Small ship sailing to Amsterdam and Rotterdam
Boarding was seamless and efficient—we were welcomed on board just after lunch, and within minutes of receiving our cruise cards, we were stepping up the gangway. While our cabins were being prepared, we were invited to enjoy lunch at the buffet restaurant, The View. It was a great way to ease into the journey.
Once ready, I headed to my Balcony Suite, which came with some lovely touches—Prosecco on arrival, evening canapés, and a spacious balcony complete with comfortable seating. It was the perfect retreat for taking in the views at sea.
The itinerary was beautifully relaxed, yet filled with thoughtfully curated onboard experiences. I had the chance to take part in a cocktail-making masterclass, a cheese and wine tasting, a classic afternoon tea in the Observatory, and the unforgettable Behind the Scenes tour. This exclusive tour gave us a glimpse into the inner workings of the ship—from the busy galley and hardworking culinary team to the navigational brilliance on the Bridge. Standing where the ship is steered was a real highlight.
A shore excursion in Rotterdam—Boats and Brews—was another standout. Guided by a knowledgeable local, we explored the vibrant city while visiting several breweries and sampling regional beers and snacks. It was a fun and insightful day.
One of the things that made this itinerary extra special was the overnight stay in Amsterdam. It gave us the unique opportunity to enjoy the city both during the day and late into the evening—experiencing its relaxed daytime charm and its lively nighttime atmosphere. That kind of flexibility isn't something I expected from a cruise, and I loved it.
Onboard life between ports was equally enjoyable. I had fun joining in on the quizzes at the Morning Light Pub and treated myself to a relaxing hour in the Thermal Suite at the spa. For just £25 per couple, we enjoyed exclusive access to a hot tub, heated loungers, a sauna, steam room, and an outdoor area—a real treat.
Evenings on board were a delight. The theatre shows were fun and made even better by the comfortable, sofa-style seating with tables for your drinks—a small detail that made a big difference. Post-show options ranged from quiet drinks in one of the bars to live music and a DJ set in the Observatory.
The dining experience was exceptional throughout the trip. Every meal offered a wide variety of options, and the “always available” menu meant you could always find something to suit your taste. I especially enjoyed our meals at the speciality restaurants—Vasco, with its Goan-inspired cuisine, and Colours & Tastes, the Asian fusion venue that served one of my favourite meals of the cruise.
And of course, I must mention the staff. They were outstanding across the board. My cabin steward, Manala, greeted me each day with a warm smile and genuine conversation. A lovely moment occurred the morning after our cocktail class when Charles, the bartender from the evening before, recognized me at the Bookmark Café, remembered our interaction, and asked how the rest of my night had gone. It’s those small, personal touches that make a lasting impression.
Sailing on a smaller ship—with just 10 decks and a maximum of 1,400 guests—meant that the ship never felt crowded. There were no long queues, no overcrowded lounges—just a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere throughout.
Would I sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines again? Without a doubt. What was the highlight of the trip? The Behind the Scenes tour—an incredible opportunity that I highly recommend if you ever have the chance.
This trip gave me a whole new appreciation for small-ship cruising, and I absolutely loved every moment.
