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One of the great things about a cruise is that it can give you a new perspective on our wonderful world.
Some of the most awe-inspiring natural sights and spectacles are best admired from the water – and on a cruise, you can easily visit some of the wildest and most remote places imaginable.
Fred. Olsen is one of the world’s most exclusive cruise lines, and their hand-crafted itineraries take you on inspiring journeys through soul-stirring scenery. Smaller ships also mean you feel more connected to your surroundings – and your fellow guests – so whether you’re drifting past gleaming glaciers or sawtooth mountains, it’s difficult not to feel moved by the beauty of nature.
Moments like these are what makes Fred. Olsen cruises so special. From admiring jaw-dropping views and natural phenomena to forming lasting friendships with guests and crew, these experiences are known as ‘the Fred. magic’…the sprinkling of small-but-special moments that you’ll remember, and cherish, forever.
So, if you’re curious about a Fred. Olsen cruise, we’re here to show you what you could look forward to. Here are nine inspiring cruise ship moments that capture nature’s magic.
1. Driving Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road
Part of the joy of cruising is that you can also enjoy all manner of land-based activities. Norway is one of Fred. Olsen’s most popular destinations, and while many of the most magical moments occur at sea, some happen on land. On the seven-day Mountains and Fjords of Norway cruise, you’ll get the chance to drive down the Atlantic Ocean Road, widely considered the world’s most beautiful drive.
This iconic road connects Averøy to the mainland, winding like a sea snake across a series of small islands. Drive over eight bridges as you admire the diversity of the coastal landscape, passing charming fishing villages and sheltered coves, and enjoying the salty air and scenic views. You’ll also drive down the famous Trollstigen Mountain Road, which boasts eyewatering hairpin turns and jaw-dropping vistas.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Mountains & Fjords of Norway*
Pass Urnes Stave Church - Romsdalsfjorden & Isfjorden - Skjolden - Nordfjord & Innvikfjord - Lustrafjord - Åndalsnes - Olden - Ålesund - Sognefjord - Langfjorden & Eresfjorden
Norway | 7 nights
Departs on 16 Apr 2026 from Newcastle on the ship Balmoral.
2. Visiting the crater lakes of the Azores
If you’re dreaming of catching some sun, why not join Fred. Olsen’s Easter Escape to Portugal’s Unspoilt Islands cruise? This is a chance to explore Portugal’s diverse island landscapes, from the volcanic Azores to Madeira, the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’. Over 14-nights, you can immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life, soaking up the culture, savouring the cuisine, and making the most of the gorgeous scenery.
One highlight is visiting São Miguel in the Azores, where you can visit the famous Lagoa do Fogo, one of the highest crater lakes on the island. From this vantage point, magnificent views of hulking mountains, sandy beaches, and lush greenery await. You’ll also stop in Madeira, where you can sip sweet local wine, feast on creamy custard tarts, go whale watching, and walk along the flower-filled levadas.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Easter Escape to Portugal's Unspoilt Islands*
Praia da Vitória - La Coruña - Santa Maria - Funchal - Horta - Tower of Hercules Lighthouse - Ponta Delgada
Spain & Portugal | 14 nights
Departs on 10 Apr 2025 from Southampton on the ship Balmoral. Solo traveller offer available.
3. Seeing humpback whales breach in Iceland
Iceland may be best known for its otherworldly landscape, but it’s also home to truly fascinating wildlife. If whale watching is on your bucket list, you might like to think about booking Fred. Olsen’s Whales, Waterfalls, & Geysers of Iceland cruise. Over 12 nights, you’ll take an epic journey to Iceland’s natural wonders, visiting thundering waterfalls, spurting geysers, milky lagoons, and rocky lava tunnels.
But if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the real highlight is found in the water. Iceland is one of the world’s top whale watching destinations, and this cruise is specifically timed for you to spot humpbacks. Seeing humpback whales breaching from the inky waters is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience, and often a profoundly moving one, too. From the deck of your ship, you might also spot nesting Atlantic puffins.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Whales, Waterfalls & Geysers of Iceland*
Norðfjarðarhorn & Gerpir - Reykjavík - Pentland Firth - Akureyri - Pass Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Duncansby Sea Stacks - Ísafjörður - Tórshavn - Eyjafjörður - Elliðaey Island and 4 more
Iceland, Faroe Islands, Scotland & 1 more | 12 nights
Departs on 17 Jul 2025 from Dover on the ship Borealis. Solo traveller offer available.
Moments that bring a smile, to moments that make your jaw drop
Spectacular moments that you’ll remember for a lifetime, together with the smaller, more personal moments that make all the difference. All brought to you by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Create more moments to remember with up to £330pp FREE On-Board Spend on over 100 sailings. Plus savings of up to £220pp on selected cruises.
4. Exploring Giant’s Causeway
If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, what about a cruise around Ireland? Home to staggering scenery and unique natural wonders, this country has much to offer – and Fred. Olsen’s Exploring the Coastline of the Emerald Isle cruise is arguably the best way to make the most of it. Over seven nights, you’ll cruise around the circumference of the island, stopping off at many of its most dazzling sights and attractions.
Seeing the famous Giant’s Causeway is one of the high points, and as you explore these bizarre basalt columns, you can delve into Irish myths and legends. There’s plenty of culture to uncover, too, from exploring vibrant Belfast to sipping Guinness in cosy pubs, but it’s the scenery that’s most impressive. Cruise past the rugged Malin Head, the Cliffs of Moher, and the incredible landscapes of Arranmore.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Exploring the Iconic Coastline of the Emerald Isle*
Arranmore - Belfast - Cliffs of Moher - Malin Head & Sliabh Liag - Cobh - Dun Laoghaire - Galway - Pass Slieve League Cliffs
Ireland, Northern Ireland & United Kingdom | 7 nights
Departs on 06 Jun 2025 from Liverpool on the ship Bolette.
5. Chasing the northern lights
Of all the world’s natural phenomena, perhaps none are as astonishing as the northern lights. Witnessing these ethereal green lights flashing away is a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, and if you’re dreaming of spotting them, Fred. Olsen’s In Search of the Northern Lights cruise is for you. While the lights’ unpredictability is part of their allure, you have an excellent chance of seeing them on this trip.
This Norwegian cruise is timed to boost your chances of seeing the lights from both land and sea – and you may be lucky enough to have several encounters. The dark ocean sky means conditions are ideal for seeing the lights, and if any clouds obstruct the display, you can simply sail past. On land, you might also spot the lights in Tromsø, where you’ll have a unique chance to spend time with a local Sámi community.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines In Search of the Northern Lights*
Crossing the Arctic Circle - Ålesund - Molde - Tromsø - Narvik
Norway | 10 nights
Departs on 25 Mar 2025 from Newcastle on the ship Borealis. Solo traveller offer available. Suite Upgrade.
6. Admiring the subtropical Scilly Isles
You don’t need to cruise to the far north to be inspired by nature’s magic. If you’d like to gain a new perspective and appreciation of our own island, Fred. Olsen’s Scotland, Scilly Isles & the West Country cruise might be for you. Embark upon a 10-night tour of the British Isles, travelling from the wild, windswept islands of Northern Scotland to the scenic, sandy coastline of Southern England.
You’ll also have the chance to visit the stunning Scilly Isles, subtropical islands off the coast of Cornwall. On St Mary’s, the largest island, you can spot all kinds of marine life, from grey seals to puffins, and swim in azure waters that look more Bahamian than British. Plus, cruise past Scotland’s iconic Fingal’s Cave, visit the Cornwall and Devon mainlands, and stop off in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Isles.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Scotland, Scilly Isles & the West Country*
The Small Isles - Dartmouth - Old Man of Hoy - St. Mary's - Lerwick - Falmouth - The Needle - Fingal's Cave - Duncansby Sea Stacks - Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mòr) and 1 more
Scotland & United Kingdom | 10 nights
Departs on 07 Jun 2025 from Rosyth on the ship Balmoral.
Moments that bring a smile, to moments that make your jaw drop
Spectacular moments that you’ll remember for a lifetime, together with the smaller, more personal moments that make all the difference. All brought to you by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Create more moments to remember with up to £330pp FREE On-Board Spend on over 100 sailings. Plus savings of up to £220pp on selected cruises.
7. Experiencing the Arctic’s Midnight Sun
One of the world’s most fascinating phenomena is the Arctic Midnight Sun. During the summer months, the sun never sets north of the Arctic Circle, instead remaining above the horizon 24 hours a day. Not only does this mean you have so much more time to explore, but you can also enjoy glorious views of this rosy-yellow light as it falls on snow-swathed mountains, gleaming glaciers, and shimmering seas.
On Fred. Olsen’s Norway’s Arctic Islands & Mountainous Vistas cruise, visit the enchanting Lofoten Islands, which boast a rich Viking history, as well as breathtaking peaks and flower-speckled meadows perfect for hiking. Under the glowing Midnight Sun, you can spot whales and birds, explore bustling Norwegian cities like Kristiansund and Tromsø, and cruise past the striking Seven Sisters Mountain range.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Norway's Arctic Islands & Mountainous Vistas*
Svolvær - Torghatten - Pass Reine - Sortland - Leknes - Seven Sisters mountain range - Midnight Sun - Tromsø - Crossing the Arctic Circle - Tjeldsundet Strait and 1 more
Norway | 10 nights
Departs on 17 Jun 2025 from Rosyth on the ship Balmoral.
8. Marvelling at Croatia’s coastline
With cascading waterfalls, mysterious forests, and towering mountains, Croatia is known for its dazzling natural beauty – but the country’s coastline is arguably most captivating. The gin-clear waters are studded with islands, while the rugged Dalmatian coast is lined with historic walled towns and medieval villages. And, on Fred. Olsen’s 22-night Scenic Gems of Croatia cruise, you’ll see the best of the best.
Cruising in a smaller, sleeker ship, means you can easily weave in and out of these idyllic islands, leaping into the sapphire seas whenever the mood strikes. Cruise along the picturesque coves and archipelagos of the Pelješac Peninsula, snapping photos of red-tiled roofs sparkling in the sun. Then, explore Hvar and Mljet islands, soak up the culture in Split, and step back in time in historic Dubrovnik.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Scenic Gems of Croatia*
Korcula - Messina - Valletta - Kotor - Gibraltar - Split - Kerkira - Grand Harbour - Bay of Kotor - Cartagena and 3 more
Spain, Italy, Greece & 5 more | 22 nights
Departs on 05 Jun 2025 from Dover on the ship Borealis.
9. Soaking in geothermal pools, Iceland
If you’re more drawn to Iceland’s unearthly landscape than its marine wildlife, why not think about Fred. Olsen’s Glaciers, Geysers, & Waterfalls cruise? This 10-night tour has been specifically designed to reveal Iceland’s most magical natural attractions, from roaring waterfalls to gushing geysers. The ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ is a geothermal wonderland, and this cruise is the perfect way to discover its remarkable beauty.
A highlight is soaking in the legendary Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located inside a lava field. Named one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world, the seawater is rich in silica, algae, and minerals, which gives the lagoon its skin-nourishing powers. If you’re keen to get active, you can also trek up the Langjokull glacier, kayak through soaring fjords, and hike to waterfalls in the scenic Vestdalur Valley.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Glaciers, Geysers & Waterfalls of Iceland*
Akureyri - Ísafjörður - Seyðisfjörður - Hornbjarg - Reykjavík - Seyðisfjörður - Eyjafjörður
Iceland | 10 nights
Departs on 13 Jun 2025 from Liverpool on the ship Bolette.
Moments that bring a smile, to moments that make your jaw drop
Spectacular moments that you’ll remember for a lifetime, together with the smaller, more personal moments that make all the difference. All brought to you by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Create more moments to remember with up to £330pp FREE On-Board Spend on over 100 sailings. Plus savings of up to £220pp on selected cruises.
Final thoughts…
If you’d like to see more of the world and be inspired by the magic of nature, a cruise is a great idea. Not only do you get to visit places that may otherwise be too remote, but you can usually see much more than you would on a land-based holiday.
And, when you’re not off having adventures on dry land, you can relax on your ship, treating yourself in the spa, getting to know other guests, or sunbathing and sightseeing from the deck. You might find that these small moments are just as memorable as the big moments: watching the northern lights, soaking in hot springs, and driving along the world’s most dramatically beautiful roads.
The balance of small, simple moments and big, breathtaking moments – the harmony of nature’s magic with Fred’s magic – is what makes Fred. Olsen cruises so exceptional. And, right now, Fred. Olsen are helping you create more moments to remember with up to £330PP FREE On-Board Spend on over 100 sailings, plus savings of up to £220PP on selected cruises.
If you’re keen to find out more, head over to the Fred. Olsen website to browse cruises.
Have you been on a cruise before – or are you tempted by any of these itineraries? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.
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