Life On Board Our Ships | FAQs | Fred. Olsen Cruises

Do you have professional photographers on board?

To help fill your holiday album with some of your most memorable cruise experiences, our professional photographers are on hand throughout your holiday to capture those special moments.

Are there tea and coffee making facilities in all cabins?

All cabins offer complimentary tea and coffee making facilities for your personal use.

Are there hair stylists on board?

Each of our ships has a hair salon within the Atlantis Spa catering for both ladies and gentlemen.

Will there be a religious service on board?

After breakfast on Sundays during days at sea, the Entertainment Manager or Deputy Entertainment Manager will lead prayers and readings. On Easter and Christmas cruises, as well as Grand Voyages, a member of the clergy will lead an interdenominational service.

Do you have dance hosts/hostesses on board?

Yes, most of our cruises will have a dance host and/or hostess on board.

What facilities will my cabin have?

When it comes to accommodation, our fleet of four ocean-going ships feature a range of choices, so you can pick what suits you best.

What times are the evening shows?

The main evening shows are typically performed after both the first and second dinner sittings, so everyone gets the chance to watch the entertainment on offer without rushing to get a good seat.

Do the cabins on board have a bath, shower, or both?

All of our cruise ships have a limited number of cabin grades with both a bathtub and a shower.

What's the dress code on board?

Packing for your cruise holiday with Fred. Olsen is simple. The dress code is designed to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable during your days and evenings on board, as well as your time ashore. This handy guide will help you decide what to pack for your cruise holiday.

What to wear on a cruise ship formal night?

Depending on the length of your cruise holiday there will be one or more formal evenings whilst you are on board. This is your chance to ‘dress to impress’ and add glitz and glamour to your dining experience.

Is there a Food & Drink Cooler in my cabin?

All cabins on board Balmoral feature a food & drink cooler. On Bolette and Borealis, only Suites are currently fitted with a food & drink cooler.

Will I be able to make phone calls whilst on board?

Whilst on board and out of range of usual phone network providers, guests can connect to our ships satellite-based roaming network.

What is there to do on board?

Many guests find they enjoy a break from watching the world go by as they sail to the next thrilling destination, and so each Fred. Olsen ship offers a great selection of on board activities.

Do you have a Library on board?

We understand the value of a good holiday read, and have a well-appointed library on board each ship offering a wide variety of books, including travel books, fiction stories, novels and autobiographies.

Do you have public toilets in communal areas?

For your convenience, each of our cruise ships has public toilets in communal areas, which are clearly marked on the ships signage and on our deck plans.

Is there a gym on board?

Stay in shape on your holiday in our fully-equipped Fitness Centres on board each ship.

Where are the smoking areas on board?

We operate a strict ‘no smoking’ policy in all inside areas. Smoking will only be permitted in designated open deck areas on board your ship.

Is a hairdryer provided in my cabin?

Hairdryers are supplied in all cabins and are either hand held or fixed to the bathroom wall.

Is there WiFi on board?

Staying connected with family and friends at home while on a Fred. Olsen cruise has never been easier. Rad on to learn more about our WiFi costs

Are bicycles allowed on board?

We are only able to accept folding bicycles on board for use ashore only. Your folding bicycle must be stored in your cabin at all times and is not permitted on board tender boats.

Where can I store my luggage on board?

The beds in each cabin on board our ships have space underneath allowing for the storage of your luggage. The height of our beds varies between grades, from 22cm to 40cm, though the majority are 29cm high.

Are there safes in the cabins on board?

A safe is available for your convenience in every cabin (all cabins on Balmoral have an electric safe).

How many formal and theme nights are there on my cruise?

The number of formal nights you can expect on a cruise depends on the duration of your cruise.

How many swimming pools do you have on your ships?

Each cruise ship in our fleet has at least one swimming pool on board, plus jacuzzis to relax in.

Can I join my friends' table if we've made separate bookings?

Guests can request to sit and dine with friends or family who are on a separate booking. While we cannot guarantee this request, we will do our utmost to meet your requirements.

Can I open the windows in my cabin?

It’s not possible to open the portholes and picture windows in Ocean View Cabins, but if you are staying in a Balcony Room or a Suite, you will be able to open your French windows and take in stunning scenic views from the comfort of your own private space - ideal for catching the sunrise while your room-mate sleeps, sun-bathing in the midday sunshine or stargazing in the company of your loved one.

What type of plug / electricity sockets are used in the cabins?

All our cruise ships feature 2-pin (round pin) Continental style plug (220 volt-60 Hz).

Can I do my washing and ironing on board?

All of our ships have at least one fully equipped Laundry Room, complete with self service washing machines filled with detergent. Just collect a token from Guest Services (there is a small fee for this service) and pop it in the machine. Also in the Laundry Rooms are tumble driers, irons and ironing boards.

Do you have a Doctor or medical facilities on board?

For your peace of mind, all of our cruise ships have a Medical Centre offering primary and emergency care, with a doctor and/or nurse on call at all times.

Are towels provided on board?

Yes, white bathroom towels are provided in all cabins. Whilst using your ship's pools, saunas and steam rooms we ask that you utilise the blue towels provided in your cabin's wardrobe.* We politely request that guests do not use their blue towels to reserve sunbeds on deck, or take ashore.

Are toiletries provided in my cabin?

To save you the hassle of having to pack stocks of certain toiletries for use during your time on board, we provide the following in every bathroom:

What is your procedure for tipping on board?

Gratuities for our dedicated service team are not included in the cost of your holiday. While tipping is entirely at your discretion, we pride ourselves on the service offered to our guests, and are confident that you’ll wish to reward staff on board for the attention you receive.

When do I need to settle my on board account?

We ask you to register your credit or debit card at the start of the cruise. Anything you buy on board can then be charged to your cabin account and, when your cruise is over, your bill is automatically charged back to your card for your convenience.

Do you provide bathrobes in all cabins?

For those guests staying in suites and benefitting from our Suite Dreams package, bathrobes are provided, with our compliments.

Am I able to reserve a sunbed?

For the comfort, consideration and convenience of all guests, we do not allow deck chairs or sunbeds to be reserved on board our ships.

Can I order flowers on board?

Add a touch of floral colour and fragrance to your cabin, or perhaps treat someone special, with a delightful bouquet from the Flower Shop, available on Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral.

What treatments are offered in your Spa?

Each of our cruise ships has an Atlantis Spa on board. Guests can choose from relaxing facials, massages or beauty treatments in the Atlantis Spa; and these can be pre-booked via My Cruises if you wish.

Do you have facilities for visual and/or hearing impaired guests?

We welcome guests on board our ships who are visually and/or hearing impaired.

Can I scatter ashes at sea?

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will allow guests to bring the cremated remains of a loved one or a commemorative wreath on board, to carry out a memorial commemoration during your cruise.

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