Scotland's loveliest salmon rivers.
Eat informally in the Palms Cafe, or more formally in the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey restaurants on board your cruise ship. Balmoral also benefits from an on-board pub, which offers evening entertainment as an alternative to the main cabarets and dancing in the Neptune or Lido Lounges. Or you could just relax with a drink in the Observatory Lounge, with it's spectacular views out to sea and later in the evening dance the night away there on its popular disco-dancefloor - that's the beauty of a cruise holiday on board Balmoral, there's always so much to do!
Cruise aboard Boudicca, a truly world class ship. Amongst the improvements, following her refit in January 2011, are a new gym facility enjoying sea views, similar to on her sister ship, Black Watch, and additional passenger cabins. Currently the 28,000-tonne ship carries around 800 passengers and is decorated throughout in an appropriate British theme.
The oriental-styled Secret Garden Cafe is the place for an informal meal, while more formal dining can be enjoyed in the Tintagel and Four Seasons restaurants. On the Lounge Deck are two Jacuzzis, an exercise pool and a large swimming pool — in fine weather a poolside buffet is also available at meal times. There is an additional circular pool on Marquee Deck.
Sleek and sophisticated, Black Watch has the intimate and sophisticated ambience for which all cruise ships were once famous. At just 28,000 tonnes, but with a large number of cabins and suites with balconies, she carries around 804 passengers. Black Watch's public areas underwent refurbishment in late 2009 when a new casual dining area created the Braemar Garden, offering seating for more than 120 guests as well as a stylish bar and a buffet area. Elegant soft furnishings were also updated in the Neptune Lounge, Pipers Bar, Glentanar Restaurant and the Observatory Lounge.
Experience an elegant and captivating atmosphere when you cruise on Braemar. The ship's public rooms rooms feature polished wood, gleaming brass fittings, subtle lighting and attractive fabrics, while the five-deck high atrium gives the vessel a very light and spacious feel. Cascading decks at the stern provide plenty of spaces for sun-bathing, while the vessel also has two open-air swimming pools with a poolside bar and twin jacuzzis.
There's a choice of places to eat: informal in Palms Cafe, or formal in the main Thistle Restaurant and the more intimate Grampian Restaurant.
Fred Olsen cruise holidays offer the ultimate travel experience. Enjoy sun-kissed beaches on your Canaries or Caribbean cruise, the tranquility of a cruise holiday in Mediterranean waters, or the awe-inspiring scenery of a Norwegian Fjord cruise. Alternatively, take the journey of a lifetime on a Fred Olsen world cruise.
ABTA P4936. Agent for ATOL Protected Operators.
Tour operator's description & rating applies. dc 1.25% / cc 2.5%
