Life onboard a Fred Olsen Cruise ship can differ from other cruise lines and for this reason we have written, from past experiences a little piece on "life onboard a Fred Olsen Cruise".

The Fred. Olsen experience starts from the time you drop your luggage off. A fast and efficient embarkation process sets you up for a stress free holiday instantly.

Stepping on board Boudicca you feel instantly at home. You are greeted by name with a broad smile and a glass of bubbly and given the opportunity to get to know your fellow seafarers.

Start your day off in the right way!!!

Breakfast is Buffet style but in a very civilised way and in no way canteen style. No queues, eggs to order, waiters on hand to serve toast, hot drinks and freshly squeezed orange juice, set you up for the lazy day at sea or sightseeing in port.

Burn off some of that food.

You probably never need a Gym on holiday as much as you need it on a cruise.

You either have to decline every delicate and sumptuous morsel offered or counteract it with a bit of exercise. But then again on shore days, make the most of the interesting port of call. Stroll into town and decline the shuttle bus.

What shall I do today?

There is notification of all the different events going on throughout the day popped through your door on a daily basis. You can do as much or as little as you wish.

If you feel like being lazy the comfy seats in the Library face out to sea through the floor to ceiling windows. A great place to relax.

Been there, dine that, got the T – Shirt.

Pre- bookable excursions are available at every port of call, with plenty of options to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. There is a key to all Fred. Olsen’s excursions from easy to a little more active to very active, this ensures you choose the right one for you.

Farewell, So Long.

A sail away party on deck is held whenever you leave a port. The band play all your favourite tunes and you can dance the late afternoon away.

What is for dinner?

At Dinner you can either go to your allocated dining time or you have the flexibility of going to the buffet restaurant. Either way the food and service is excellent.

The bright lights of Broadway.

There are two allocated times for the shows and cabarets to correspond with your dining time. This ensures you need not miss out on the action.

I am bored!!!

Dance lessons, cookery workshops, cocktail master classes etc. are offered on most Fred. Olsen cruises for you to enjoy.

Anyone for a midnight snack?

The midnight buffet on the last night is where the ships chefs showcase their skills by carving fruit into animals or flowers, making elaborate baskets with bread dough, tiered cakes and ice sculptures. Cameras are a must.

Disembarkation Day

Tips are normal on a cruising holiday, however Fred. Olsen run a completely anonymous and optional tipping system. All you do is collect some brown envelopes from the purser’s desk and take it back to them, sealed, with your chosen amount inside.

I don’t think anyone would decline to give a tip of some sort on Fred. Olsen as the ships company really go out of their way to make your holiday extra special.