fred olsen cruises to scotland

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DISCOVER SCOTLAND

Set sail on a cruise to Scotland and uncover a land of mountain wildernesses sprinkled with glacial glens and deep lochs. Located in the northern part of the British Isles , experience a country with rich history and captivating nature that will leave you breathless.

A Scotland cruise will take you on a journey through this enchanting country to discover an array of treasures: dramatic landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, a burgeoning local food culture and a refreshing, no-nonsense personality. Indulge in freshly caught seafood and delicious Scottish whisky while immersing in the unique culture and traditions of this captivating destination.[ReadMoreDesk][ReadMoreMob]

MAJESTIC LANDSCAPES & WILDLIFE

Our small cruise ships allow you to experience a more immersive and personalised journey when you cruise around Scotland's scenic coast and picturesque islands. Discover the hub of traditional Gaelic culture and stunning scenery at Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. Scotland’s haven of wildlife has birds of all shapes and sizes soaring above the sea stacks of the Highlands, seals basking along the shores of the Outer Hebrides, and whales surfacing off the coast of Mull.

STEP BACK IN TIME

Scotland’s ancient historical sites and culture-rich cities are some of the most-visited, not only on this Sceptred Isle but in the world. Each corner of this land is steeped in the past, from Loch Linnhe’s spellbinding Duart Castle to the scarred battlefields of Bannockburn and Culloden. We'll navigate the seas to ancient sites such as the 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney and the captivating natural wonder of Fingals Cave.

Embark on a cruise to Scotland from Southampton to explore rugged highlands and misty mountains, and stroll through quaint villages and bustling cities. Get lost in the world heritage sites and culture of this incredible land.

Cruises to Scotland

Scenic Isles of Scotland in Five Nights • T2409

• Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday
• Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales 
• Visit Orkney and the Isle of Lewis for historic sites 

Wildlife & Culture of the Scenic Scottish Isles • S2409

• Marvel at the volcanic Giant's Causeway
• Go on a Scenic Discovery past Sumburgh Head
• Spot marine and birdlife at two remote Scottish isles
• 1 offer available

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Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Nights • T2411

• Discover the awe-inspiring scenery of the Hebrides
• Join ORCA on deck to spot marine life
• Discover seabird and marine life of the Scottish Isles

The Life & Nature of Scotland's Scenic Isles • L2415

• Discover natural wonders and wildlife close to home
• Join ORCA to spot marine life from Balmoral's decks
• Take a tour to Skara Brae from Kirkwall
• 2 offers available

Wildlife & Traditions of the Scottish Isles • L2420

• Enjoy birdwatching as Balmoral sails past Sumburgh Head
• Search for whales with help from ORCA
• Marvel at the Isle of Skye's scenery

Whales & Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland • S2415

• See puffins before they migrate from Iceland
• Join a tour to Vigur Island from Ísafjörður to spot puffins 
• See the awe-inspiring Strokkur Geyser and powerful Goðafoss Waterfall
• 4 offers available

The Life & Landscapes of Iceland • L2422

• Visit awe-inspiring Snæfellsjökull National Park from Grundarfjörður 
• Have the chance to spot puffins in Heimaey, Vestmanna
• Discover volcanic Faroese landscapes from Tórshavn
• 3 offers available

Scenic Landscapes & Wildlife of the British Isles • S2416

• Discover the Scottish isles of Orkney and Skye
• Join ORCA to spot marine life from Borealis
• Explore the rugged beauty ot Malin Head from Killybegs

Exploring Ireland's Coastal Scenery • T2419

• See spectacular Scenic Discoveries from Bolette
• Visit Giant's Causeway from Belfast
• Discover the rugged beauty of Galway

Iceland's Whales, Waterfalls & Way of Life • L2427

• Uncover remarkable landscapes, folkore and wildlife in Iceland
• Discover more about the local way of life in remote Ísafjörður 
• Spot cetaceans from the decks of Balmoral with ORCA conservationists

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Scottish Highlands & Islands

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• Seebeautiful architecture, engrossing cultures and an extensive heritage
• Enjoystunning scenic beauty and epic landscapes

Explore the beautiful West Mainland

Discover the best preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife
• Singles Travel
• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

• United Kingdom

Attractions

• Orkney Islands
• Shetland Islands
• The Isle of Skye
• River cruise
• Short Cruise

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Edinburgh - Scotland's historic capital - is one of the U.K.'s finest cities. Combining beautiful architecture, engrossing cultures and an extensive heritage, this Scottish delight is a must-visit destination.

Invergordon - located at the head of a beautiful firth in the stunning Scottish Highlands - boasts stunning scenic beauty and epic landscapes to explore, and serves as a gateway to the mystical waters of Loch Ness - home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Sturdy little Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland Islands.

Stornoway is the largest town and port of the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland.

Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late 18th century and is now the main village on the island of Mull.

Set within a natural harbour and surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, Portree - the Isle of Skye's main town - is a truly beautiful place to explore.

Ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history resonate here in the capital of the Orkney Islands.

Skara Brae & Skaill House

Enjoy a unique insight into how our ancient ancestors lived

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour operator, fred olsen cruise lines.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has defined and refined the cruise experience, and judging by the number of passengers that come back time and again, we seem to have styled it to perfection.

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.

Aside from the transportation industries, the Fred. Olsen group also has interests in the luxury hotel sector, estate management, property development, and electronics companies.

Environmental Policy

Looking After The Environment

With most of the world’s surface covered by water, it is important that this valuable resource is nurtured and looked after so that it remains healthy for generations to come. Fred. Olsen is committed to following the guidelines and practices set down by global  environmental authorities to help promote this goal to protect our marine environment. Similarly, we acknowledge our responsibilities towards the air that we all breathe. To this end, we aim to operate all our vessels in the most environmentally friendly way possible. 

In addition, Fred. Olsen recognises its obligations and responsibilities to the destinations visited by our vessels, and to this end we work in partnership with ports and local service providers to maintain our environmental standards wherever in the world our vessels are located.

Fred. Olsen maintains compliance with international and national laws and regulations by careful management of our environmental practices.

In support of this philosophy, Fred. Olsen:

Monitors its management systems to ensure compliance with international requirements.

Institutes environmentally friendly systems in its land based offices and on board its vessels.

Meets, if not exceeds, regulatory requirements on marine and air pollution.

Implements practices and procedures to reduce the environmental impact of our operation.

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• Personal Expenses

You may cancel your Contract by providing notice to FOCL in writing. Where you do so 91 days or more before departure (or 181 days or more for Long Cruises),, FOCL will be entitled to retain a non-refundable deposit in accordance with clause 3 above. If you cancel 90 days or fewer before departure, then FOCL will be entitled to retain a portion of the Price in accordance with the following scale. These percentages reflect the cost to FOCL of remarketing a cruise and/or the loss that FOCL is likely to suffer as a result of the cancellation. The figures expressed below include any non-refundable deposit:

Number of days before departure

Percentage of Price FOCL will be entitled to retain if the cruise is cancelled by you

60% (100% for Anchor Fares)

75% (100% for Anchor Fares)

85% (100% for Anchor Fares)

15 to 0 days

The effective date of cancellation is the date of receipt by FOCL of written notice to cancel. For the avoidance of doubt, these charges will apply whatever the reason for your cancellation, including illness, incapacity, death or any other intervening event. If you have already started your Holiday but 

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Scenic Scotland And Ireland – The Olsen Way

At the last minute, I found myself back aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette for a 10-night Scenic Scotland and Ireland cruise. I’ve visited the Scottish ports many times – with one exception – so for me, this trip was more focussed on the onboard aspect and covering things for you that I hadn’t previously covered. I’ll get straight into it…

Embarkation was in Newcastle, again, super convenient for me as it meant a 10-minute journey to the port. I have to say, I was so fortunate! The weather was atrocious, but I was onboard in the warmth when the heavens opened, and the thunderstorm rolled in! OK, not great sailaway weather but did I care? Not one bit! I was onboard, I was content. I dropped my bags in my cabin, this time a Junior Balcony Suite on Deck 6. It was beautiful. Signature Fred. Olsen from cabin door to balcony door and to my delight, there was a jacuzzi bath in the bathroom – I’m obsessed with these baths! For anyone considering one of these cabins for a longer sailing my advice would be to go for it. They’re very comfortable and the storage space is immense!

One of the highlights of this cruise for me was seeing the lovely Eleanor, again. We met on Bolette in May, and she had told me she had another cruise booked but I couldn’t remember the dates. The day before embarkation she texted me to say she was off on her holiday on Bolette the following day and that she hoped she’d meet someone on this cruise as kind as I was. I texted her back and said I’ll do you one better! I’ll meet you for a brandy as I am also on this cruise! She said I’d made her day but honestly, she had in fact made mine!

Scenic Scotland and Ireland Ports of Call & Scenic Cruising

Our ports of call on this cruise included Lerwick, Stornoway, Belfast, Portree and Kirkwall. All I had visited before, with one exception, Portree. This was in fact my third attempt at visiting this lovely town on the Isle of Skye, all previous cruise attempts had failed due to bad weather, but we were so incredibly lucky that our visit on Bolette coincided with perfect, calm, and sunny weather. It’s such a beautiful place and I’m so glad that I can now say I’ve been, finally.

I had only booked one excursion but sadly it was cancelled as not enough other people had booked. However, my invitation for an exclusive RIB ride during our call to Stornoway made up for it! It was quite gloomy when we left the ship but within minutes the sun came out and the air temperature warmed. We had a little run into some of the smaller inlets just off from where Bolette was anchored. We spotted numerous seals and some lovely birds, as well as having the chance to peek inside a few caves as we went! I always love a RIB tour!

One big sell for this cruise was the scenic sailing aspect and I have to say that it was superb! Below is a run-down of the scenic aspect. There was ongoing commentary which was highly informative and very interesting. I genuinely can’t praise the onboard team enough for how well this was all put together, and I must thank our captain who made a clear and conscious effort to ensure everyone onboard had great views, regardless of where on the ship they were. At one point when we were sailing by Dunrobin Castle, we went around in a circle for at least 10-minutes!

• Cruise by Dutchman’s Cap (Bac Mòr)
• Cruise by Fingal’s Cave, Isle of Staffa
• Cruise by Iona
• Cruising Lough Swilly, Ireland
• Cruise by Duart Castle
• Cruise by Sound of Mull
• Cruising Loch Hourn
• Cruise by The Small Isles
• Cruise by Kilt Rock & Mealt Waterfall
• Cruise by Duncansby Sea Stacks
• Cruise by Dunrobin Castle
• Cruise by Spey Bay & Burghead
• Cruise by Troup Head, Moray Firth

Kitchen Creations and Onboard Dining

These were introduced on Fred.’s newer ships thanks to the auditorium space on deck 4 – just opposite Colours & Tastes on Bolette. They’re always popular but there was one I really wanted to see and that was ‘Traditional Stottie Cake’. I am a Geordie born and bred and a ham and pease pudding stottie is a staple in the Geordie diet – it would have been criminal for me to miss this, especially as we had Executive Chef ‘Geordie’ Michael onboard. One thing did make me laugh, though, and that was when a few people in the room mentioned that they thought they were going to be watching a cake making demonstration – they were all from the south and clearly not accustomed to the Geordie stottie bread.

I took a copy of the recipe to share with you – maybe you can make it for yourself or family and friends one day! I would recommend a good quality ham for this. I use turkey ham when I have this at home and I’ll admit I don’t make any of it, I buy the lot! My pease pudding must come from the local market or somewhere like Dicksons and I’ll only use Greggs stotties. I like to eat, I’m not very good at baking!

The food onboard was varied and delicious, again I have zero complaints! Well, the only thing I did complain to myself about was that this time, I never made it to Colours & Tastes! To say I was gutted is an understatement! I had booked Vasco and then the following night I was supposed to be in Colours and Tastes. I decided to split them up, as the food is rich and sadly, on the day I was meant to go (our final night) I wasn’t feeling too well, so I had to cancel. I didn’t want to waste the food as it’s too good.

Vasco was superb and it was a menu I hadn’t previously tried. I asked for the food to be very mild and indeed it was, but still packed with delicious flavours! I even tried mussels for the first time in my life. I can’t say I loved them, but they were tasty, and the texture wasn’t as I’d expected it to be. The look of them has always put me off but on this menu, they were coated in semolina, so I thought I’d be ‘brave’ and give them a try.

Bolette – Back of House Tour

Another highlight was the Back of House Tour.  Now, I’m not going to go over everything we did on this and for good reason – Fred. Olsen is hoping to roll this out in the coming months as a tour option for all guests (where space allows), so I don’t want to spoil it for those that want to experience it for themselves. I can say that it was hugely immersive, and it was a pleasure to meet a lot of the crew that work hard behind the scenes to ensure our cruise runs as smoothly as possible. Without them, we wouldn’t have the delicious meals, the clean towels and bedding, the pressed formal wear and the list goes on. Some areas on my tour included the laundry, galley, crew mess, crew bar, recycling plant and food stores. I was also fortunate to have a bridge visit on which there were several other passengers. Now, I don’t know if this would also be part of the BOH tour as I did this on a separate day, so don’t hold me in court on that one. I’m sure in time, if these are implemented as a regular feature onboard, you’ll find out exactly what is/will be included.

Heart 2 Heart and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

One thing I really want to talk about is the partnership that Fred. Olsen has with Heart 2 Heart. I’d spotted something in the Daily Times about this on my last cruise, but I hadn’t had the chance to go along because it clashed with one of the talks I went to. This time, I popped in to see what it was all about and honestly, it’s such a fantastic idea and one I find incredibly unique as well as being massively important.

Heart 2 Heart is a UK based charity aiming to raise awareness about the use of CPR and defibrillators across the UK. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are working together with Heart 2 Heart to raise money for more public access defibrillators and increase peoples’ knowledge on how to use one. There were quite a few passengers there for this, which was nice to see, but you tell me – how many potentially life-saving talks have you come across on any cruise ship? In my 78+ sailings, this was a first for me!

I took the below info from a press release that was issued back in June, just to give you a better idea of what it’s all about.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Fred. Olsen Travel and Fred. Olsen Limited have worked together with local Norfolk charity Heart 2 Heart for the past several months in a fundraising campaign to purchase this publicly accessible defibrillator.

Charity Heart 2 Heart was founded by Jayne Biggs in 2017, after her daughter, Violet, suffered a cardiac arrest aged just seven. Thankfully, Violet survived the incident, which led Jayne to undertake a mission of educating people about the importance of CPR skills and raising funds to ensure widespread availability of defibrillators.

As part of the fundraising initiative, the charity together with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has delivered CPR training for team members in the office and to crew and guests on board the ships.

Thanks to the incredible support from these sessions and fundraising events, the first defibrillator has now been made live on the National Defibrillator Network. A further six defibrillators are to be purchased, and with the companies’ ongoing partnership they aim to get 24-hour publicly accessible defibrillators set up in their regional departure ports, travel shops and in local communities.

You can read more here: Fred. Olsen House unveils first 24-hour publicly available defibrillator in partnership with local charity Heart 2 Heart .

Overall, it was yet another fabulous #TheOlsenWay cruise experience but as usual, it just wasn’t long enough! So, I’m fixing that, and I’m delighted to say that I will be joining Bolette in November on her 93-night ‘ The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean ’ sailing. If I said I was excited, I’d be telling lies – I CAN’T WAIT!

As noted on the Fred. Olsen website – On this outstanding Africa and Indian Ocean cruise, you’ll have the chance to see remarkable wildlife and learn of tribal cultures in Madagascar; and seek out the Big Five on a safari journey into the African Savannahs. You can get up close to Tutankhamun’s burial ground at the Valley of the Kings, from Safaga; and world famous pyramids from Port Said; while the Indian leg of your journey brings opportunities to visit tea plantations and assist a ‘Dabbawala’ in Mumbai with their deliveries. With four days in Cape Town there will be ample time to discover a melting pot of different cultures. Walvis Bay is your gateway to the colossal dunes of the Namib, the world’s oldest desert, whereas Réunion Island boasts sweeping volcanic landscapes, dense forests and cascading waterfalls. We will head off the tourist trail to explore the less-visited gems of São Tomé and Zanzibar.

Are you joining this cruise or any of the sectors? Let me know in the comments!

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2 Comments Add yours

Hi there Danelle, we are also doing the 93 night tour. No idea what to expect, first time with FO. Must get stuck in and get those jabs and visas. Hope to see you on board.

Hi Danielle, great to read your blog on Scenic Scotland and Ireland-hubby and I did something similar on Balmoral a few years ago, but it was just scenic cruising around Scotland and we loved it. Yes me and hubby also on Fred’s Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean this November and I’m beyond excited, but full of apprehension at the same time-I suppose it helps the adrenaline juices to flow! I just know it’s going to be an Epic journey visiting so many Iconic countries and especially looking forward to the hidden gems off the beaten track. You never know might meet up on board. I’ve read a few of your contributions to the FB forums for this cruise and hoping you will be writing a comprehensive blog for “Intrepid”. Best wishes and happy cruising, Mags Gaughan

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5 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

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8 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

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9 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

11 night cruise to the arctic, 7 night cruise to the baltic sea, explore scotland.

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Fred Olsen returns to Scotland for the first time in three years

Author: Saskia Den Boon

Published on: 08 July 2022

Updated on: 08 July 2022

Fred Olsen's Balmoral will sail from Rosynth, returning to its Scottish roots.

Family-run cruise line, Fred Olsen , is to set sail from Scotland for the first time since 2019. The 1,325-guest ship, Balmoral , will depart from Rosyth, north of Edinburgh, today (Friday 8 July), on an eight-night ‘Hidden gems of the Norwegian Fjords’ cruise. Balmoral, named after Queen Elizabeth II’s Scottish estate, resumed sailing in May 2022, joining fleet newcomers Bolette and Borealis – which both resumed cruising in 2021.

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Having already sailed from Newcastle to the Canary Islands , Norway , Finland , Sweden , Estonia , and Latvia this season, Balmoral will now sail from Rosyth for the rest of the summer. -READ MORE: Cruise Cuisine: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines - On the eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, passengers will be able to enjoy the rugged landscapes and glassy waters of Nordfjord, Sognefjord, Fjaerlandsfjord, and Eresfjord – in addition to visiting the colourful port of Molde, and the high hills of Molde, Skjolden and Olden.

Peter Deer, managing director at Fred Olsen , said: “Welcoming guests from Scotland back on board Balmoral, departing from Rosyth, is a major milestone for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. “This first departure from Rosyth will be extra special as Scotland is Balmoral’s spiritual home, and we always receive a warm welcome when sailing from there. -READ MORE: Fred Olsen celebrates first international voyage to Iceland - “There is a long and proud history at Fred Olsen of naming ships after Scottish icons, which reflects the connections between the Olsen family and Scotland. “I look forward to exploring the world with our Scottish guests aboard Balmoral this year and beyond.”

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European River Cities & Christmas Markets

• 6 nights, departs on the 16 Dec 2024
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Balmoral
• Southampton, Antwerp, Antwerp, + 4 more

Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

• 13 nights, departs on the 10 Oct 2025
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Bolette
• Liverpool, Praia da Vitória, Ponta Delgada, Azores, + 6 more

Scenic Norwegian Fjords In Five Nights

• 5 nights, departs on the 02 Aug 2025
• Rosyth, Ulvik, , + 3 more

The Fred. Olsen Mystery Cruise

• 11 nights, departs on the 12 Nov 2024
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• Southampton, Mystery Ports, Mystery Ports, + 9 more

Mediterranean Grand Voyage

• 57 nights, departs on the 17 Sep 2025
• Southampton, La Coruña, Cádiz, + 46 more

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Fred. Olsen Cruises around Scotland

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Fred. Olsen Cruises are a relaxing way to explore the rugged and dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands plus other parts of Scotland and the UK. They offer a range of cruise itineraries giving you the chance to see all that Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have to offer such as mountains, lochs, remote islands with stunning beaches, historical places of interest and pretty harbour towns such as Tobermory. Taking a cruise is also a great way for you to do some wildlife spotting as the seas around this area are well-known for seabirds, whales, sharks and dolphins.

Itineraries

The latest itineraries include:

• Scottish Highlands and Islands
• Historic Castles and Highland Games
• Lochs of Scotland
• Highlands and Lochs of Scotland
•  The Lochs, Castles & Coasts of the British Isles
• Wildlife of England and Scotland
• From the Highlands of Scotland to the Lizard Peninsula

Cruises to the Scottish Highlands and Islands depart from various UK ports including:

• Southampton
• Bird watching
• Groups of properties
• Historical sites
• Sleeps 02-04

Essential info

• Special offers for your holiday in the Scottish Highlands and Islands
• Scotland travel: How to travel to Scotland
• Best beaches in Scotland: Highlands and Islands
• Can you see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
• Best midge repellent and midge net Scotland: how to prevent midge bites (& stop midge bites itching)
• Do you need a passport to go to Scotland?
• Things you need to take wildlife watching

Information correct at time of posting. Map location provided as a guide. Please check business’ own website for location and latest info.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Announces Special Offers for 2024 Voyages

• March 24, 2024

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering travelers enhanced benefits on selected 2024 sailings, including on-board spending credit or free door-to-door transfers, according to a press release.

This promotion applies to bookings made exclusively by April 30 aboard the Bolette, the Borealis, and the Balmoral. The offers apply to various destinations, including Canada, the Bay of Kotor, Cape Verde, and Iceland, with departures from Southampton, Dover, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Rosyth ports.

Clare Ward, director of product and customer service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, stated: “As the days become longer and the temperature becomes warmer, more and more of us are looking ahead to our travel plans for the year. Whether guests are looking to seek out natural phenomena such as the Perseid Meteor Shower in the Azores, enjoy the Tall Ships Races in Helsinki or witness birds migrating across the Strait of Gibraltar, these added-value extras will help them to truly make the most of their cruise experience with us.”

Special offers are available for selected sailings:

• up to £405 per person to spend on board 
• free door-to-door transportation within a 200-mile UK mainland radius
• various offers for solo travelers

This offer includes the following itineraries:

Balmoral’s nine-night L2410 ‘Natural Wonders of Iceland’ Cruise departing from Newcastle on April 17, 2024. Starting Price: £1,099 per person. 

Itinerary: Newcastle, UK – Reykjavik, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hornbjarg, Iceland – Cruising Drangaskörd, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruising Eyjafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hrisey, Iceland – Cruising Grimsey, Iceland – Cruising Borgarfjörður Eystri, Iceland – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Newcastle, UK.

Balmoral’s eight-night L2420 ‘Wildlife and Traditions of the Scottish Isles’ Cruise departing from Rosyth on July 4, 2024. Starting Price: £1,499 per person. 

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Lerwick, Scotland – Cruising by Sumburgh Head, Scotland – Kirkwall, Scotland – Cruising Pentland Firth, Scotland – Portree Isle of Skye, Scotland – Cruising by the Small Isles, Scotland – Cruising Loch Hourn, Scotland – Cruising by Dutchman’s Cap (Bac Mor), Scotland – Cruising by Fingal’s Cave, Scotland – Cruising by Iona, Scotland – Stornoway, Scotland – Cruising by Troup Head, Moray Firth, Scotland – Rosyth, Scotland.

Borealis’ 14-night S2417 ‘Volcanic Islands of the Azores and Madeira’ Cruise departing from Dover on July 31, 2024. Starting Price: £1,899 per person. 

Itinerary: Dover, UK – Praia da Vitoria, Portugal – Ponta Delgada, Portugal – Funchal, Portugal (overnight stay) – Cruise Mouth of River Tagus, Belem Tower and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruise by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Leixões, Portugal – Dover, UK.

Borealis’ 26-night S2423 ‘Canada in the Fall’ Cruise departing from Southampton on October 3, 2024. Starting Price: £3,699 per person. 

Itinerary: Southampton, UK – St John’s, Canada – Halifax, Canada – Gaspé, Canada – Cruising St Lawrence River, Canada – Trois-Rivières, Canada – Montreal, Canada – Quebec, Canada (overnight stay) – Saguenay, Canada – Cruising Saguenay Fjord, Canada – Corner Brook, Canada – Cruise Humber Arm and Bay of Islands, Canada – Cruising by Spike Island, Ireland – Cobh, Ireland – Southampton, UK.

Bolette’s 18-night T2427 ‘Winter Warmth in the Canaries and Cape Verde’ Cruise departing from Liverpool on November 24, 2024. Starting Price: £2,199 per person. 

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Arrecife, Spain – Mindelo, Cape Verde – Praia, Cape Verde – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain – Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain – Cruise Mouth of River Tagus, Belem Tower and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruise by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Dover, UK.

Borealis’ 14-night S2427 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ Cruise departing from Portsmouth on December 7, 2024. Starting Price: £1,599 per person. 

Itinerary: Portsmouth, UK – Arrecife, Spain – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising Torghatten, Norway – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Tromsø, Norway (overnight stay) – Alta, Norway (overnight stay) – Sortland, Norway – Bergen, Norway – Portsmouth, UK.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to return to cruising from Scotland

The line’s ship Balmoral will depart from Edinburgh for the Norwegian fjords on 8 July 2022

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

By Alice Chambers | 07 July 2022

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will cruise from Scotland for the first time since 2019 on 8 July 2022 when its ship, Balmoral, departs from Rosyth in Edinburgh for the Norwegian fjords.

Guests will board Balmoral for the cruise line’s ‘Hidden Gems of the Norwegian Fjords’ itinerary, visiting Nordfjord, Sognefjord, Fjaerlandsfjord and Eresfjord in Norway. The ship will also call at the Norwegian city of Molde and villages Skjolden and Olden.

Balmoral welcomed guests back onboard in May 2022, departing from Newcastle for the Canary Islands, and has since sailed trips to Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia. The ship will continue operating from Scotland for the summer season.

“Welcoming guests from Scotland back onboard Balmoral, departing from Rosyth, is a major milestone for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines,” said Peter Deer, managing director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “This first departure from Rosyth will be extra special as Scotland is Balmoral’s spiritual home, and we always receive a warm welcome when sailing from there. There is a long and proud history at Fred. Olsen of naming ships after Scottish icons, which reflects the connections between the Olsen family and Scotland.”

The line’s other two ships Bolette and Borealis also resumed sailing, having returned to operations in 2021.

“It is wonderful to have three ships sailing again, which allows us to offer departures from more regional ports around the UK. I look forward exploring the world with our Scottish guests aboard Balmoral this year and beyond.”

Tags: Scotland     Balmoral     Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines     Edinburgh

Alice Chambers

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The port town of Rosyth is located in Fife, Scotland, and is centred on the iconic Rosyth Castle. Up until the 20th century, this castle was surrounded by water and much of what exists of the town today has been built on reclaimed land. It is situated just across the Forth Road Bridge from the city of Edinburgh, which is well worth spending a day or two exploring on its own.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines both operates cruises from Rosyth, with itineraries taking passengers into Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, and the Arctic Circle. Situated just north of Edinburgh, it is an ideal option for holidaymakers from central Scotland and northern England.

Rosyth is easily accessible via road and is located just 12 miles north of the Scottish capital. The two settlements are also well-connected via twice-hourly direct rail services. If you are planning on spending a night or two in Edinburgh prior to or after your cruise, your best option may be to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located just outside the city centre.

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As one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred. Olsen Travel provides outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our six distinct specialisms. Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your booking is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

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Fred. Olsen’s cruises from Scotland can bring guests from the UK’s northern regions and beyond closer to incredible destinations in the comfort and elegant, timeless style of our smaller-sized cruise ships. Whether you want to immerse yourself in complete peace, tranquillity and outstanding natural beauty, or fascinating culture and rich history, you’re sure to find there’s a perfect Fred. Olsen cruise deal from Scotland for you.

Thanks to Scotland’s convenient close proximity to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, Rosyth (for Edinburgh) is the ideal departure port for unforgettable cruises to Norway’s spectacular fjordland, beautiful Scandinavian capitals and cities famed for their fascinating history, and to Iceland, with its astonishing wonders and wildlife. Cruise closer to home for chances to uncover picturesque Scottish isles and legendary lochs.

Rosyth is easily accessible via road and is located just 12 miles north of the Scottish capital. The two settlements are also well-connected via twice-hourly direct rail services. If you are planning on spending a night or two in Edinburgh prior to or after your cruise, your best option may be to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located just outside the city centre.

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© Fred. Olsen Travel 2024. Registered in England and Wales No. 02287241. 2nd Floor, 36 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH

Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority's Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your money is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Reasons to book with us... Financial protection afforded by our ABTA and ATOL industry bonding, giving you complete peace of mind. Dedicated team of experienced travel advisors waiting to tailor your holiday to your personal requirements. We can arrange all of your car hire, airport lounges and much more to make your holiday as easy as possible.