My Cruise with Fred. Olsen: A Family Adventure to the Norwegian Fjords
On May 28th, my family and I boarded the MS Borealis, ready to set sail on an adventure through the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords. Fred. Olsen cruises aren’t typically marketed as family-friendly, so I wasn’t quite sure how the kids would take to life at sea — but I needn’t have worried. We all had an absolutely fantastic time.
Our Home at Sea - We stayed in a 4-berth Superior Ocean View cabin on Coral Deck (Deck 2), complete with two twin beds, a sofa bed, and a pull-down bunk. I was pleasantly surprised at how spacious it was — a rarity on most cruise ships!
Knowing that downtime was inevitable, we came well prepared with plenty of entertainment for the kids: board games, colouring books, their Switch, and tablets. These came in handy when we were relaxing by the pool or in the bar areas. To our delight, the lounge was also stocked with board games — it’s where the kids learned to play chess (a game I must confess, I still don’t know how to play!).
Life on Board - Our first day was spent at sea, which gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the ship. The lounges were wonderfully cosy, perfect for curling up with a drink or a book. Up on the Lido Deck, the pool area featured a retractable roof — ideal for cooler climates — and the poolside café served up fish and chips, burgers, and other quick bites. The main buffet was also conveniently located nearby.
That evening, we dined in the main restaurant, where we had an assigned table and dining time each night. Our lovely waiter provided a special kids’ menu, much to the children’s delight (and relief for their somewhat fussy palates ??). After a delicious meal, we made our way to the Neptune Lounge for the evening’s entertainment.
Ports of Call
Haugesund - Our first stop was Haugesund, a town steeped in Viking history and famed for its herring fishing industry. The organised excursions didn’t quite suit the children, so we decided to explore on our own. Just off the ship, we found kiosks offering open-top bus and mini-train tours. We chose the train, which turned out to be great fun. It took us past charming wooden houses and through the city, ending at the Haraldshaugen monument — a scenic spot perfect for photos with the fjords and North Sea in the background.
Bergen - Next up was Bergen — and it quickly became our favourite port. The sun was shining and the city was alive with energy. We began at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, where we felt as though we’d stepped back in time. Next, we took the funicular railway up Mount Fløyen, which offered stunning panoramic views. From there, we wandered through the forest to Lake Skomakerdiket — a beautiful, serene spot with crystal-clear waters. The kids loved the play areas and the enchanting Troll Trail up on Mount Fløyen.
Olden - Our third stop was the charming village of Olden, home to just 666 residents and surrounded by dramatic glaciers and lush landscapes. Once again, we hopped aboard a mini-train for a scenic village tour, complete with stops to photograph waterfalls and rapids along the way.
Skjolden - Our final port was Skjolden, a tiny village of just 300 people. It was one of the most picturesque places we visited, where towering mountains meet the deep fjords. Although most activities here involved hiking (not ideal for the kids), we thoroughly enjoyed the views, distant waterfalls, and natural beauty.
The Journey Home
As our cruise drew to a close, we set sail through the Lysefjord. The North Sea had been a little rough, but once we entered the calm waters of the fjord, it was smooth sailing. We spent a blissful three hours admiring the stunning scenery and charming little villages along the shoreline.
However, as we returned to the open sea, the North Sea gave us another bout of choppy waves — so we turned in early to sleep off a touch of motion sickness. Thankfully, the following day was calm, and we spent our final hours relaxing by the pool and enjoying one last leisurely breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Although Fred. Olsen cruises typically attract an older clientele and don’t feature kids’ clubs or dedicated family programming, there was still plenty to keep us entertained. The daily schedule included yoga, wine tasting, informative talks, trivia, art classes, cookery demonstrations, and even afternoon movies - and much more!
We had such a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for multi-generational families seeking a different kind of adventure. With a little creativity and a sense of curiosity, there’s so much to enjoy — no matter your age
