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One of the great things about a cruise is that it can give you a new perspective on our extraordinary planet. Some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural sights are best admired from the water – and cruising allows you to effortlessly reach some of the wildest and most remote corners of the globe.
Fred. Olsen is among the world’s most exclusive cruise lines, with hand-crafted itineraries designed to take you through truly soul-stirring scenery. Its smaller ships create a greater sense of connection – both to your surroundings and to fellow guests – so whether you’re drifting past gleaming glaciers or jagged mountain peaks, it’s almost impossible not to feel moved by nature’s beauty.
This unforgettable, unexplainable feeling, created during experiences with Fred. Olsen, is what makes the cruise line so special. From admiring jaw-dropping views and natural phenomena to forming lasting friendships with guests and crew, you’ll have thoughtful and enchanting encounters that become cherished memories.
If you’re curious to find out more about what these voyages have to offer, here are nine inspiring cruise ship experiences that celebrate nature at its most spectacular.
Plus, Fred. Olsen is currently offering up to £200 per cabin or £100 per person to spend on board on selected cruises departing between 4th January 2026 and 14th May 2027 (Terms & Conditions apply).
1. Driving Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road
Part of the joy of cruising is that it also opens the door to unforgettable land-based adventures. Norway is one of Fred. Olsen’s most popular destinations, and while many incredible experiences happen at sea, some of the most memorable occur on land. On this seven-night Mountains & Fjords of Norway Cruise, you’ll get the chance to drive down the Atlantic Ocean Road, widely hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives.
This iconic stretch of road links Averøy to the mainland, snaking dramatically across a chain of small islands. As you cross eight bridges, you’ll admire the ever-changing coastal scenery, pass quaint fishing villages and secluded coves, and breathe in the salty sea air. You’ll also travel along the legendary Trollstigen Mountain Road, famous for its hairpin bends and breathtaking panoramic views.
2. Visiting the crater lakes of the Azores
If sunshine and volcanic landscapes are calling, Fred. Olsen’s Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira Cruise delivers both in abundance. This 14-night journey explores Portugal’s diverse island scenery, from the dramatic Azores to Madeira, aptly nicknamed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’. Along the way, you can immerse yourself in local culture, savour regional cuisine, and soak up spectacular views at every turn.
One highlight is visiting São Miguel in the Azores, where you can visit the famous Lagoa do Fogo, one of the island’s highest and most striking crater lakes. From this vantage point, magnificent views of hulking mountains, sandy beaches, and lush greenery await. You’ll also stop in Madeira, where you can sip sweet local wine, sample creamy custard tarts, go whale watching, and stroll along the flower-filled levadas.
3. Seeing humpback whales breach in Iceland
Iceland is best known for its otherworldly landscapes, but it’s also a haven for remarkable wildlife. If whale watching is on your bucket list, you might like to book Fred. Olsen’s Whales & Wonders of Iceland Cruise. Over 10 nights, you’ll explore Iceland’s natural highlights, from fascinating wildlife and thundering waterfalls to black sand beaches and soothing, geothermal pools.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the real highlight is found in the water. Iceland is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations, and this cruise is specifically timed for you to spot humpbacks. Seeing humpback whales breaching from the inky waters is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience…and often a deeply emotional one. From the deck of your ship, you might also spot nesting Atlantic puffins.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Whales & Wonders of Iceland*
Drangaskörð - Grímsey - Akureyri - Seyðisfjörður - Reykjavík - Hornbjarg - Eyjafjallajökull - Ísafjörður - Elliðaey Island - View Vigur Island
Iceland | 10 nights
Departs from Newcastle on the ship Bolette.
Departs: 08 May 2027
Includes taxes and fees
4. Exploring Giant’s Causeway
If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, what about a cruise around Ireland? Home to staggering scenery and unique natural wonders, this country has so much to offer – and Fred. Olsen’s Scenic Landscapes of Ireland Cruise is arguably the best way to make the most of it. Over eight nights, you’ll cruise around the circumference of the island, stopping off at many of its most dazzling sights and attractions.
A highlight is the legendary Giant’s Causeway, where thousands of hexagonal basalt columns tumble into the sea – and, as you explore, you’ll uncover ancient myths and folklore that bring the landscape to life. There’s plenty of culture along the way, too, from vibrant Belfast to cosy pubs pouring perfect pints. But it’s the scenery that truly steals the show; cruise past the Cliffs of Moher, Galway’s rugged coastline, and the wild beauty of Arranmore.
5. Chasing the northern lights
Of all the world’s natural phenomena, few are as mesmerising as the Northern Lights. Witnessing these ethereal green lights flashing away is something you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, and if you’re dreaming of spotting them, Fred. Olsen’s In Search of the Northern Lights Cruise is for you. While the lights’ unpredictability is part of their allure, you have an excellent chance of seeing them on this trip.
These cruises are timed to boost your chances of seeing the lights from both land and sea – and you may be lucky enough to have several encounters. The dark ocean sky means conditions are ideal, and if any clouds obstruct the display, you can simply sail past. On land, you might also spot the lights in Tromsø, where you’ll have a unique chance to spend time with a local Sámi community.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines In Search of the Northern Lights*
Narvik - Crossing the Arctic Circle - Sortland - Ålesund - Harstad - Molde
Norway | 10 nights
Departs from Newcastle on the ship Bolette.
Departs: 14 Mar 2027
Includes taxes and fees
6. Admiring the subtropical Scilly Isles
You don’t need to cruise to the far north to be inspired by nature’s beauty. If you’d like to gain a new perspective and appreciation of our own island, Fred. Olsen’s Scenic Coastlines of the British Isles Cruise might be for you. Embark upon a nine-night tour of the British Isles, travelling from the wild, windswept islands of Northern Scotland to the scenic and sandy coastline of Southern England.
You’ll also have the chance to visit the stunning Scilly Isles, subtropical islands off the coast of Cornwall. On St Mary’s, the largest island, you can spot all kinds of marine life, from grey seals to puffins, and swim in azure waters that look more Bahamian than British. Plus, cruise past Scotland’s iconic Fingal’s Cave and visit the Cornwall and Devon mainlands.
7. Experiencing the Arctic’s Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural wonders. During summer, the sun never sets north of the Arctic Circle, instead remaining above the horizon 24 hours a day. Not only does this mean you have more time to explore, but you can also enjoy glorious views of this rosy-yellow light as it falls on snowy mountains, gleaming glaciers, and shimmering seas.
On Fred. Olsen’s Svalbard, Arctic Norway & the Midnight Sun Cruise, journey to the remote archipelago of Svalbard, where few travellers ever venture. Under the glowing Midnight Sun, discover icy fjords, glacier-carved mountains, vast ice caps, and isolated settlements. Plus, spot whales, reindeer, and arctic foxes, explore bustling Norwegian cities like Kristiansund and Tromsø, and cruise past the striking Seven Sisters Mountain range.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Svalbard, Arctic Norway & the Midnight Sun*
Torghatten - Crossing the Arctic Circle - Tromsø - Seven Sisters mountain range - Hammerfest - Kristiansund - Longyearbyen - Molde - Sortland
Norway | 14 nights
Departs from Newcastle on the ship Bolette.
Departs: 24 Jun 2027
Includes taxes and fees
8. Marvelling at Croatia’s coastline
With cascading waterfalls, mysterious forests, and towering mountains, Croatia is known for its dazzling beauty – but the country’s coastline is arguably most captivating. The gin-clear waters are speckled with islands, while the rugged Dalmatian coast is lined with historic walled towns and medieval villages. And, on Fred. Olsen’s 24-night Mountains, Islands & Lakes of Croatia Cruise, you’ll see the best of the best.
Cruising in a smaller ship means you can easily weave in and out of these idyllic islands, leaping into the sapphire seas whenever the mood strikes. Cruise along the picturesque coves and archipelagos of the Pelješac Peninsula, snapping photos of red-tiled roofs sparkling in the sun; then, explore Hvar, soak up the culture in Split, and step back in time in historic Dubrovnik.
9. Soaking in geothermal pools, Iceland
If you’re more drawn to Iceland’s unearthly landscape than its marine wildlife, why not think about Fred. Olsen’s Glaciers, Geysers, & Waterfalls Cruise? This 11-night tour has been specifically designed to reveal Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions, from roaring waterfalls to gushing geysers. The ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ is a geothermal wonderland, and this cruise is the perfect way to discover its remarkable beauty.
A highlight is soaking in the legendary Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located inside a lava field. Named one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world, the seawater is rich in silica, algae, and minerals, giving the lagoon its skin-nourishing powers. If you’re keen to get active, you can also hike across the Langjokull glacier, kayak through soaring fjords, and trek to waterfalls in the scenic Vestdalur Valley.
Final thoughts…
If you’re keen to see more of the world and reconnect with nature, cruising is an inspiring way to do it. Not only can you reach destinations that might otherwise be inaccessible, but you can also experience far more than on a traditional land-based holiday.
Between adventures on land, you can unwind onboard – enjoying the spa, meeting fellow travellers, or simply watching the scenery glide by from the deck. Often, it’s these quieter experiences that become just as memorable as the headline encounters: watching the northern lights, soaking in geothermal waters, or cruising along some of the world’s most spectacular coastlines. These are also what make Fred. Olsen cruises feel truly special.
Plus, right now, Fred. Olsen is offering up to £200 per cabin or £100 per person to spend on board selected cruises departing between 4th January 2026 and 14th May 2027 (Terms & Conditions apply).