Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Sets Trading Record as 2028 Programme Adds 39 Cruises With Departures From Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth and Portsmouth

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has seen its best trading day ever following the opening of bookings for a new 2028 cruise programme. The company’s new itineraries, which include 39 sailings departing between January and July 2028, were opened for booking on 7 October 2026. The program offers regional UK departures and fly-cruise options.

The launch marks the second time the company has broken its trading record this year. It exceeded the previous high set in July following the release of the 87-night Amazon & Antarctica Grand Voyage. The operator reported high booking volumes throughout the launch day, although it did not disclose sales values or booking totals.

Regional UK Departures Anchor the New Programme

Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth and Portsmouth feature among the departure ports in the new collection. The programme combines sailings from the UK with fly-cruise holidays across the operator’s fleet of smaller ships.

Fred. Olsen unveiled the collection during the week before general bookings opened. It also released its Scenic Highlights of Canada cruise early, with that sailing selling out in less than two weeks.

The Canada itinerary’s performance preceded the announcement of the wider programme’s trading record. The company also reported continued strong demand for its 2026 and 2027 departures alongside bookings for the newly released collection.

European and Caribbean Voyages Attract Strong Interest

A 13-night itinerary visiting nine Northern European countries was among the most sought-after sailings during the launch. An 18-night cruise covering the Italian Riviera and Amalfi Coast also attracted strong interest.

Longer holidays featured prominently among the popular departures. These included a 37-night island-hopping voyage taking in Bermuda, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

The company identified these three itineraries among the strongest performers in the new collection but did not publish individual booking figures or rank them. Together, they cover a range of holiday lengths, from European journeys lasting around two weeks to an extended Atlantic and Caribbean voyage.

Norwegian Fjords and Northern Lights Feature Across the Collection

The wider programme includes scenic cruises through the Norwegian Fjords and around the British Isles. Other departures are timed to give passengers opportunities to seek the Northern Lights.

Fly-cruise holidays to the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands form another part of the collection, alongside the regional UK sailings.

The programme continues the operator’s focus on smaller ships and itineraries built around destinations and seasonal experiences. Fred. Olsen linked its recent trading performance to demand for this style of cruising, alongside investment in the onboard experience. The announcement did not provide a breakdown of how these factors contributed to bookings.

Early Booking Benefits Available Until 4 November

Passengers booking eligible sailings by 4 November 2026 can access the operator’s Freedom Fare Price Promise during the programme’s introductory booking period.

Under the published offer, an eligible booking can receive a cabin upgrade or onboard credit if its Freedom Fare is subsequently reduced. The promise applies to bookings made within the required launch period.

Solo travellers can also take advantage of a choice of cabins without single supplements during the same time frame. This offer is available for specific types of accommodation rather than all cabins within the program. The two benefits will be available alongside the opening of bookings for the new 2028 sailings.