Does Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines charge for children?

Cruising has become one of the most popular ways to explore the world in comfort and style. Families in particular are increasingly drawn to cruise vacations because they combine relaxation, dining, and entertainment in one seamless package. However, when parents start planning a family cruise, one of the first questions they ask is: Does Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines charge for children?

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a UK-based cruise company with a reputation for traditional style, intimate ships, and destination-focused itineraries, is slightly different from many mainstream cruise lines that heavily market themselves to families. While larger cruise operators such as Royal Caribbean or Carnival offer expansive kids’ clubs, waterparks, and child-friendly entertainment, Fred. Olsen has long been associated with a more refined, adult-focused cruising experience.

That said, families are not excluded from traveling with Fred. Olsen, and children can indeed sail aboard its ships. The key consideration, however, is the fare structure. Unlike some cruise lines that allow children to sail at discounted rates—or sometimes even free—Fred. Olsen does charge for children, and the pricing is based on a variety of factors such as age, cabin configuration, time of year, and promotional offers.

This detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about children’s fares with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. We’ll discuss the age policies, standard pricing, discounts (if any), family cabin options, childcare considerations, dining policies, and practical tips for traveling with children on Fred. Olsen.

By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of whether Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is the right choice for your family and how the costs for children compare to other cruise lines.

Understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Philosophy

Before diving into specific charges for children, it’s essential to understand Fred. Olsen’s overall brand philosophy.

• Adult-Focused Experience: Fred. Olsen is primarily geared toward adults, with an average passenger age higher than many mainstream cruise lines. Its itineraries often feature cultural destinations, extended port stays, and enrichment lectures instead of large-scale family entertainment.

• Smaller Ships: The fleet is composed of smaller, more intimate ships such as Balmoral, Bolette, and Borealis. This creates a cozy and traditional cruising experience but means fewer large-scale kid-centric amenities.

• Children Welcome, But Not the Focus: While children are welcome on board, the line does not actively market itself as a family-first cruise line. As a result, there are no "free kids sail" promotions or heavily discounted child fares.

Do Children Pay the Same Fare as Adults on Fred. Olsen?

Yes, children are charged for their cruise fare on Fred. Olsen, and in many cases, they pay the same price as adults. Unlike family-oriented lines that may charge a reduced rate for children sharing a cabin with parents, Fred. Olsen generally applies standard fare rules across all passengers regardless of age.

Key Points:

1. Full Fare Policy:

   • Children typically pay the full cruise fare.

   • There are no blanket discounts for children.

2. Cabin Sharing:

   • Children sharing a cabin with two adults may sometimes benefit from a reduced third- or fourth-passenger rate, but this is not guaranteed across all sailings.

3. Infants and Toddlers:

   • Even babies are subject to fares. Unlike some lines that let infants under two sail for free, Fred. Olsen usually requires payment regardless of age.

4. Seasonal Promotions:

   • On rare occasions, Fred. Olsen may run promotional offers where a limited number of children sail for a reduced fare, but these are exceptions, not the rule.

Age Policy on Fred. Olsen Cruises

Since pricing is tied closely to age rules, here’s how Fred. Olsen categorizes children:

• Infants:

  • Minimum sailing age is 6 months at the time of departure.

  • For certain longer or more remote itineraries, the minimum may increase to 12 months.

• Children (2–17 years old):

  • Considered full fare passengers.

  • Eligible for cabin-sharing discounts only if available on the sailing.

• Young Adults (18 and above):

  • Pay the full adult fare.

  • Subject to the same booking conditions as any other adult passenger.

Family Accommodation Options

Although Fred. Olsen is not primarily a family cruise line, it does provide accommodation options that allow families to travel together:

1. Family Cabins:

   • Some ships feature larger cabins that can accommodate up to four guests.

   • These are limited in number, so early booking is essential.

2. Interconnecting Cabins:

   • Families with older children may prefer interconnecting rooms for added privacy.

3. Third and Fourth Passenger Discounts:

   • In certain cases, children traveling as the third or fourth guest in a cabin may pay a reduced rate.

Dining Policy for Children

Fred. Olsen’s dining experience is largely traditional, but children are not left out:

• Children’s Menu: Available in restaurants, featuring familiar favorites like pasta, chicken, and fish fingers.

• High Chairs: Provided upon request.

• Flexible Dining: While adults may prefer formal dining times, children are welcome in all restaurants. Casual options are also available.

• No Extra Dining Charges: Unlike some lines where specialty dining incurs a fee, Fred. Olsen includes meals for all passengers, including children, in the cruise fare.

Onboard Activities and Childcare

A crucial factor for parents is what their children will do onboard.

• Children’s Clubs: Available only during school holiday sailings. These clubs are staffed by qualified child carers and cater to different age groups.

• Outside Holiday Periods: No dedicated children’s facilities or clubs operate.

• Babysitting Services: Limited and must be pre-arranged.

• Pools and Entertainment: Children are allowed in pools under supervision, but most entertainment is adult-focused (cabaret, lectures, music).

Shore Excursions and Children

Fred. Olsen offers a wide range of shore excursions, but not all are suitable for young children. Parents must carefully review excursion details for age restrictions. Costs for excursions apply equally to children unless otherwise specified.

Comparison with Other Cruise Lines

To understand the implications of Fred. Olsen’s child fares, it helps to compare with others:

• Royal Caribbean / MSC Cruises: Often allow children under 12 to sail free in promotions.

• P&O Cruises: Offer reduced child fares.

• Cunard: Similar to Fred. Olsen in that children typically pay full fare.

• Disney Cruise Line: Child fares are discounted but still substantial.

This shows that Fred. Olsen is closer to premium, adult-focused lines where children pay full rates, unlike family-first brands.

Tips for Saving Money When Cruising with Children

Since Fred. Olsen charges children full or near-full fares, families need to plan strategically:

1. Book Early: Family cabins are limited and may offer the best rates for children as additional passengers.

2. Look for School Holiday Departures: If you want childcare included, choose sailings when kids’ clubs are available.

3. Compare with Family-Focused Lines: If price is the main concern, compare with lines offering “kids sail free” promotions.

4. Check Promotions: Occasionally, Fred. Olsen offers limited child fare discounts.

5. Cabin Sharing Strategy: If traveling with extended family, interconnecting cabins may provide better value.

FAQs: Does Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Charge for Children?

1. Do babies travel free on Fred. Olsen cruises?

No. Even infants must pay a fare, and they must be at least 6 months old to sail.

2. Are there discounts for children?

Generally, no. Children usually pay the same as adults unless sailing as a third or fourth guest in a cabin where discounts sometimes apply.

3. Is childcare provided on board?

Yes, but only during school holiday cruises when children’s clubs are staffed.

4. Do children have to pay for dining?

No. All meals are included in the fare for every passenger, including children.

5. Is Fred. Olsen a good choice for families?

It depends. If you’re looking for family-focused entertainment and discounted fares for kids, you may prefer other lines. But if your children are older, enjoy cultural travel, and you value smaller ships, Fred. Olsen can be a unique option.

Conclusion

So, does Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines charge for children?The answer is yes. Unlike many mainstream, family-oriented cruise lines, Fred. Olsen generally requires children to pay the same fares as adults. There are no across-the-board discounts for kids, and even infants must pay a fare. The only potential savings come when children travel as third or fourth guests in a cabin or during rare promotional offers.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is not designed primarily for families with young children but rather caters to a more mature audience. However, for families who appreciate a quieter, destination-rich cruise without the crowds of mega-ships, Fred. Olsen can provide a unique and enriching experience.

Parents considering Fred. Olsen for a family holiday should weigh the full-fare structure against the benefits of smaller ships, attentive service, and immersive itineraries. If cost is a major concern, family-first lines may be more budget-friendly. But if your family values quality over quantity, Fred. Olsen offers a rewarding cruise experience—even if it means paying full price for your little sailors