Experience small ship cruising with Fred. Olsen’s Braemar

It’s often thought that cruise ships are deemed ‘resorts at sea’, filled with novelties and facilities which some guests might not find appealing. That’s why Fred Olsen’s approach to cruising has taken a different turn.

Braemar is dedicated to taking its guests closer to the destination. You might be a five-minute walk from the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen or visit otherwise out-of-reach ports for larger ships that mean you can experience something more aboard your Fred. Olsen cruise.

The cruise line is appealing to those who are longing for the smaller ship experience, while still ticking off big bucket-list destinations – and it’s easy to see why!

There are fewer people on-board

With fewer people on board Fred. Olsen’s traditionally built ships it’s easy to find a quiet spot to relax in peace with a drink or a good book. There’s room to stretch out by the pool and you can get ashore more quickly too. And, when you’re ashore, you’re seeing the best of each port of call with hundreds – not thousands – of others, giving you a much more authentic experience.

You can reach destinations larger ships can’t

Braemar is the shallowest of our four ocean-going ships, meaning it’s ideal for cruising rivers and taking you closer to the heart of towns and cities across Europe and beyond.

Capable of comfortably accommodating up to 929 passengers, Braemar has an uncrowded, intimate feel, with friendly staff providing a fantastic level of personal, attentive service and catering to your every need.

Just a few of the destinations which you can experience include:

Karmoey, Norway

Larger ships have to spend more time out in the open sea to pass by Karmoey in Norway. On a Braemar cruise to this beautiful region, you can enjoy memorable scenic cruising through Karmsund and pass under the low Karmsund Bridge.

Malaga, Spain

Braemar is under the 200m limit set for docking alongside Malaga’s beautiful promenade. This means a wealth of cultural, historical and architectural treasures are just a stone’s throw away.

St. Petersburg, Russia

In St Petersburg, Braemar is able to dock within clear sight of the stylish city’s treasure trove of iconic landmarks and spectacular gold clad architecture.

Conrith Canal, Greece

Braemar is set to break the record for the largest ship to transit through the Corinth Canal. Fred. Olsen’s guests can experience the thrill of gliding between the towering cliffs, with rock-faces passing by so close that they can almost touch them.

Guadalquivir River, Seville

Braemar can sail 49 nautical miles up the low-lying Guadalquivir River into Seville, passing by Donana National Park – a feat only smaller ships can achieve.

Marseille, France

The usual docking location for Marseille is 8km away from the downtown area, requiring a bus transfer. Braemar’s convenient spot means after just a 10 minute-walk you’re at the city’s fabulous restaurants, a beautiful marina and impressive cathedral.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The delights of Copenhagen’s royal palaces and castles are all within easy reach of Braemar’s city centre docking location. You’re also just a five-minute walk away from the Little Mermaid.

Lysefjord, Norway

Braemar’s shorter and shallower dimensions come into their own in Norway. Sail along the stunning and steep-sided Lysefjord, which is restricted to others by the 50m-tall bridge at its entrance.

Kiel Canal, Germany

Sailing slowly along the Kiel Canal is a scenic cruising experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Larger vessels cannot clear its bridges so have 250 nautical miles of exposed sea to navigate. Braemar, however, can cut through the picturesque German landscape amongst the pretty villages and countryside.

Travemünde, Germany

Larger ships are unable to take advantage of docking in the heart of historic Travemünde, berthing 7km away. Due to the scale of Braemar, you’ll be just a five-minute walk from the front promenade and beach.

Bordeaux, France

Braemar can sail the tidally restricted rivers to dock alongside the promenade in Bordeaux’s beautiful city centre. The distance from the ship to the city is only the length of the gangway.

Ports are more immersive

The smaller ships are all about experiencing the destinations differently! Braemar’s facilities are focused on providing a relaxing and comfortable time on-board, while immersing guests in each and every region where possible.

Taking exploration to the next level is the all-new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), which are the latest enhancement to the Fred. Olsen fleet for the 2019/20 programme. At an additional cost and wherever possible, these exciting new crafts will offer guests the chance to be immersed in destinations in a way few others get to enjoy.

Exploration is so much more rewarding when you can experience it from a refreshing new angle. Whether you’re breaking new ground by venturing even deeper into a stunning fjord or sailing past an isolated spot of spectacular coastline only accessible by boat, you’ll have an unmissable chance to see things on or by the ocean that regular cruise line guests never see.

You still get all of the same on-board cruise experiences

A smaller ship doesn’t mean less space; far from it. Each room is comfortably sized, with all that you’ll need to enjoy your holiday. In fact, the rooms are comparable to those on some of the mammoth cruise ships. While Fred. Olsen’s vessels are on a more accessible scale, you can have just as much private space.

Refitted as part of an extensive, fleet-wide refurbishment programme, the stylish, comfortable rooms on board Braemar have been designed with guests in mind. The restaurants, bars and lounges have been refreshed with new décor and furnishings.

Large windows bathe the ship’s public areas in natural light and provide spectacular views, and the polished wooden fixtures and decadent fabrics assume the feel of a traditional country house hotel. One of the focal points on Braemar is the beautifully painted, five-deck-high Atrium area, while the cascading outside decks at the stern enhance the ship’s elegant profile and offer stunning vistas no matter which deck you’re on. 

Capable of comfortably accommodating up to 929 passengers, Braemar has an uncrowded, intimate feel, with friendly staff providing a fantastic level of personal, attentive service and catering to your every need.

Dining

A hearty breakfast cooked just how you like it is the perfect start to each day; while the delicious buffets on offer in the fully refurbished Palms Café are ideal for a quick lunch or a late-night snack. In the main Thistle and Grampian restaurants, enjoy formal five-course á la carte dinners; or perhaps book a table at The Grill for an unforgettable al fresco dining experience.

Bars & Lounges

From the grand Neptune Lounge, which hosts insightful lectures and spectacular live shows, and the Coral Club, with its resident bands and large dance floor, to the welcoming Morning Light Pub – your very own ‘local’ at sea – and the intimate Observatory Lounge, offering breathtaking views and Traditional Afternoon Tea, there’s a venue to suit every occasion and guest on board.

Braemar is the perfect small ship for ocean cruises and the shortest of the four ocean-going ships in the fleet. It can not only cruise oceans and seas but also narrow canals and rivers! This is what makes it a top pick for bringing you closer to the heart of each destination and immersing you in each and every town or city possible.

You can find our selection of Braemar cruises by clicking the button below, which show all of the ships sailings from Southampton as well as fly-cruise options.

If you would like to know more about the cruise ship, or want to book a sailing, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 1234 118 for expert advice and service on Fred. Olsen cruises.