Press release —
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines celebrates strongest trading day on record as demand reaches new heights
The launch of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' 2028 Amazon and Antarctica Grand Voyage has delivered the strongest single trading day in the cruise line's history, building on continued demand across its 2026 and 2027 programmes.
The 87-night sailing, which went on sale on 22nd July, attracted three times as many guests in its first six days as the launch of the line’s South America Grand Voyage in 2024, making it the most successful Grand Voyage launch to date.
The record-breaking performance follows an already successful year for the cruise line. Guest numbers are up 10% year-on-year, while more than a quarter of all remaining 2026 sailings have already sold out.
This momentum is continuing into 2027, with bookings for 2027 sailings running more than 40% ahead year-on-year as guests plan and book their holidays earlier than ever before.
Supporting this growth, guest satisfaction has also reached record levels, with all three ships – Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral – achieving their highest-ever Net Promoter Scores in 2026, with Balmoral, Fred. Olsen’s smallest ship, recording the highest score across the fleet.
The results reflect guests’ positive response to continued investment in the onboard experience, including a major refresh of the entertainment programme in partnership with RWS Global and enhancements to Fred. Olsen’s dining offering, which has recently received industry recognition.
Samantha Stimpson, Chief Executive Officer at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
"The response to our Amazon and Antarctica Grand Voyage has been phenomenal, delivering the strongest trading day in our history and building on what has already been an exceptional year for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
"Guests are booking further ahead than ever before, we're welcoming more first-time guests on board, and we're continuing to see strong loyalty from returning guests. This success reflects the dedication of our teams in curating memorable, destination-led journeys, alongside our continued investment in enhancing the onboard experience.
"While demand remains high, there are still fantastic opportunities to sail with us this year and into 2027, and we look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests on board."
The continued trend towards earlier booking has been supported by Fred. Olsen’s enhanced Freedom Fare proposition, giving guests added confidence when planning their next holiday. Alongside more inclusive pricing from 2026 onwards, including selected drinks with lunch and dinner and gratuities, Fred. Olsen’s Freedom Fare Price Promise* ensures guests booking within the first four weeks of a cruise launch can secure the best available value.
While demand across Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' programme remains strong, travel agents still have a selection of inspiring sailings to offer guests looking for a last-minute escape this year or planning ahead for 2027. From cultural journeys through the Mediterranean and Greek Islands to winter sunshine in Spain, Morocco and the Canaries, with both regional departures and fly-cruise holidays available, there is something to suit a range of travel preferences.
Highlights include:
- Balmoral’s 10-night L2637 ‘Cyprus, Turkey & Egypt’ cruise, departing from Limassol on 9th November 2026.
- Balmoral’s 11-night L2638 ‘Country Hopping from Greece to Tenerife’ cruise, departing from Piraeus (for Athens) on 19th November 2026.
- Balmoral’s 10-night L2639 ‘Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta’ cruise, departing from Santa Cruz De Tenerife on 30th November 2026.
Fly-cruise Freedom Fares include flights from London Gatwick or Manchester and transfers, with selected sailings also offering half-price flights for bookings made before 30th September 2026.
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit fredolsencruises.com. Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm) or contact your ABTA travel agent.
