We’ve been running a fun campaign across our social media, asking guests to share the remarkable moments they’ve experienced while sailing with us. And we’ve been absolutely thrilled by the responses.
From first-time cruisers to Oceans members on their 100th voyage, the stories have perfectly captured the magic of cruising with us. It’s been an absolute joy to read through all the amazing comments, and we can’t wait to create even more memories with our wonderful guests.
Here are some of our favourite stories that we received.
Mrs Wade
“Cruising with Fred. is my “happy” place. From the minute I step on board, I feel at home. I just love the warm feeling you get when greeted by crew met on previous cruises. My most memorable recent highlight was cruising by the glaciers in Spitsbergen. The silence and the beauty of the scenery was spectacular in every way. I live close to Rosyth, so it’s always special for me sailing away on the beautiful Balmoral beneath the Forth Bridges to start a new adventure.”
Mrs Wade
“Cruising with Fred. is my “happy” place. From the minute I step on board, I feel at home. I just love the warm feeling you get when greeted by crew met on previous cruises. My most memorable recent highlight was cruising by the glaciers in Spitsbergen. The silence and the beauty of the scenery was spectacular in every way. I live close to Rosyth, so it’s always special for me sailing away on the beautiful Balmoral beneath the Forth Bridges to start a new adventure.”
Ms Morgan
"One very special memory is of the Solar Eclipse. We were all given special glasses to wear and were reminded of how important it was to wear the glasses at all times. Everyone was on deck, well wrapped up against the cold. It was completely enthralling watching the sun slowly disappearing and the total darkness, the drop in temperature, and complete silence was very moving. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. As usual, the way the crew looked after us was first class. Lots of other amazing experiences, the Captains in Cadiz, watching the ships sail in with all the lights on and the sail away with all four ships sailing out together. Canada in the Fall, fireworks in Funchal at New Year, to name just a few. I could go on and on. I can't wait to continue cruising with Fred Olsen for as long as possible."
Ms Morgan
"One very special memory is of the Solar Eclipse. We were all given special glasses to wear and were reminded of how important it was to wear the glasses at all times. Everyone was on deck, well wrapped up against the cold. It was completely enthralling watching the sun slowly disappearing and the total darkness, the drop in temperature, and complete silence was very moving. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. As usual, the way the crew looked after us was first class. Lots of other amazing experiences, the Captains in Cadiz, watching the ships sail in with all the lights on and the sail away with all four ships sailing out together. Canada in the Fall, fireworks in Funchal at New Year, to name just a few. I could go on and on. I can't wait to continue cruising with Fred Olsen for as long as possible."
Mr Todd
"I think our standout cruise, for a number of reasons, was our trip to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. We were taken up Trollfjord, and the Captain had to do a very tight turn around at the end. When the manoeuvre was complete, all of us on the forward viewing area looked up to the bridge and applauded. We witnessed the midnight sun from on deck. But I think the standout moment was shortly after we left Honningsvag. We were dining in the Avon restaurant, and during the course of the meal I saw a humpback whale breaching. I called out, and everyone dropped their forks, knives, and spoons and dashed to the windows to witness this experience."
Mr Todd
"I think our standout cruise, for a number of reasons, was our trip to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. We were taken up Trollfjord, and the Captain had to do a very tight turn around at the end. When the manoeuvre was complete, all of us on the forward viewing area looked up to the bridge and applauded. We witnessed the midnight sun from on deck. But I think the standout moment was shortly after we left Honningsvag. We were dining in the Avon restaurant, and during the course of the meal I saw a humpback whale breaching. I called out, and everyone dropped their forks, knives, and spoons and dashed to the windows to witness this experience."
Ms Jones
"From the moment we stepped on board, we were welcomed HOME to our Fred. family. We met up with old crew friends and made new ones to add to our ever-growing on board family. The food, the service, the shows, the smiles, the kindness—I wish the Fred. feeling could be bottled and sold, as the world would be a much better place if everyone had a dose of the Fred tonic. If I could mention all the special moments, I’d never stop, but each and every crew member we met just made us smile. It was lovely seeing many new to Fred. cruisers, and we are sure they sprinkled magic Fred. dust on, and many of them will return. For us, it’s the Fred. crew that makes each and every cruise whatever ship they are on. Thank you for being so wonderful."
Ms Jones
"From the moment we stepped on board, we were welcomed HOME to our Fred. family. We met up with old crew friends and made new ones to add to our ever-growing on board family. The food, the service, the shows, the smiles, the kindness—I wish the Fred. feeling could be bottled and sold, as the world would be a much better place if everyone had a dose of the Fred tonic. If I could mention all the special moments, I’d never stop, but each and every crew member we met just made us smile. It was lovely seeing many new to Fred. cruisers, and we are sure they sprinkled magic Fred. dust on, and many of them will return. For us, it’s the Fred. crew that makes each and every cruise whatever ship they are on. Thank you for being so wonderful."
Ms Macey
"In April 2022, on an Azores and Iceland cruise, there was a visually impaired lady on one excursion. Our escort, Nico from Destination Services, spent an awful lot of time with her making sure she could still enjoy the day, without neglecting the rest of us. That is just one example of what makes the crew and staff from Fred. Olsen so special."
Ms Macey
"In April 2022, on an Azores and Iceland cruise, there was a visually impaired lady on one excursion. Our escort, Nico from Destination Services, spent an awful lot of time with her making sure she could still enjoy the day, without neglecting the rest of us. That is just one example of what makes the crew and staff from Fred. Olsen so special."
Read more from The Bridge
Latest News
Sámi Culture
Michaela Strachan
