New to cruising or Fred Olsen - your questions answered.
Welcome to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines!
If you’re new to cruising or new to sailing with us, we know you'll you'll have lots of questions.
We’ve created this page to give you all the essentials, so you can step on board feeling prepared and ready for an unforgettable voyage.
Quick hints & tips
(Scroll down for more questions and answers)
Cashless ships
- All our ships operate on a cashless system. At check-in, you’ll register a debit or credit card to set up your on board account. Simply present your room key when making purchases and the cost will be added to your account. At the end of your cruise, the card you provided will be charged for these purchases. You can check your spending anytime via your cabin TV.
Passport requirements
- A valid passport is required for all cruises. Please ensure your passport details are submitted to us at least 8 weeks before embarkation, remember to bring your passport with you when you travel.
Dress code
- During the day and on non-formal evenings, the dress code is smart casual.
Depending on the length of your cruise, there will be at least one formal night. If you prefer not to dress formally, that’s absolutely fine, you can dine in our Buffet Service Restaurant or book Colours and Taste (additional charge applies).
Wi-Fi access
- Wi-Fi is available on board for an additional charge. You can purchase packages for the entire cruise or pay by the day. Wi-Fi is arranged once you’re on board using your mobile device.
- For all you need to know about Wi-Fi, click here
Food & Drink
- All meals are included in your cruise fare, along with self-service tea and coffee available throughout the day. Starting in 2026, guests booking a Freedom Fare will also enjoy a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks with lunch and dinner at no extra cost. Additional beverages are available for purchase and will be charged to your on board account.
More detailed questions and answers (keep scrolling down):
What's included in the cost of a cruise with us?
- Find out what's included by clicking here
- Want to know what facilities you're cabin will have? Click here
Dress code and formal nights
- What's the dress code during the day and on non-formal nights? Click here
- Want to know the dress code on Formal nights (and what if you don't want to take part in a formal night)? Click here
Countdown to my cruise
- Find out more about the countdown to your cruise by clicking here
- What to know when you'll receive your luggage labels? Click here
- What to know when we (or your Travel Agent) will send your cruise ticket? Click here
What to pack for your cruise
- What should you pack for a cruise? Click here
- Want to understand what your luggage allowance is? Click here
- If you travelling to our ports by public transport, explore options for our baggage handling partner to take the strain by clicking here
Embarkation day (including the check-in process at the port) and disembarkation day
- For a full rundown of what to expect on day one of your cruise, click here
- Find out more about how the last morning of your cruise works by clicking here
Food and Drink
- Find out more about the food you'll expect to find on board by clicking here
- Find out more about our cabin service by clicking here
- Want to know more about our drinks package? Click here
- Would you like an idea on how much drinks cost? Click here
Keep track of my spend:
- For information on how we settle your on board account, click here
- You can keep track of your spend via the "My Account" section on your cabin TV, or by visiting the Guest Services team and asking for a printed copy of your latest account invoice
Activities, entertainment & on board facilities
- For an overview of all of the activities, entertainment and on board facilities, click here
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