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Fred. Olsen disabled cruises

Fred Olsen cruise ship in the Norwegian fjords

DisabledHolidays.com is pleased to partner with Fred. Olsen cruise line, bringing you fantastic cruises at great prices.

Our team at DisabledHolidays.com is composed of accredited cruise experts (members of CLIA) who excel in accessible travel. You can be sure that our advice and expertise are second to none and that we’ll book a cruise to match your exact accessibility needs!

Book with DisabledHolidays.com for:
- Guaranteed adapted cabins
- Assistance at ports
- Mobility equipment hire
- Insurance for people with pre-existing conditions
- Award-winning service

We can arrange mobility equipment hire, including wheelchairs and scooters, portable hoists, electric beds, shower chairs and more – delivered without hassle, straight to your cabin.

Please note: adapted cabins sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Call now on 0161 260 2218 to check availability and speak to a cruise specialist or submit an enquiry.

Read more about Fred. Olsen’s accessibility policy

Popular Fred. Olsen cruises

Fred. Olsen offers a range of great-value cruise deals on sailings to exciting destinations. No matter where you want to go, or whatever your level of disability, we’ll find a cruise destination to suit you and your needs.

Fred. Olsen's accessibility policy

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines warmly welcome all guests who use wheelchairs; however, they do request that disabled passengers are always accompanied by an able-bodied companion. A limited number of cabins on each ship have been modified to facilitate more comfortable occupation for disabled guests. Fred Olsen respectfully require wheelchair users to bring their own wheelchair.

Please note: Fred. Olsen cabins have been modified based on original specifications, as opposed to being purpose-built, and consequently may still pose difficulties to those fully reliant on a wheelchair. For example, bathrooms on Black Watch have a small ridge to negotiate in the shower area that retains the shower water. This can hinder the manoeuvrability of a wheelchair. On Braemar, the adapted cabins are not recommended to any wheelchair-bound guest, owing to the very limited turning circle within the cabin, restricting easy access to the ramped bathroom entrance.

For all adapted cabins, there are no handrails in the main cabin area, only in the shower/WC. A rail is provided to assist with use of the WC, and a fixed seat is provided in the shower. In effect the entire floor of your bathroom acts as the shower tray. Bed and toilet heights are relatively low; however, an additional mattress and/or raised toilet seat can be requested. All cabins have a telephone link with both the ship’s reception and medical centre.

Guests are welcome to bring, or privately hire, additional equipment such as hoists, if required. However, we must get approval from Fred. Olsen on the delivery/collection and safe use of such equipment, which is entirely the responsibility of the individual.

Fred. Olsen believe the Boudicca is the most wheelchair-friendly vessel in the fleet, due to the generous cabin dimensions and layout.

Ships with modified cabins:

MS Braemar: Permits 4 wheelchairs and has 4 cabins modified or wheelchair use.
MS Black Watch: Permits 6 wheelchairs and has 4 cabins modified for wheelchair use.
MS Boudicca: Permits 6 wheelchairs and has 4 cabins modified for wheelchair use.
MS Balmoral: Permits 12 wheelchairs and has 9 cabins modified for wheelchair use.

Other guests who prefer to use a wheelchair to assist them in covering significant distances ashore will therefore be restricted from using their wheelchair when the vessel is at sea. Additionally, the number of wheelchairs we can accept solely for use ashore is capacity-controlled.

Motorised wheelchairs/scooters will only be accepted on Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Balmoral when occupying an adapted cabin. On health and safety grounds, chairs weighing in excess of 25kg cannot be carried ashore at any ports of call, other than the start/end point of the cruise, unless they can be easily dismantled.

Excursions: Fred. Olsen cannot guarantee that assistance by qualified persons will be available at ports of call, and unless guests are able to board a vehicle unassisted it will not be possible for wheelchair users to participate in organised shore tours. Owing to the nature of ship-to-shore tender services, which are utilised at certain ports when at anchor, they regret that it will not be possible to convey any guests ashore who require more than minimal assistance to board the tender. Safety of guests is always of paramount importance.

Fly cruises: It is important for wheelchair users to advise us immediately if they are unable to climb aircraft steps, in order for us to ensure suitable airport assistance is available.

Deaf and visually impaired guests: It is strongly recommended guests are accompanied by an able-bodied companion to assist them both onboard and ashore. Whereas infra-red hearing loops are fitted on all vessels, with headsets available from reception for use in the main show lounge, please note that this headset system is not suitable for people who wear permanently inserted hearing devices, and none of the cabins feature any additional emergency equipment such as flashing lights or “bed shakers” that can be used in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, the specifically trained and assigned crew will come directly to your cabin. However, please let us have advance notice of any serious hearing impairment.

To discuss your Fred. Olsen holiday and tell us about your medical condition or disability and the adaptations and assistance you require, call 0161 260 2218 now, or submit an enquiry.

Driving Miss Daisy adapted vehicle for holiday transfers for disabled guests

Adapted transfers

Need assistance getting to your cruise port or airport? Our partner Driving Miss Daisy® provide a safe, caring and reliable adapted transfer service to cruise ports and fly-cruise airports for disabled holidaymakers.

Read more here. Or call 0161 260 2218 to book your Home to Holiday assisted transfer service today!

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For exceptional service, fantastic prices and a holiday which meets all your needs, book with DisabledHolidays.com - the UK's largest accessible holiday specialist!

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