Finding your sea legs with Fred. Olsen
The wonderful world of cruising can seem a bit daunting if you’ve not taken the plunge yet. There’s a lot to know, and so many ships and itineraries to choose from—it can be hard to decide where to start. So, where to begin? As a first-time cruiser, I recently sailed to northern Spain onboard Fred. Olsen's Borealis. I found this a great jumping off point—their smaller ships provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those hoping to find their feet on the open waves.
So, what's life like onboard?
With a maximum capacity of 1,353 guests, Borealis is on the smaller side of cruise ships. This makes for an intimate feel, and you're likely to run into the same faces each day. There's a sense of community onboard, and lots of opportunities to meet and chat with other cruisers. Many of those we met were also on their first cruise. Expect a calm and friendly atmosphere as you sail.
It can take a while to get to know the ship as, despite its smaller size, there are lots of different areas and things to do. But, after the first day or so, you'll know your way around. Visit the pool and hot tubs, the games room, or the onboard spa. There are also plenty of lounges or bars to unwind in, and take in the pretty sea views going by. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the water, too!
Fred. Olsen leans into a more traditional style of cruising. You'll find set meal times in the main dining room, formal nights on each sailing, and welcome cocktails with the captain. There's a real focus on enjoying the experience and slow-style travel that is cruising. That said, you can absolutely take things at your own pace and there are more casual options available. All of the more traditional elements onboard are entirely optional, and you can pick and choose what you might like to take part in. It's traditional cruising made for a modern audience.
What is there to do all day?
There was never a dull moment on Borealis. Despite the ship’s smaller size, you’ll find a packed itinerary and plenty to do each day. Take a class, try your hand at painting, join in on the pub quiz, or have a game of shuffleboard. There’s also an onboard cinema room with free popcorn! Live music is a highlight throughout the ship, too. Visit the Piano Lounge for a cocktail, listen to the band on deck, or be serenaded in the Ocean Bar. After dark, take to the karaoke stage or jump around at the silent disco.
The Neptune Lounge is the main entertainment venue onboard. There is a different show each night—expect killer show-tune medleys, stunning vocals, and tasty drinks delivered right to your seat. The ships’ show cast are a friendly presence. When not on stage, they are often chatting with guests and getting involved in the fun, and they run singing and dancing workshops during the day.
Activities are well planned and communicated. Each night, the Daily Times is delivered to your cabin. This helpful newspaper-style pamphlet will tell you everything you need to know about the following day’s comings and goings. This information is re-affirmed by the cruise directors each morning—just listen out for the comforting ‘bing bong’ of the daily announcements. Your question on sea days wont be ‘what is there to do?’, but ‘how will I fit it all in?’.
Once the ship docks, the activities don’t stop—port excursions are aplenty. Whether you’re looking to explore the local culture, cuisine, or surrounding areas, Freds will have an option for you. I was lucky enough to take a wine tasting in Santander. A convenient coach took us to a nearby vineyard, and our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. Freds also offer a free shuttle for ports that are a mile or more away from the centre of the action. We’d recommend this if you prefer a more self-guided experience.
What will I be eating?
Dining is a real highlight. There is always something tasty to tuck into, and a nice variety on offer. There are five dining options, four of which are included in the fare, each with a different atmosphere and menu (many of which change daily). Drinks are included at mealtimes as standard with the Fred. Olsen Freedom Fare. As a nice touch, the wines for each cruise are chosen based on the itinerary.
The flexibility on board is really handy. Choose to lean into traditional cruising with set meal times and table service, or completely do your own thing. There’s at least one eatery open at pretty much all times, and there are chances to make things extra special. Take a traditional afternoon tea in the Observatory, have a coffee and a slice of cake in the lounge, or delight in champagne and strawberries by the pool for a small supplement.
The main dining rooms offer a more traditional cruising experience in the evenings, with three courses, and full table service. Your table number will be in your cabin upon arrival, and this will be your dinner place for the duration of the cruise. Expect an elegant, grand dining room, swift service, and hearty food. British favourites are showcased alongside international cuisine, and the menu has a list of items that are always available. You could have a roast dinner every day if you fancied it, and dessert lovers can always add an extra scoop of ice cream to their pudding!
The more casual buffet restaurant offers a combination of self-service and cooking stations. Tuck into a starter salad, some cheese and charcuterie, or watch one of the chefs prepare a pasta dish for you fresh—all with a sea view. Whatever you want to eat, you’ll find it here. Pub favourites (like fish and chips and a full English), stir-fries, curries, afternoon tea, and even lobster are all on the menu. You can also visit Fresco, which is new this year, for pizza on the deck, or The Poolside for light bites and brunch.
Colours and Tastes, the speciality restaurant on Borealis, offers a more unique experience. You’ll find this tucked away in a quiet corner of the ship, and be met with sleek interiors, an inviting atmosphere, and attentive service. The restaurant has three menus—Asian, Italian, and grill—which change depending on the day of your visit. For carnivores, we’d recommend the grill menu for prime cuts and delightful deserts. Supplements apply to reservations here, but we'd say it's well worth it.
What is the service like?
There is a warm feel to the service on board, apparent as soon as you embark. The crew, including the captain, are immediately present to meet and guide you. You'll get plenty of face time with the crew—many of them, especially the entertainment officers, love to stop and chat with guests. The crew strive to make you feel like part of the Fred. Olsen family.
There is a great attentiveness to the service, without being too over the top. Restaurant service was slick, and you'll often have a wine top-up or new bread roll before you’ve even thought to ask for one. Some crew members, like your cabin hostess and server in the main restaurant, will get to know you by name from day one.
The cruise directors in particular are a very friendly presence. They’ll introduce themselves at the nightly shows, attend social events onboard, and always be around and about smiling and answering any questions. They'll also be the crew members giving the daily announcements.
Where can I go?
Though we love life on the ship, one of the most important parts of cruising is the destination. Freds offer a large variety of itineraries, many of them sailing from the UK. The benefit here is the removal of potential flying stresses, easier access to the ship itself, and you can even drive from home and park at the port. So, you don’t have to worry about how much baggage you bring with you—or how many souvenirs you take home!
Sailing to Spain on a 5-night itinerary was a great taster. Freds offer plenty of shorter, no-fly cruises—up to a week long—usually visiting areas such as northern Spain, France, and Germany, the British Isles including the Scottish Highlands, and the Norwegian Fjords. We’d recommend a shorter itinerary for your first sailing, but some cruises can be much longer—reaching weeks, or months if you can get the annual leave—and visit the likes of the Med, the Caribbean, and even the Amazon and Antarctica. If you dip your toe in and find you love cruising, then the world really is your oyster!
If you're new to cruising, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines could be a great place to start. Click here to learn more.