We do our utmost to ensure the end of your cruise is a smooth as possible, allowing you to return home relaxed and ready to share your cruise experience with friends and loved ones.

To assist you with disembarkation, clear instructions are placed in your cabin at least 24 hours before your ship docks.

We request that your luggage is placed outside your cabin door on the final night of your cruise holiday, where it will be transferred to the cruise terminal for you. We ask that you adhere to this request as this process helps to reduce unnecessary obstruction of your cruise ship's corridors on the day of disembarkation, enabling you to disembark the cruise ship with ease.

On arrival into UK ports, your ship has to be cleared by Customs and Immigration Officials before the disembarkation process can begin. During this time, we invite guests to vacate their cabins, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax in one of the public lounges before being called forward for disembarkation. Assistance will be given to those guests with wheelchairs.

Should you have a flight home to catch, please speak to Guest Services whilst on board. The team will ensure you disembark in enough time to meet your transfer back to your chosen airport.

Once leaving the vessel, please ensure you collect all your luggage from the reclaim area before continuing your onward journey. As luggage reclaim is arranged according to deck colour, it is very important to ensure that your original luggage tags are still attached.

Be sure to only take your own belongings, guests who take luggage that doesn't belong to them will incur any charges required to get the luggage back to its rightful owner.

To ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for our guests and crew, please be advised that certain items are not permitted on board. To avoid items being confiscated at embarkation or on board the vessel, please ensure you are not in possession of any of the following prohibited items:

Items with heating elements or open flames

Certain items that generate heat or produce an open flame. This includes clothing irons, steamers, hotplates, candles, incense, kettles and any other item that may create a fire hazard. Curling tongs, hair straighteners and hair dryers are permitted on board but should be used with care, and guests are requested to ensure they are turned off when not in use.

Please note: Butane powered devices such as hair straighteners and tongs are permitted but should not be packed in luggage as they may be inadvertently switched on when luggage is being transported.

Weapons, Explosives and other dangerous items

Weapons (including any item with a blade in excess of 7cm), explosives, or any other item that, in the opinion of the crew, presents a potential risk of harm to persons or property. This includes imitation or replica firearms, craft knives and cut throat razors.

Drugs and other illegal substances

Controlled or prohibited substances (including medical marijuana and CBD products) must not be brought on board.

CBD products used for medicinal purposes are not legal in some of the ports that we visit and are therefore classed as prohibited items.

Any such substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken, which may include removal from the ship and the involvement of the appropriate authorities.

Alcohol

Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board and only alcohol purchased on board may be consumed. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines reserves the right to inspect containers at any time. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased as duty free onboard or in ports of call (which must be presented to security upon re-boarding), will be held until the last night of the cruise and returned to the guest.

Items containing incapacitating substances

This includes gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and any other item that contains other dangerous chemicals.

Radios

Any piece of radio equipment that transmits and has a power output in excess of 5 watts.

Drones & Flying Objects

Drones and any other types of flying objects regardless of size or propulsion system.

If any item is confiscated and deemed that it can be lawfully returned, the item will be given back at the end of the cruise. Any illegal items will be confiscated and the appropriate authorities advised.

Prohibited Items within UK  Cruise Terminals.

Please be advised that any objects in baggage or on a person that may be construed as weapons such as pen knives, craft knives, Sgian Dubh’s, etc. may be confiscated by the port authorities and destroyed.

Just like airports, the facilities between UK cruise departure ports does differ.

However, the majority of them offer comfortable seating areas, refreshments and Wi-Fi, enabling you to relax and start to enjoy your cruise holiday from the moment you arrive at the cruise terminal.

We kindly request you arrive at your departure port during the time period indicated on your final cruise ticket; this is to ensure we are able to operate a smooth and timely embarkation process.

If you'd like to find out more about your specific UK departure port, please find links to our departure port's websites below:

Eavesway Cruiselink is a great way to travel to and from your next Fred. Olsen cruise* from Southampton. As the official UK coach travel provider to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you can be confident of an efficient and punctual service, making getting to and from the port as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

All of their coaches come free equipped with air conditioning, WC/washroom and ample legroom, with Wi-Fi available on most vehicles. And with selected pick-up points across the UK taking you right up to the terminal, it’s easier than ever to join one of our comfortable and spacious Cruiselink vehicles driven by our team of friendly, experienced drivers.

To book your Cruiselink seats today simply call us on 01942 727 985, speak to your travel agent or visit www.eaveswaytravel.com

*Cruiselink service only available for Fred. Olsen cruises of 5 nights and above, operating to/from Southampton. Offices open Mon-Fri 0900-1700hrs, Sat 0900-1300hrs. Closed Sun & Bank Holidays. Routing and service details subject to change; please check before booking your cruise. Full T&Cs at www.eaveswaytravel.com/terms

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make your own way to your ship, you'll find that there are great road and rail links to each of our ports. For driving directions, parking, trains routes and taxi information for your specific port, please click the relevant button below. 

When booking one of our fly cruise programme, with flights booked with Fred. Olsen, including connecting transfers to/from the ships, everything is arranged for you, making your journey easy.

Please note that you can also book cruise only, where you book your own flights with the times and airport that suit you best. You will then need to arrange your own transfers to/from the ship, as well as your flights.

Offering seamless door-to-door transport for our guests, and allowing you to enjoy a streamlined experience, CMAC provide a pre-booked vehicle that is ready and waiting to get you to your chosen departure port.

For door-to-door transfers from all of our UK departure ports, please contact - 
CMAC on: 03333 207 100
or visit their website: www.cmacgroup.co.uk/doortodoor

Please be advised that  door to door transfers only operate from/to Mainland UK addresses

Your Embarkation Day Guide

Embarkation day is almost here, the months of waiting are over, and it’s time for us to welcome you on board!

Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate day one of your cruise, specifically for sailings departing from the UK.

Arrival at the Port

• To help ensure a smooth experience for everyone, please arrive no earlier than your allocated check-in time.

• When you arrive:

• You’ll be greeted by our friendly port agents.

• They’ll take care of your large luggage and deliver it straight to your cabin.

• You’ll keep your carry-on bag and any suit or dress bags with you.

• Don’t forget to pop a luggage label on your carry-on too!

Security & Check-In

Next, you’ll head through security and then check in with our lovely team. Please have the following ready:

• Your cruise ticket

• Your passport

• The payment card you'd like to link to your onboard account (American Express cards not accepted)

• Once checked in, you’ll receive your cruise card, which is your key to everything onboard:

• It opens your cabin door

1. • It’s used for all onboard purchases

1. • You’ll need it to disembark and re-embark the ship at ports

• Colleagues will be on hand at the Allergy Desk to discuss any dietary requirements and or food allergies

Boarding the Ship

• Follow the signs and our crew will guide you to the ship.

• As you step over the gangway, our Security team will scan your cruise card—and just like that, you’re officially on board!

Now You’re On Board

• The ship is yours to explore!

• Many of our facilities—including pools, bars, and the spa—will be ready for you to enjoy.

Dining Information

• Your dining time and table allocation will be waiting for you in your cabin.

• Any specialty dining vouchers will be placed in your cabin ahead of your dining experience.

 Booked a Tour?

• Your tour tickets will be placed in your cabin the day before your excursion.

• On the day of your tour, please meet in the Neptune Lounge at the time shown on your ticket.

A Fly Cruise combines the benefits of a Fred. Olsen cruise with the added convenience of flying straight to and/or from your destination. This means fewer sea days to reach your chosen destination and more time to explore. Your fare includes flights and transfers between the airport and your ship, so everything is taken care of for you.

If you fly on our exclusive chartered flights from London Gatwick or Manchester:

Included for guests on our exclusive charter flights:

• Return flights (or one way flights if sailing from or back to Southampton)
• One piece of hold luggage with a generous 23kg weight limit
• One piece of hand luggage 
• Return transfers to and/or from your ship
• A dedicated Fred. Olsen team to get you from flight to your transfer
• Luggage taken from you at the transfer coach and delivered to your cabin
• ATOL protection

Our Fly Cruise itineraries start in the Mediterranean ports of Alicante, Spain; Valletta, Malta; Heraklion, Greece; Limassol, Cyprus; Athens, Greece and Tenerife, Spain.

Below are the estimated outbound and inbound flight times for our exclusive charter flights. Please note timings are subject to alterations (we'll of course let you know if anything changes) and flight durations are subject to variables such as weather conditions.

Outbound Flights from London Gatwick (Please note if viewing on a mobile device that you may need to scroll to the right):

Outbound Flights from Manchester (Please note if viewing on a mobile device that you may need to scroll to the right):

Inbound Flights to London Gatwick (Please note if viewing on a mobile device that you may need to scroll to the right):

Inbound Flights to Manchester (Please note if viewing on a mobile device that you may need to scroll to the right):

Food and drinks will be available to purchase on board your easyJet flight or at the airport after security.

If you're flying with a different airline, it is likely that refreshments will be available to purchase on board. Please check with the airline for details. 

Please note any alcohol purchased on the aircraft (where available) or at the airport, can't be consumed on your ship, and will be held securely on board until you disembark.

No matter where you’re heading in the world, we recommend that your passport:

1) Has more than six months validity left after the date of arrival into your destination countries
2) Is less than 10 years old from the date of issue

When travelling to Europe, UK Passports must be less than 10 years old from the date of issue. If your passport was renewed prior to October 2018, it could have a date of issue which is more than 10 years ago.

For more information and to understand the entry requirements of the countries you’ll be visiting, please go to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website using this link:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

You will likely be required to present an Electrical Travel Authorisation (ETA) to Immigration Officers at the UK boarder. Visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta for more details and to apply.

Please also check what other entry requirements are required for your ports of call (including but not limited to health, Passport and Visa requirements).

Details of your flights will be provided with your final cruise documents and can also be seen on your booking confirmation. 

Please note - if you're flying on our exclusive charter flights from London Gatwick or Manchester:

• We’ll confirm your UK departure terminal around 4 months before departure.
• Your airline reference number will be provided around 30 days prior to the date of your flight, allowing you to check-in and select your seat (additional charge applies)

As you will be flying with easyJet:

• You’ll complete check-in via the easyJet app or website (once we've provided your easyJet reference number to you).
• Check-in must be completed online or via the app, it can't be completed at the airport.
  
  
• We’ll provide your easyJet reference number 30 day before departure.
• We’ll also be in touch to remind you when check-in opens.
• And, rest assured we'll update these FAQ's with guides on how to check-in online or via the easyJet app.

1. You can download the boarding pass to your devices wallet.
   
2. Or you can print the email confirmation which will be sent to you.
   

1. You can print the email confirmation which will be sent to you.
   

1. We'll send your easyJet reference number around 30 days before departure.
   
2. Once you have this reference number, then you'll be able to check-in via the app or online
   
3. We'll update these FAQ's with handy "how to" guides once we're closer to the 2026 fly-cruise season

If you're flying on our exclusive charter flights from London Gatwick or Manchester:

• You'll be able to pre-select your seat(s) or add additional luggage direct with the airline once we've sent your easyJet reference number
• We'll send your easyJet reference to you around 30 days before departure
• Once you have this, you'll be able to select your seats or add additional luggage directly with easyJet via their app or online
• We'll update these FAQ's with handy "how to" guides closer to the start of our fly-cruise season

Please inform us at the time of booking if you require airport assistance or would like to discuss a medical condition that you feel the airline should be made aware of. Please contact Guest Services on: [email protected]

Please let us know 12 weeks prior to your departure date, allowing us to coordinate with the relevant airline and airport in good time.

On our exclusive easyJet flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, the per passenger luggage allowance is as follows:

• 1 piece of hand luggage (measuring no more than 45 x 36 x 20 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you
• 1 piece of hold luggage with a generous 23kg weight limit

We understand that plans can change for many reasons. If you need to cancel, please get in touch with our Guest Services team who'll be there to help. If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them directly.

In the unlikely event of a change to your flight, we’ll contact you to discuss alternative arrangements.

Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website regularly to check the following:

• Health and travel advice, including entry requirements
• Passport validity requirements
• Visa requirements (where required)

Please ensure that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. We recommend our preferred partner, specialist cruise insurance provider Holiday Extras.

Electronic items – these may be required to be removed from your hand luggage and placed into the trays provided. Procedures vary by airport and the security team will be on hand to let you know more.

Liquids, aerosols and gels – where possible, please pack as many of these as you can in your checked hold luggage.

If carrying liquids in your cabin luggage, please ensure:

• Containers hold no more than 100ml and the total sum of all liquids, aerosols and gels is no more than 1 litre
• All liquids must fit into one transparent bag, measuring no more than 20cm by 20cm and it must be sealed
• Please click here to visit the UK Governments travel advice page for the latest information
• These procedures apply to travelling through UK airports. Countries across the world may have different procedures, so please check you are up to date before you leave home

Please ensure you give the cabin crew your full attention during the safety demonstration as their primary role is your safety and comfort.

Food and drink will be available to buy on your flight. Our top tip is to buy a bottle of water either then or before boarding and keep sipping throughout the flight to stay hydrated.

We’ll pop a letter in your cabin a couple of days before disembarkation with all the details you’ll need.

The letter we pop into your cabin will include all the information you need.

Please note EES only applies to fly-cruises to European destinations.

If your cruise starts and ends in the UK, you won’t need to register for the new EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES).
Even better - when you step ashore for the day in European ports, you won’t need to do anything extra. Just enjoy your time ashore!

Flying to Join Your Cruise?

If you're joining us on a fly-cruise in 2026, EES may affect your journey.

If you haven't travelled to the Schengen area since the launch of EES, or been registered even if you have, on arrival at your destination you'll be required to provide mandatory biometric data at Border Control.

What Is the EES?

The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) to modernise border checks.
Instead of manual passport stamping, travellers will eventually use biometric data (face and fingerprint) for entry and exit.

When Is This Happening?

• Initial rollout started 12 October 2025 in some EU countries.
• Full rollout is expected by 10 April 2026.

What to Expect When EES Is Live

If you're flying into or out of an EU country after rollout:

• You may be asked to provide biometric data at border control.
• This is mandatory - without it, you won’t be able to travel.

Can I Register My Biometric Data Before Travel?

Not yet, but the EU is working on it. We’ll let you know as soon as this becomes available.

Which Countries Are Part of EES?

The scheme will apply to travel in the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Coming Soon: ETIAS Visa Waiver

In the future, the EU will also introduce ETIAS, a visa waiver for non-EU visitors (including UK travellers):

• Expected cost: around €20 per person
• Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires
• Must be purchased before travel

We'll update this FAQ page closer your to embarkation day.

We'll update this FAQ page closer your to disembarkation day.

UK Passport holders

No matter where you’re heading in the world, we recommend that your passport:

1) Has more than six months validity left after the date of arrival into your destination countries
2) Is less than 10 years old from the date of issue

When travelling to Europe, UK Passports must be less than 10 years old from the date of issue. If your passport was renewed prior to October 2018, it could have a date of issue which is more than 10 years ago.

For more information and to understand the entry requirements of the countries you’ll be visiting, please go to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website using this link:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Non-UK Passport holders/non-residents

You will likely be required to present an Electrical Travel Authorisation (ETA) to Immigration Officers at the UK boarder. Visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta for more details and to apply.

Please also check what other entry requirements are required for your ports of call (including but not limited to health, Passport and Visa requirements).

Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website regularly to check the following:

• Health and travel advice, including entry requirements
• Passport validity requirements
• Visa requirements (where required)

Please ensure that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. We recommend our preferred partner, specialist cruise insurance provider Holiday Extras.

We understand that plans can change for many reasons. If you need to cancel, please get in touch with our Guest Services team who'll be there to help. If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them directly.

In the unlikely event of a change to your flight, we’ll contact you to discuss alternative arrangements.

Allowances vary by airline. Please refer to the list below for the cabin and hold luggage limits, including weights and dimensions. If you’re flying with different airlines on your outbound and return journeys, please follow the lowest allowances.

Please be sure to pack any medication that you may need in your hand luggage, and enough to cover you through several days, in case there are any delays with your luggage. The airlines may require a doctor’s note, so please check the UK Government website for more information.

We recommend packing a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage, and please check that your cabin luggage sizes meet the weight and dimensions as set out by the airline you are flying with.

The letter we pop into your cabin will include all the information you need.

We’ll send you all your documents and information no later than seven days before your flight. Before you leave home, please ensure that you have all required documents and your passport to hand for check-in and allow plenty of time to get to the airport. We recommend you use a strong padlock for your hold luggage, with your contact details clearly visible.

Electronic items – these may be required to be removed from your hand luggage and placed into the trays provided. Procedures vary by airport and the security team will be on hand to let you know more.

Liquids, aerosols and gels – where possible, please pack as many of these as you can in your checked hold luggage.

If carrying liquids in your cabin luggage, please ensure:

• Containers hold no more than 100ml and the total sum of all liquids, aerosols and gels is no more than 1 litre
• All liquids must fit into one transparent bag, measuring no more than 20cm by 20cm and it must be sealed
• Please click here to visit the UK Governments travel advice page for the latest information
• These procedures apply to travelling through UK airports. Countries across the world may have different procedures, so please check you are up to date before you leave home

Now you can relax, whether that be enjoying some refreshments or retail therapy,but please do remember to keep an eye on the departure boards for your gate number, as it is your responsibility to ensure you are there in time to board your aircraft.

At the gate, please make sure you have your passport and boarding pass to hand to show to the staff.

Please ensure you give the cabin crew your full attention during the safety demonstration as their primary role is your safety and comfort.

Food and drink will be available to buy on your flight. Our top tip is to buy a bottle of water either then or before boarding and keep sipping throughout the flight to stay hydrated.

Once you disembark from your aircraft, clear immigration and collect your luggage from the assigned carousel, look out for our representatives who will be on hand to direct you to your awaiting transfer. We’ll load your luggage for you and ensure it is delivered directly to your cabin, so there will be no need to wait for it once you arrive at the port.

On arrival at the port, you will clear immigration again, and then it’s time to board Balmoral, relax and enjoy your cruise.

Once you disembark from your aircraft, clear immigration and collect your luggage from the assigned carousel, look out for our representatives who will be on hand to direct you to your awaiting transfer. We’ll load your luggage for you and ensure it is delivered directly to your cabin, so there will be no need to wait for it once you arrive at the port.

On arrival at the port, you will clear immigration again, and then it’s time to board Balmoral, relax and enjoy your cruise.

We’ll pop a letter in your cabin a couple of days before disembarkation with all the details you’ll need.