RCI comparison

[...finally]

Hello. This may be an unfair question but I would really like to hear what you think. I have cruised several times but only with RCI to date. I am looking to try other lines now - what, in your opinion, are the main differences between Fred Olsen and RCI? Thank-you.

[Nathan Philpot]

Thank you for your question. RCI has an excellent reputation but is a very different cruise experience. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines specialises in offering an intimate and traditional cruise experience, where our staff will get to know you and even your favourite drink! We cater predominantly to the British cruise market and our pricing is in Pounds Sterling. The quality of our service can be demonstrated by our repeat rate which is up at 60%.

Our proud maritime heritage is evident onboard our fleet of four smaller, more traditional ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – and we have a stylish understated atmosphere and décor on our ships, and we display many artworks of varying styles belonging to the Olsen family. Balmoral is the flagship of the fleet, with 1,350 guests; Braemar carries 929 guests; Boudicca carries 880 guests; and Black Watch – sister ship to Boudicca and the ‘Grande Dame’ of the fleet – carries only 804.

The small size of Fred. Olsen ships means that they not so huge to be intimidating, yet they are large enough to offer all the facilities that are expected of today’s cruise ships. Being smaller, they are able to access ports that many larger vessels cannot, taking Fred. Olsen guests right into the heart of the destination, in some of the most fascinating, vibrant cities in the world.

Fred. Olsen has become known as the cruise line that offers the greatest choice of convenient regional UK departure ports to its guests, ‘Bringing the world closer to you! For the 2014/15 cruise season, Fred. Olsen will be offering a total of ten regional UK departure ports – Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, Liverpool, Avonmouth, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow), Rosyth (Edinburgh) and Belfast – meaning that 90% of the UK population are within a 90-minute drive of a Fred. Olsen cruise.