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Solo cruising is becoming increasingly popular, (I’m married and have kids and a solo cruise now and then is a wonderful reset). Choosing the right cruise line for a solo cruise can make all the difference; Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is widely regarded as one of the best cruise lines for solo travellers, offering a welcoming atmosphere, dedicated solo cabins and thoughtfully designed itineraries. They are so good for solo travellers that in 2024 and 2025 they won the voted the Best Cruise Line for Solo Travellers by Cruise Critic. Let me run through some of the key factors why they are so good for those cruising alone.
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A Welcoming Cruise Line for Solo Travellers
Larger ships can sometimes make solo travellers can feel anonymous. However, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is known for its friendly, inclusive onboard environment. This makes it much easier for solo travellers to meet others either during meals, onboard activities, on shore excursions or just chatting by the pool.
One thing I have found whenever I’ve been aboard a Fred. Olsen ship is that the crew members are so friendly, attentive and personable. Many solo travellers feel safe and supported. When you are travelling solo, this can really help and one of the key reasons Fred. Olsen is recommended for solo cruising.
Dedicated Solo Cabins
One of the biggest advantages of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for solo travellers are the dedicated single-occupancy cabins (157 spacious solo cabins across the fleet) and these solo occupancy cabins are not restricted to inside cabins, they include ocean-view cabins and deluxe balcony suites. All these cabins are designed specifically for one person, offering comfort without the premium solo supplements.
Reduced Single Supplements
In addition to this, Fred. Olsen also offer some fantastic reduced single supplement deals on selected cabin grades on many sailings. Plus for 2027 cruises, if you book within the first four weeks of release of the new itineraries, Fred. Olsen will match solo fares with twin fares.This makes Fred. Olsen a much more affordable option for solo travellers when compared to many other cruise lines.
Opportunities to Socialise – Without Pressure
Fred. Olsen strikes a good balance between sociability and independence on board. You are never alone (unless you want to be left alone!). They have many thoughtful ways to make it easy for solo travellers to connect and feel supported, throughout your cruise.
For example, there are numerous solo traveller meet-ups, and a hosted welcome drinks event when you board, there are reserved tables for singles to meet up and dine together in the evening so you never feel you are encroaching on someone else’s party. Areas of the buffet set aside for solo travellers so you never feel you have to hunt for a table for one. There’s even a reserved area for afternoon tea.
Smaller Ships with Unique Itineraries
Fred. Olsen has a fleet of smaller cruise ships, and this is a great thing for solo travellers. With fewer passengers onboard, it’s much easier not only to navigate around the ship, but you come to recognise fellow guests, and smaller ships have always had more of a ‘community’ feel from my perspective.
Another advantage of the smaller ships is that, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines can access destinations and ports that larger ships can’t reach (a bit like Heineken, but for cruise ships). What this means is that you get more immersive itineraries, and visits to less crowded ports which is an excellent option if you’re travelling solo.
Stress-Free Shore Excursions for Solo Travellers
Fred. Olsen shore excursions are well organised and are a great option if you prefer a guided experience as a solo traveller. Group excursions are also a great way to meet likeminded people when exploring a new destination. Fred. Olsen also thinks carefully about their itineraries and a great deal of attention and planning goes into them which means that each itinerary has many ports which are easy to navigate alone. It also offers ‘social strolls’ in port which are included in your fare.
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