Fred Olsen’s 2026 summer itineraries feature Solar Eclipse cruises and Freedom Fare Promise

   November 12, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

The UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled its 2026 summer itineraries departing from Rosyth, offering a Freedom Fare Price Promise to early bookers.

The season begins May 27th, featuring specially-timed sailings around the total solar eclipse in August. Ships Bolette and Balmoral will journey to Iceland, where guests can witness the eclipse alongside Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, while Borealis ship will set course for Spain, providing guests with a view of the celestial event against a southern sunset.

The itineraries also include sailings designed to highlight seasonal spectacles: Norwegian voyages timed to showcase waterfalls at peak flow, cruises around the British Isles capturing remote isles and rugged coastlines, and five-night cruises over British bank holidays ideal for new cruisers. Early booking is encouraged, allowing guests to secure optimal value for their journey.

The Freedom Fare Price Promise, aimed at enhancing guest confidence in early bookings, provides a benefit for those who reserve within the first four weeks of a cruise going on sale. Fred. Olsen’s Guest Experience Director, Doug Glenwright, noted that guests reserving Freedom Fares within this period are assured either a complimentary cabin upgrade or onboard credit should the price of an equivalent cabin be lowered later. This approach, he added, aims to provide guests with “the best value for their money” when booking early.

Head of Product Innovation, Martin Lister, highlighted that the eclipse-focused sailings in Iceland and Spain are among the season’s key offerings. He described the Icelandic journey as a prime opportunity to experience whales, waterfalls, and geysers in the location offering the longest eclipse visibility, while guests aboard Borealis will encounter Spain’s historic towns, followed by the eclipse. Each of Fred. Olsen’s new itineraries, he added, has been designed to give guests immersive experiences in local culture, wildlife, and natural scenery.