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If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you’ll know that they’re full of magical moments. From gaining a new perspective of some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes to the unique sense of freedom you get at sea, there are many reasons why cruises are seen as once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
With over 175 years of experience, Fred. Olsen is one of the world’s most exclusive cruise lines. Smaller, sleeker ships mean guests feel closer to the sea and can reach more remote places, while curated itineraries take you along the most imaginative and inspiring routes. You can cruise effortlessly through the narrowest Norwegian fjords and weave nimbly past icebergs in Greenland…
These are just a few reasons why Fred. Olsen cruises are so special. It’s also the small, magical moments experienced on board that make the trips so exceptional. Dancing the afternoon away on deck as you cruise out of port; the warm, attentive waiters remembering your name and favourite drink; feeling at home with the crew; and forming lasting friendships with the other guests.
But, of course, many of the most memorable moments come from the destinations themselves. So, to get you inspired and show you the diversity of some of Fred. Olsen’s most popular itineraries, we’ve put together a list of some of the most special moments you can experience on a cruise.
1. Watching the Northern Lights from the sea
Witnessing the Northern Lights is one of the world’s top bucket list activities. Seeing those ethereal lights dance across the sky is an unforgettable experience and Fred. Olsen’s 10-night Northern Norway Northern Lights cruise is designed to make it even more magical. While you can see these elusive lights from land, there’s something extra special about seeing them from the sea.
Not only does the dark ocean sky mean conditions are perfect for seeing the lights, but you can also sail past any cloud cover obstructing the display. Standing on deck, wrapped up warm, as the aurora borealis flickers overhead, is a true ‘pinch me’ moment. There are chances to see the lights from land, too, as you’ll drive along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road and visit the town of Tromsø.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines In Search of the Northern Lights*
Harstad - Narvik - Torghatten - Seven Sisters mountain range - Crossing the Arctic Circle - Bergen - Sortland - Tromsø - Ålesund
Norway | 15 nights
Departs from Southampton on the ship Borealis.
Departs: 08 Nov 2026
Includes taxes and fees
2. Whale watching in Iceland
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, there’s a good chance you’ve already dreamed of going to Iceland. While it may be most famous for its otherworldly scenery, it also has fascinating wildlife and is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. Fred. Olsen’s 11-night Iceland cruise is specifically timed for you to see the world’s largest mammals in their natural habitat, as during summer, the fjords of Akureyri become a breeding ground for humpback and minke whales.
Observing these intelligent mammals up close can be a profoundly moving experience – and you may even spot one breaching from the water. But it’s not the only exciting animal encounter on this cruise. From the ship’s deck, you’re perfectly placed to spot Atlantic puffins as they nest in coastal cliffs, and you can even enjoy a closer look by taking a boat trip to the sea caves. You may also spot seals basking on the shores of the fjord.
3. Appreciating the beauty of Britain’s South Coast
You don’t need to travel thousands of miles to enjoy magical moments at sea. Why not gain a new perspective on our own island by exploring the rugged coastline of Dorset while also seeing the best of Northern France? Setting sail from Liverpool, Fred. Olsen’s five-night Coastal Charms of Dorset and Normandy cruise allows you to explore the beauty of the Jurassic Coast, widely considered to be one of Britain’s loveliest shoreside spots.
Visit Portland, the four-mile-long island that marks the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast, to explore this natural wonderland. The entire coastline here is so unique that it’s a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to all kinds of native wildlife. It’s easy to overlook the beauty of Britain, but this cruise will hopefully open your eyes to the staggering scenery on our doorstep. After, a visit to the charming town of Honfleur allows you to soak up the unique culture and history of Northern France.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Coastal Charms of Normandy & Dorset*
Portland - Honfleur
France & United Kingdom | 5 nights
Group Offer. Cabin Upgrade. Solo traveller offer available.
Departs from Liverpool on the ship Bolette.
Departs: 25 Jul 2026
Includes taxes and fees
4. Marvelling at the colourful coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of the Mediterranean – and Fred. Olsen’s 10-night Amalfi Coast cruise is designed to take you to the very best of these colourful cliff-edge towns. From your ship, the views of the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre are truly stunning. The pastel-coloured houses are perched precariously over the turquoise sea, appearing to cascade right down the cliffside.
Wander through the old cobblestone streets of towns like La Spezia, Sorrento, and Salerno, and indulge in ‘la dolce vita’ as you treat yourself to gelato, pizza, pasta, and limoncello. This cruise also takes you to Naples and Capri, and there are opportunities to explore ancient Roman sites like Pompeii. You’ll also visit the French island of Capri and Spain’s Ibiza and Valencia, so this is the ultimate Mediterranean jaunt.
5. Exploring the Norwegian Fjords
Norway is widely regarded as one of the most dramatically beautiful countries in the world. Home to snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and colourful coastal towns, the fjordlands are particularly spectacular. Exploring from the water allows you to enjoy unrivalled views of this stunning region, and Fred. Olsen’s five-night Scenic Norwegian Fjords cruise visits the most picturesque locations.
As you cruise, you’ll pass some of Norway’s most awe-inspiring landmarks – from the towering mountain pass of Trollstigen to the glittering Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Once your ship navigates into Innvikfjord, the landscape changes, with forested hills and tumbling waterfalls leading to serene, mirror-like waters. You can also spot remote villages, tranquil farms, and vibrant orchards from your ship’s deck.
Places are limited for this cruise. Their two remaining cabin grades are the balcony cabin from £1,999 per person and the ocean view from £1,149 per person. You can view these options using the button below.
6. Circumventing the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland, ‘the Land of Fire and Ice’, boasts bubbling geysers, thundering waterfalls, rocky lava fields, and smoking volcanoes. On Fred. Olsen’s 11-night Iceland cruise, you’ll see the most impressive sights, sailing from the ancient, towering cliffs of the east coast to the volcanic black sand beaches of the south shore. With the icy breath of glaciers on your face, the views of this unique land seem even more special.
As you cruise along the deep blue waters of Borgarfjörður Eystri, you can spot the large puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi and observe birds gliding over the water or nesting on the steep cliffs. In summer, the tranquil waters of Eyjafjörður become a breeding ground for whales, so you’re perfectly placed to search for marine life while admiring the seemingly never-ending mountain views.
7. Admire the wild landscape of the Scottish Isles
If you’re keen to explore Britain but are more drawn to the north than the south, Fred. Olsen’s Islands and Coastlines of Scotland cruise may be for you. This is a chance to see Scotland like never before. Cruise past the Hebridean Isles of Skye, Harris, and Lewis, as well as the Small Isles – Eigg, Rum, Canna, and Muck. Marvel at diverse, dramatic scenery, including volcanic peaks, sweeping beaches, and craggy basalt cliffs.
Unique cultures and traditions are also prevalent here; delve into Gaelic history, sip local whisky, and try crofting and weaving. Plus, cruise past the iconic Fingal’s Cave, a basalt sea cave around 60 million years old. Known for its distinctive columns and symmetry, it’s difficult to believe that it’s nature’s work. Its ledges are home to many seabirds, too, including puffins, so it’s also great for bird watching.
8. Sail through the idyllic Caribbean islands
Few destinations are as synonymous with paradise as the Caribbean. Touring via ship doesn’t only mean you get to visit more islands, but it also allows you to experience the magic of sailing through this stunning region. On Fred. Olsen’s 32-night Islands of the Caribbean cruise, you’ll drift along warm turquoise waters, cruise past white-sand beaches with swaying palms, and anchor in characterful colonial towns.
There’s plenty of land-based exploration, too. Explore the National Park in Grenada, unearth history in Antigua, and relax on the Scenic Railway in St Kitts and Nevis. You’ll also visit Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Martinique, St Maarten, and Portugal – yet some of the best moments will be spent at sea, enjoying the sense of freedom that comes from sailing.
Final thoughts…
Cruises are wonderful ways to see more of the world and visit places that may otherwise be too remote. When you’re not off exploring, you can relax on your ship, sunbathing on the deck, being pampered in the spa, reading in the elegant lounges, or admiring panoramic views from the observatory.
Fred. Olsen cruises are full of moments. There are spectacular, dramatic moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life – moments like seeing the Northern Lights, watching whales breach by the ship, and cruising past vast, sparkling icebergs.
But there are also smaller moments that you’ll treasure: stargazing from the deck, feasting on delicious food, talking and laughing with the crew, and learning new skills from experts. This is what’s known as ‘the Fred. Olsen magic’ – the sprinkling of small-but-special moments that make you smile, and, in turn, make your cruise so special.
Plus, if you book now, you can get up to £300 worth of on-board credit to enjoy on board…just to make the experience that bit more magical.
Have you been on a cruise before – or are you tempted by any of these itineraries? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.