Fred. Olsen Cruise Earns Back-to-Back Solo Traveller Award Highlighting Exclusive Cabins and Social Experiences

Published on December 3, 2025

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has once again been honoured as Best for Solo Travellers at Cruise Critic UK’s 17th Annual Best in Cruise Awards, marking a remarkable second consecutive year of recognition. This accolade highlights the cruise line’s dedication to creating enriching and rewarding experiences for individual travellers, at a time when solo cruising is seeing a steady rise in popularity.

The annual Cruise Critic awards are highly regarded across the industry, reflecting both the expertise of the editorial team and the voices of a vast community of over two million cruisers. Winners are chosen based on extensive reviews, ratings, and overall guest experiences, making the recognition a notable achievement for any cruise operator.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines stands out for its strong focus on solo travellers, offering a range of specially designed amenities and services that make single-guest travel both convenient and enjoyable. From exclusive solo cruise offers to dedicated single-occupancy cabins, the line ensures that solo passengers feel welcomed and accommodated at every step of their journey. In addition, a variety of social opportunities encourages meaningful interactions, connecting like-minded travellers through activities that range from welcome drinks and social strolls to themed dining arrangements and evenings of dancing with professional hosts.

The cruise line’s fleet – featuring the Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral – includes 157 spacious cabins specifically for solo guests, ranging from ocean-view staterooms to deluxe balcony suites. This thoughtful attention to solo travellers ensures comfort, privacy, and access to shared experiences that foster camaraderie among passengers. The smaller size of Fred. Olsen’s ships and the intimate onboard atmosphere are particularly well-suited to solo adventurers, offering both the freedom to explore at one’s own pace and the chance to form connections in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Industry trends indicate that solo travel continues to gain momentum, with an increasing number of guests seeking tailored experiences that allow them to explore new destinations while pursuing personal interests. Fred. Olsen’s award-winning approach aligns perfectly with this shift, combining enriching itineraries with personalised experiences designed for individual travellers. Whether it’s discovering historic European ports, exploring tropical getaways, or enjoying immersive onboard activities, solo guests aboard Fred. Olsen ships can travel with confidence, knowing that the cruise line has crafted an environment that caters to their needs.

Cruise Critic, the world’s largest cruise reviews and information platform, provides extensive resources for travellers, including more than 50 million opinions, reviews, and photos. Its online community offers the largest network of cruise enthusiasts globally, making the recognition from Cruise Critic an especially prestigious endorsement of Fred. Olsen’s commitment to solo cruisers.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“We’re delighted to be named ‘Best for Solo Travellers’ by Cruise Critic for the second year running. We believe solo travel should never be a barrier and we work hard to make sure solo guests are welcomed onboard and treated fairly. Our goal is to give every guest the freedom to explore their way.

“We live by the saying ‘in the best of company,’ and that’s the experience we strive to create for every solo traveller. It means so much when guests tell us they feel at home onboard and praise the warm, welcoming atmosphere we’re so proud of.”

As solo travel continues to thrive, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is positioning itself at the forefront of the market, offering an experience that blends comfort, connection, and discovery. The repeated accolade underscores the cruise line’s ability to cater to individual travellers while maintaining the warm, intimate atmosphere that has long been a hallmark of its brand.

Solo travellers seeking adventure, social engagement, and personalised cruising experiences can now plan with the confidence that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines provides a truly award-winning journey designed just for them.

Mark Patscher, General Manager of Cruise Critic, added:

“What makes Cruise Critic’s awards stand out among a sea of ‘best of’ lists is the expertise behind the selections.

“Our team of editors has sailed on hundreds of cruise ships – from the largest mega-ships to the smallest expedition vessels. We comb every corner of the globe to gather first-hand insights into a wide range of cruise offerings available to travellers. That, combined with the ratings, reviews and opinions from our community of more than two million cruisers, ensures these awards are a true gauge of which cruise lines stand out as the absolute best of the best this year.”