Fred. Olsen Sets Record Trading Day With 2028 Grand Voyage
From 2026, Freedom Fares will include selected drinks with lunch and dinner plus gratuities, with a price promise for early reservations.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines recorded the strongest single trading day in its history after its 87-night Amazon and Antarctica Grand Voyage from the UK went on sale July 22. The 2028 sailing attracted three times as many guests in its first six days as the line’s 2024 South America Grand Voyage launch.
Annual guest numbers rose 10%, with more than a quarter of the line’s remaining 2026 sailings already sold out and 2027 bookings running more than 40% ahead year on year.
Advance bookings build into 2027
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines CEO Samantha Stimpson said the Grand Voyage launch had contributed to an “exceptional year” for the company.
“Guests are booking further ahead than ever before, we’re welcoming more first-time guests onboard, and we’re continuing to see strong loyalty from returning guests,” Stimpson said.
The line’s Freedom Fare structure will include selected drinks with lunch and dinner, as well as gratuities, on sailings from 2026. Its Freedom Fare Price Promise applies to reservations made within the first four weeks after a cruise launch.
Fleetwide satisfaction reaches record levels
Fred. Olsen also reported record guest satisfaction results across Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral, with each ship achieving its highest-ever Net Promoter Score in 2026. Balmoral, the smallest ship in the fleet, scored highest.
The cruise line cited changes to its entertainment program, developed with RWS Global, and enhancements to its dining offering among its recent onboard investments.
Remaining 2026 inventory includes three November fly-cruises aboard Balmoral: a 10-night Cyprus, Turkey & Egypt itinerary from Limassol on Nov. 9; an 11-night voyage from Piraeus to Tenerife on Nov. 19; and a 10-night Canaries sailing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Nov. 30. Freedom Fares on the fly-cruises include flights from London Gatwick or Manchester and transfers, with half-price flights available on selected sailings booked before Sept. 30.
