Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just announced a significant shift in their pricing strategy, starting in January 2026, which promises a more inclusive and streamlined cruising experience for passengers. This exciting update focuses on expanding the onboard offerings that are included in the base cruise fare. It effectively simplifies the booking process and enhances the value for cruisers.
What’s New? A Comprehensive Inclusive Package
The most notable change is the introduction of a more comprehensive inclusive package. From 2026 onwards, your cruise fare will cover a wider range of amenities, making your holiday more inclusive and enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Dining: Full board dining remains a staple, ensuring you’re well-fed throughout your voyage.
- Drinks: Guests who book on a Freedom fare, will enjoy house beers, wines, spirits, and draught soft drinks with lunch and dinner in the Main Dining, Buffet and Speciality Dining venues. This is a significant addition, allowing for a more relaxed and social dining experience.
- Entertainment and Insightful Talks: The cruise line will continue to offer a variety of entertainment, insightful lectures and enrichment activities, ensuring there’s always something to do onboard.
- Shuttle Buses in Port: Shuttle buses will be provided when the port is more than one mile from the ship, making independent exploration more accessible.
- Guided Walks in Port: Guided social strolls will be available in selected ports, offering a more intimate and engaging way to explore destinations within the safety of a larger group.
- Fitness Classes: For those who enjoy staying active onboard, fitness classes are included.
- Gratuities: Crew gratuities will be included as standard on all sailings in 2026. No further tipping is expected or required, though guests are still welcome to individually tip crew members.
- Essential Fees: Port fees and taxes are also covered in the initial fare.
Booking a Freedom Fare comes with additional benefits, such as the ability to choose your cabin grade and number, dining time and table size, among others.
Introducing the Premium Drinks Package
For those seeking an even more extensive drinks selection, Fred. Olsen is introducing a new Premium Drinks Package as an optional upgrade for £40pp per day if booked in advance on sailings of 6-27 nights. This allows passengers to tailor their experience to their preferences.
A Gesture of Goodwill
Fred. Olsen is also demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction by automatically upgrading guests sailing in 2026 who have already booked the old House Drinks Package at £24.99pp to the new Premium Drinks Package at no extra cost.
Looking Ahead
These changes signal a positive shift for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, offering a more transparent and value-driven cruising experience. By including more amenities in the base fare, they are simplifying the booking process and providing greater peace of mind for passengers. The addition of the Premium Drinks Package offers flexibility, catering to those who desire a more extensive beverage selection.
Ready to experience the new Fred. Olsen inclusive cruising?
With these updates, Fred. Olsen is setting sail for a more inclusive and enjoyable future, and cruisers can look forward to a more seamless and rewarding experience from 2026 onwards.
Book your next adventure with the Fred. Olsen cruise experts at New Era Travel and unlock exclusive savings and discounts that surpass booking directly. Call them today on 01962 396 100 or visit neweratravel.co.uk to explore the latest itineraries and incredible offers.