Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is one of Britain's most loyally followed cruise brands — smaller ships, more intimate itineraries, and a passenger profile that tends to value comfort and expertise over scale. Ships including Balmoral, Borealis, and Bolette sail from Southampton across the season, with some itineraries departing from Dover or Liverpool.
If your Fred. Olsen voyage departs from Southampton, a Fare 1 chauffeur transfer gives you a door-to-gangway experience that matches the unhurried character of the line itself.
Southampton terminal for Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen sailings from Southampton most commonly use Mayflower Cruise Terminal (CT1, Berth 106) or City Cruise Terminal (CT5, Berth 101). Because Fred. Olsen's ships are smaller than the megaliners of Royal Caribbean or MSC, they sometimes berth at less obvious berths — check your cruise documentation for the confirmed terminal, and share your ship name and sailing date when you book with us.
Dover departures
Some Fred. Olsen itineraries depart from Dover Cruise Terminal. If your voyage sails from Dover, Fare 1 will transfer you there directly — the journey from Southampton to Dover is approximately 130 miles, running 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic on the M27/M3/M25/M20 corridor.
For a Dover departure, we recommend leaving Southampton no later than 09:00 for a typical midday boarding. Running a fixed-fare quote for Southampton to Dover Western Docks will give you the exact price.
Departure timing from Southampton
Fred. Olsen boarding often opens 10:30–11:30 with all-aboard by 16:30–17:00. Many Fred. Olsen passengers prefer to embark in the late morning to have lunch on board. A terminal arrival between 11:00 and 13:00 is generally unhurried.
Who travels on Fred. Olsen?
Fred. Olsen's core passengers are experienced cruisers, typically aged 60 and above, travelling as couples. They tend to pack thoughtfully — two large cases per person is common, as is a small quantity of formal eveningwear.
- Standard Estate. The right vehicle for most Fred. Olsen couples — four suitcases and cabin bags fit without compromise.
- Standard Saloon. Works for couples travelling light with two smaller cases and carry-on only.
- Executive MPV. For three or four travelling together, or where one passenger has mobility equipment (walking frame, folding wheelchair).
Luggage at the terminal
Fred. Olsen terminals operate kerbside porter service. Your driver assists with unloading at the drop-off zone; porters transfer cases to the baggage hall. You retain your hand luggage and proceed to check-in.
Because Fred. Olsen ships are smaller, embarkation on quieter weekday sailings is noticeably calmer than on a high-volume Saturday turnaround.
Disembarkation
Fred. Olsen disembarkation typically runs from 07:30 to 09:30 — the smaller ships clear quickly. Book your return transfer to coincide with your tagged departure slot. Fare 1 return bookings receive a 5% discount; fares over £250 receive a further 15% off.
Pricing guidance
Fixed fares, no surge pricing. Approximate figures only:
- Southampton local pickup: approximately £25–45 to Mayflower or City Terminal.
- Bournemouth or Poole area: approximately £55–75.
- Southampton to Dover Western Docks: approximately £165–185.
Your exact fare at book.fare1.co.uk.