Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced its 2028 cruise programme, comprising 39 sailings designed to highlight scenic cruising, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion aboard smaller ships. The expanded schedule includes a new Canadian voyage, marking the company’s return to that destination since 2024.
Details of the 19-Night Canadian Voyage
The Canadian cruise, named ‘Scenic Highlights of Canada,’ departs from Liverpool on 14 June 2028. This 19-night journey aboard the ship Borealis features stops along Newfoundland’s rugged coastline, the Gaspé Peninsula, Old Québec’s UNESCO-listed streets, Humber Arm & Bay of Islands, Corner Brook, L’Anse aux Meadows, and concludes with calls at Cobh, Ireland, before returning to Liverpool.
The itinerary is timed for a quieter season to increase opportunities for whale sightings, marine wildlife, and iceberg viewing.
Other Highlighted Cruises in 2028
Additional notable sailings in 2028 include a 13-night Canary Islands, Madeira & Solar Eclipse fly-cruise departing Málaga on 24 January 2028 aboard Balmoral. This itinerary covers Santa Cruz, Tenerife; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; San Sebastián, La Gomera; La Estaca, El Hierro; Santa Cruz, La Palma; Funchal, Madeira; and Lisbon, Portugal.
A 36-night Islands of Bermuda, Bahamas & Puerto Rico cruise departs Portsmouth on 13 February 2028, also aboard Balmoral. Ports of call include Lisbon, Funchal, Basseterre, Road Town, San Juan (overnight),
Charlotte Amalie, Emerald Bay, Nassau, Bimini, St. George, Hamilton, Horta, and Ponta Delgada, returning to Portsmouth.
Borealis will also operate a 10-night Scenic Norwegian Fjords cruise departing Liverpool on 12 April 2028. The itinerary features Åndalsnes, the Romsdalsfjord, Olden, Nordfjord, Fjærlandsfjord, Sognefjord, Lustrafjord, Skjolden, Bergen, Maurangerfjord (including a view of Furebergfoss waterfall), Hardangerfjord, and Eidfjord before returning to Liverpool.
Booking Details and Price Benefits
Fred. Olsen’s full 2028 programme was made available for preview on 1 October 2026, with official booking opening on 7 October 2026. The Freedom Fare Price Promise applies to bookings completed by 4 November 2026 and guarantees that prices will not
drop lower within four weeks of the sale start. Solo travelers can book selected cabins without paying a single supplement if they book within this Freedom Fare window.
Company Statement and Reservation Options
Martin Lister, Head of Product Innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, emphasized the focus on immersive experiences, saying, “We know the most memorable holidays are about much more than the places you visit. They are about the moments along the way, whether that’s sailing through spectacular scenery from the deck of one of our smaller ships, uncovering fascinating local cultures, or witnessing some of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.” He added that the
2028 programme aims to offer guests deeper exploration and memorable moments.
Reservations can be made online, by phone through Fred. Olsen’s Reservations team at 0800 0355 242 (available Monday to Friday 8:30am–6pm, Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm), or via ABTA-affiliated travel agents.
Smaller Ships Focus with Scenic and Natural Phenomena Timing
Fred. Olsen designed the 2028 itineraries to maximize access to scenic cruising and wildlife-rich locations using their fleet of smaller vessels. Some sailings are specially timed to provide opportunities to witness natural events such as a total solar eclipse and the Northern Lights. The programme reflects the company’s strategy to offer unique and immersive cruising experiences that larger ships
cannot deliver.
