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Fred Olsen Cruise Insurance - 2024 Review

Fred olsen cruise insurance review.

• Strong Insurance Partner
• Only Available to UK Citizens
• In British pounds

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Family-run Fred Olsen Cruise Line is a traditional British-style line that accommodates hundreds rather than thousands of guests. The smaller ship size enables them to cruise to destinations larger ships can’t access such as canals and cruising rivers in the heart of European cities. They pride themselves on providing unique and personalized itineraries that have won them the Cruise Critic award for Best Itineraries every year since 2015.

Unfortunately, Fred Olsen Cruises does not offer a travel insurance option to US-based guests.

This article discusses your Fred Olsen cruise insurance options and what to look for in a trip insurance policy.

Sample Cruise Itinerary

For our example, we chose a 13-night cruise that departs from Southampton, England, and travels to Spain and France before returning. Cruise dates chosen were 05/22/2022 – 06/04/2022. Travelers are two adults aged 55 and 60. The cruise price is $4,258.06 per person for a total of $8,516.12.

As airfare is purchased separately and pricing can greatly vary, this review includes only the cost of the cruise, instead of total trip cost including airfare.

What Are My Options for Travel Insurance?

Fred Olsen recommends purchasing travel insurance through their third-party partnership with Holiday Extras Ltd. However, you must be a resident of the United Kingdom to purchase their travel insurance.

Therefore, you need to buy travel insurance on your own. Although the cruise cost does not include travel insurance, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines requires that you have travel protection to board the ship.

Cruise Insurance 101 Travel Insurance Marketplace lets you compare up to 30 policies from different carriers based on your specific needs. This saves you time and money as you don’t need to go to each individual insurance company for a quote.

Also, the travel insurance industry is highly regulated. The policy price must be the same, no matter where a traveler purchases a plan. Consequently, buying directly with the insurance company does not save you any money.

Comparison Quotes

When traveling outside the United States, Cruise Insurance 101 recommends carrying a minimum of $100,000 in Medical Insurance, $250,000 in Medical Evacuation, and a Pre-existing Medical Condition Waiver . We used these criteria to choose the selected quotes.

The least expensive plan with adequate coverage on our quote from Cruise Insurance 101 is the Trawick First Class .

This Trawick policy allows for cancellation for the most common reasons such as: unforeseen illness, accidental injury, or death of a family member. However, some travelers want the ability to cancel for any reason without forfeiting their entire investment. A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy allows the insured to cancel for reasons not listed and still receive a partial refund. Trawick’s CFAR offers a 75% cash refund.

The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy that we chose for this comparison is the Trawick First Class (CFAR 75%). This is the most affordable CFAR policy that also contains the medical coverage limits that we recommend.

Next, we broke down the benefits of each policy in a side-by-side comparison.

Trip Cancellation

Sometimes unexpected events interfere with your travel plans, forcing you to cancel your trip.  Trip Cancellation  reimburses you for your pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.

Most plans available from Cruise Insurance 101 cover cancellation for:

• Unforeseen illness, accidental injury, or death (traveler, traveling companion, family member, or host)
• Inclement weather, strike, or mechanical delay of a common carrier
• Financial default of a common carrier
• Traffic accident en route to the destination
• Hijacking, quarantine, jury duty, subpoena
• Fire, flood, burglary, or natural disaster
• Documented theft of passport or visas
• Mandatory evacuation
• Called to military duty or revocation of leave
• Involuntary job termination or lay off

Hopefully, none of these things happen, and you can leave for your vacation without a hitch.

Trip Interruption

A  Trip Interruption  is a situation during your trip that causes you to miss some or the rest of your vacation. It’s like Trip Cancellation but happens during your travels.

The most common trip interruption is the injury or illness of a traveler. If you had an injury or illness on your vacation but can continue traveling after treatment, trip interruption reimburses the unused portion of the trip, and the cost to rejoin the trip in progress.

Trip interruption also includes a family member who had a sudden grave illness or passed away. If your covered situation requires curtailing the trip and going home early, Trip Interruption also reimburses for the unused portion of the trip, plus the added cost of going home early.

Travel insurance plans like the Trawick First Class also offer 150% of trip costs for interruption. Therefore, they cover up to 100% of the unused costs, plus up to an additional 50% to cover transportation costs to return home.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason provides peace of mind against any uncertainty about traveling. This coverage helps you recover 50% - 75% (depending on policy) of your trip cost if you must cancel your travel plans for any reason not otherwise covered by the policy. Without it, you would lose all your pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs for a non-covered cancellation.

Suppose your main concern for cancellation is uncertainty about Covid rates at your destination. You may worry that you shouldn’t travel on your scheduled trip if your destination country sees a large spike in Covid rates. Even if your doctor advises against traveling, Trip Cancellation does not cover cancellation due to fear of traveling because of Covid concerns.

Travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason is the only option. Cruise Insurance 101 offers a variety of Cancel For Any Reason options for residents in most states.

There are some rules to keep in mind when purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason plan:

• You must insure 100% of your pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs
• You must purchase the policy within the Time Sensitive Period (10-21 days of the date you placed your initial payment or deposit towards the trip) and insure subsequent payments
• You must cancel your trip no later than 48 hours prior to departure

The Trawick First Class (CFAR 75%) will reimburse 75% of your trip cost should you cancel for a reason not listed in the policy.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Travel insurance does not pay benefits for Pre-Existing Conditions . It’s a standard, industry-wide exclusion. However, many policies offer a waiver that adds coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions back into the policy. These policies typically must be purchased within 14-21 days (depending on policy) of the date you place your initial payment or deposit towards the trip. This timeframe is called the Time Sensitive Period.

The Trawick First Class plans will provide coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions if the policy is purchased within 14 days of your initial trip payment or deposit. Several other terms must also be met for all three policies:

-  you are medically able to travel at the time the coverage is purchased; and - you insure 100% of your prepaid Trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions.

Medical Insurance If Sick or Injured Traveling

Travel  Medical Insurance  pays for medical treatment if you are injured or ill during your planned vacation. Even healthy people can be victims of an accident that requires costly care. A broken leg, a car accident, or even severe food poisoning can land you in the hospital.

If you plan overseas travel, it’s important to keep in mind most health insurance plans do not pay for medical treatment outside of the US. Even if your health insurance does provide some coverage while you travel, it may restrict the nature of care and provider.

Also,  Medicare does not pay for treatment outside the US. While some Medicare supplements cover up to $50k for treatment, it is a lifetime limit and for emergencies only. In addition, you must pay a deductible and 20% copay. 

In addition, you can’t count on universal health care in foreign countries to pay for your treatment. Citizens pay taxes for this privilege. If you are not a citizen of that country, you will pay full price for treatment at a private hospital, which can cost $3,000-$4,000 per day.

Consequently, we recommend that you  travel with at least $100k Emergency Medical Insurance while traveling abroad

The Trawick First Class policies provide $150k for Medical Insurance.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Brings You Home

Emergency Medical Evacuation   pays for transportation to a medical facility capable of treating your condition.

Typically, Emergency Medical Evacuation is uncomplicated, like a ground ambulance to the nearest hospital. However, Emergency Medical Evacuation can include a costly airlift by medical personnel.

If, after your condition is stabilized, it’s determined you need further treatment, Emergency Medical Evacuation transports you to a hospital near your home so you can recover.

When traveling outside the US,  Cruise Insurance 101 always recommends a policy that includes at least $250k of Emergency Medical Evacuation. This ensures you have enough financial protection, especially in a critical situation.

The Trawick First Class plans in this review exceed this recommendation and provide $1 million of Medical Evacuation coverage.

When shopping for travel insurance, it’s important to make sure the policy has sufficient Medical and Medical Evacuation benefits for overseas expeditions and includes coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions.

Though we cannot get Fred Olsen’s recommended insurance in the United States, we were able to find excellent policies at competitive prices through Cruise Insurance 101 .

As such, we always recommend comparison shopping to find the best value for your money.

Will I Get a Better Deal Going Directly Through the Insurer?

No. Many don’t realize that they won’t find the same travel insurance plans available at a better price directly from the insurer. Travel insurance rates are state-regulated, and no one can change those rates.

Travelers can find the best plan to fit their travel needs by using a comparison site like Cruise Insurance 101 to shop their options and find the appropriate coverage.

Next time you cruise,   run a comparison quote with us  and see how much money you can save on a similar or better policy. You can even run a sample quote before you book your cruise.

Questions?  We would love to hear from you. Please stop by and chat with us,  send an email , or give us a call at  (786) 751-2984 .

Safe travels!

This article has been written for review purposes only and does not suggest sponsorship or endorsement of AARDY by the trademark owner.

Recent AARDY Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

Amanda was extremely helpful

Amanda was extremely helpful, very courteous & professional and answered all my questions. I appreciated receiving the emails about the quote and purchase is such a quick and timely manner. Thanks

Miranda was on the spot!

Helpful and knowledgeable customer service

I was not able to narrow down the specifics of my travel insurance needs just utilizing the website; but with the help of a customer service agent I was very satisfied and completed my purchase for my trip.

Understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the cancellation policy of any cruise line is crucial for travelers who want to avoid potential financial loss and disappointment. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy, providing you with all the essential information you need to navigate the cancellation process smoothly. Whether you are considering booking a Fred. Olsen cruise or have already made your reservation, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to handle cancellations effectively.

Key Points to Know about Understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy:

Below is a table summarizing the most important points regarding the Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy:

| Key Points | Details | | ——————————————- | —————————————————————————————————————— | | Cancellation Period | For cancellation made before the balance due date, a refund will be issued, subject to cancellation charges. | | Cancellation Charges | The amount of cancellation charges varies based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation is made. | | Refund Options | Passengers have the choice to receive a cash refund or opt for a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for the full amount paid. | | Exceptions to Refund Policy | Certain promotional fares and non-refundable deposits may be subject to different cancellation terms. | | Cancellation by the Cruise Line | In rare cases, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines may cancel a cruise, offering passengers a refund or alternative options. | | Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection | Purchasing travel insurance or cancellation protection is highly recommended to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. |

To gain a deeper understanding of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy, let’s explore each key point in detail:

H2: Cancellation Period H3: Cancellation Charges H3: Refund Options H3: Exceptions to Refund Policy H3: Cancellation by the Cruise Line H3: Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection

It’s important to note that the information provided in this guide is subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to the official Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website or contact their customer service directly.

Can I cancel my cruise for a full refund?

Understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy: A Comprehensive Guide provides clear guidelines on the possibility of canceling a cruise for a full refund. According to the policy, passengers have the option to cancel their cruise booking and receive a full refund if done within a certain timeframe. It is crucial to note that the cancellation period varies depending on the type of cruise and the length of the trip. For instance, cancellations made more than 90 days before the departure date may be eligible for a full refund, while closer to the departure date, the refund may be subject to certain deductions. Additionally, it is essential to consider the terms and conditions of the specific cruise booking, as they may have additional cancellation policies that apply. To understand the detailed cancellation policy and determine eligibility for a full refund, it is advisable to refer directly to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ official website.

How do I cancel my Fred Olsen cruise?

To cancel your Fred Olsen cruise, you must follow the company’s cancellation policy. It is essential to understand the terms and conditions outlined in their comprehensive guide. To initiate the cancellation process, you will need to contact Fred Olsen’s customer service department directly. They will provide you with the necessary information and guide you through the cancellation procedure. It is advisable to review the cancellation policy in advance to familiarize yourself with any potential fees or penalties that may apply. For more detailed information on Fred Olsen’s cancellation policy, please refer to their official website.

When can you cancel a cruise without penalty?

When it comes to cancelling a cruise with Fred. Olsen, it is important to understand their cancellation policy to avoid any penalties. Generally, you can cancel your cruise without incurring any fees if you do so within the specified timeframe. For most cruises, this timeframe is 90 days or more before the departure date. However, it’s essential to note that certain cruises may have different cancellation policies, especially those that are longer in duration or include special events. To get exact details on when you can cancel a cruise without penalty, it is recommended to refer to the official Fred. Olsen website or contact their customer service directly. Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you navigate the cancellation process smoothly and ensure you don’t face any unnecessary charges.

Can you cancel a cruise for medical reasons?

When it comes to canceling a cruise for medical reasons, Understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy: A Comprehensive Guide provides valuable insights. Whether you encounter an unforeseen illness or a medical emergency, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines understands the need for flexibility. In such cases, passengers are advised to contact the Guest Services team as soon as possible, providing relevant medical documentation. Depending on the severity and timing of the situation, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines may offer a range of options, including rescheduling the cruise, transferring the booking to a later date, or providing a refund. It is important to note that each case is assessed individually, and having appropriate travel insurance is highly recommended to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. For more detailed information, please refer to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ official website.

Can you cancel a cruise within 24 hours of booking carnival

Understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy: A Comprehensive Guide is an invaluable resource for those seeking clarity on the cancellation process. However, for information specifically pertaining to canceling a Carnival cruise within 24 hours of booking, it is recommended to consult Carnival’s official website or contact their customer service directly. Carnival’s cancellation policy may differ from Fred. Olsen’s, and it is crucial to have accurate and up-to-date information from the relevant source. To explore Carnival’s cancellation policy, please visit their official website at www.carnival.com.

Cancellations can be a frustrating and disappointing experience for anyone planning a cruise vacation. However, with a clear understanding of the cancellation policies in place, passengers can navigate these situations with greater ease. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the cancellation policy of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a renowned cruise operator, and provide an in-depth analysis of their guidelines, enabling readers to make informed decisions and mitigate any potential losses.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a reputable company known for its exceptional service and commitment to customer satisfaction. The cruise line offers a comprehensive cancellation policy that aims to provide flexibility and fair solutions for passengers who need to cancel their bookings for various reasons.

According to the Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy, passengers can cancel their cruise reservations by notifying the cruise line in writing. The cancellation fee will vary depending on the number of days prior to departure. It is crucial to note that the cancellation fee is a percentage of the total cruise fare and can range from 20% to 100% of the booking value.

To illustrate this policy, let’s consider an example. If a passenger cancels their reservation within 90 days of departure, they will be subject to a cancellation fee of 20% of the total cruise fare. However, if the cancellation occurs within 14 days of departure, the fee will escalate to 100% of the total cruise fare, meaning that the passenger will not receive any refund.

It is important to emphasize that the cancellation policy may vary depending on the specific cruise package and the terms and conditions outlined in the booking agreement. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review these documents and seek clarification from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines or their authorized travel agents to ensure complete understanding of the cancellation policy applicable to your booking.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers cancellation fees in specific circumstances. This insurance can provide peace of mind to passengers concerned about unforeseen events that may force them to cancel their cruise.

To make the cancellation process as seamless as possible, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines encourages passengers to contact their customer service team or authorized travel agents for assistance. The cruise line’s dedicated team will guide passengers through the cancellation procedure and address any queries or concerns they may have.

In conclusion, understanding Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy is essential for anyone considering booking a cruise with this reputable company. By familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions, you can make informed decisions and minimize any potential losses in the event of a cancellation. Remember to review the specific cancellation policy applicable to your booking, as it may vary depending on the package and terms outlined in your agreement. Utilizing the comprehensive travel insurance offered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines can also provide valuable protection. By following these guidelines and seeking assistance when needed, passengers can navigate the cancellation process with confidence and peace of mind.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Cancellation Policy and other essential details, please refer to the official Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website (https://www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise-information/before-you-sail/booking-conditions) or consult authorized travel agents specializing in cruise vacations.

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• Fred. Olsen Cruise Line

Travel insurance

By Parsman , March 14, 2012 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line

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On a recent long cruise there were a large number of elderly passengers, some of whom were obviously very frail and in poor health. I am amazed that these people are able to obtain travel insurance - or perhaps they don't? As a relatively fit person I know the quotes I have received for world cruises are astronomical and will be higher, if obtainable, when I reach 80 years old.

H:confused:ave any contributors any views on this?

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On a recent long cruise there were a large number of elderly passengers, some of whom were obviously very frail and in poor health. I am amazed that these people are able to obtain travel insurance - or perhaps they don't? As a relatively fit person I know the quotes I have received for world cruises are astronomical and will be higher, if obtainable, when I reach 80 years old. H:confused:ave any contributors any views on this?

having done 2 cruises with fred we got in to coversation about insurance with a young 89 year old gent,he told us he did not take pills and was as fit as a fiddle but had to pay nearly £300 for a 2 week cruise.

other passengers who did not look as fit as this gent must pay sky high prices if any.

by the way we had passengers taken off ill at nearly every port,also ship stopped off fishgaurd for lifeboat to take off sick passenger.

when we arrived back to greenock there was an ambulance waiting at dockside to take passenger to hospital,i hope all these passengers had insurance cover. we are no spring chickens at 66 and wife 63,we would never think to travel without insurance cover.

Popsey Wopsey

There are companies that don,t charge a "arm & leg" for insurance for older people ,having relatives that are over 80 and are frequent travelers ,I can recommend Tokio Marine ,Columbus amongst others,both these used by my relatives.

Tokio Marine paid out swiftly to a claim and Columbus charged about £110 for both as a couple for 2 weeks.:)

It is a term of booking at least with Fred Olsen that you do have travel insurance.

Perhaps some people do not declare medical conditions? I suppose for the very elderly who may not have any relatives or relatives who will take liability for them they may lie and take a chance.

Some months back I read a book Cruise Ship SOS which was an interesting insight into a Doctor who was doing his first trip on board a cruise ship. He recounted the story of an elderly WWII veteran who had a terminal prognosis and who was travelling to a particular port to pay his respects to his fallen comrades.

For medical reasons the veteran couldn't travel by air so he chose a cruise which called at the place concerned - I think it was in the far east.

The doctor guessed the guy never had medical insurance and I don't think the chap returned to the ship.

My parents were charged the earth for insurance, in fact on one cruise the insurance was more than the cruise. However, we did find a company that enabled them to pay a reasonable amount, the draw back being if they needed help the excess was high. I was happy to pay teh excess on te off chance they needed help.

BORDER REIVER

My wife and I have worldwide travel insurance through my bank, by my monthly account charge. I just ring the helpline before travelling and I talk through things with a very knowledgeable advisor, to see what is covered and what isn't. For an extra £10 a year I take out the "dangerous sports " cover (skiing etc) and then if I have to make a claim, there's no excess to pay.

We've only cruised 3 times..Cunard, P & O & Fred Olsen and all three wanted Insurance Policy details and associated emergency contact telephone numbers before they would accept a booking.

Norfolk Brit

I've cruised with these three lines as well, all booked through travel agents, and have never been asked for insurance details until after the cruise has been booked and confirmed. Perhaps this applies just for direct bookings?

I have never had a problem booking online, either direct or through an agent, without providing insurance details. As I don't normally opt for cancellation cover, I usually obtain the insurance nearer the time of the cruise.

Some get insurance but with so many exclusions that it would not really do what the cruise line wanted if a problem arose.

A lot of elderly folks like the 'round Britain' cruises that FOCL does - never far away from the NHS.

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Discover the world with the arts society and our trusted travel affiliates.

Through our carefully selected independent tour operators, The Arts Society offers its

Members a selection of cultural holidays to enjoy. Our Travel Affiliates offer a personal and friendly service for those wanting to travel on their own or with family and friends. 

Many of the trips will feature talks or guided visits with our Accredited Lecturers, helping you get the most out of your holiday.

Details of upcoming holidays are regularly shared with Members in The Arts Society Magazine and in our email newsletters.

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are proud of the smaller size of their ships, which allows them to offer exceptional, hand-crafted itineraries, rich in culture and with real experiences in the destinations they visit, making them the perfect pairing with The Arts Society. 

As a family-run cruise line, Fred. Olsen really take your experience personally. While the rest of the cruise industry has gone for bigger ships, Fred. Olsen has always believed that smaller is better. They have less guests on board so the service is personal and the atmosphere is warm and civilised. Their elegant, smaller ships Bolette, Borealis & Balmoral , can reach places the bigger ships cannot and are able to dock at smaller ports in more interesting places such as scenic cruising in the Norwegian Fjords, & narrow size restricted waterways in the heart of fascinating cities. This passion for cruising has led to them having more returning guests than any other cruise line. 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a small team of specialist itinerary planners who are passionate about travel, who take great pride in hand-crafting each journey, to ensure they show their guests a mixture of both popular ports, and hidden gems as well as including Olsen Way highlights on each of their sailings. It is a passion that has won them the Cruise Critic award for Best Itineraries every year since 2015. 

With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you can sail from the convenience of regional UK ports to hundreds of destinations around the world on their elegant, smaller-sized ships, with sailings available from Southhampton, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Liverpool, Dover and Rosyth (Edinburgh).

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new cruises for 2024/2025. Our imaginative and unusual itineraries have been carefully crafted by our Journey Planners with the travel enthusiast in mind. From specially-timed sailings to experience incredible events - such as the Perseid Meteor Shower, seeking out the mesmerising Northern Lights, or uncovering the Adriatic and the Mediterranean's vibrant culture and ancient history. 

Arts Society members can benefit from up to 10% discount off of all cruises, terms & conditions apply. 

For more information please visit  www.fredolsencruises.com/group-travel/the-arts-society-cruises  Call 0800 0355 116 to book and quote AFN0001 . (Lines are open Mon to Fri – 8.30am – 6pm, Sat 9am - 5pm & Sun 10am - 4pm).

>> Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Cover your dream holiday with the UK’s Best Travel Insurance! As voted by the public at the British Travel Awards – 6 times in a row!

Get up to 20%* off travel insurance with Staysure Travel Insurance.

We've partnered with Staysure to offer you award-winning travel insurance tailored to your needs. They’re best known for covering pre-existing medical conditions and have been voted the Best Travel Company for Travel Insurance for six years in a row by the British Travel Awards. Right now you can get up to 20% off your next policy with Staysure. Please note that the discount does not apply to medical screening or add-on costs. A policy from Staysure covers you for:

• Up to unlimited medical emergency expenses
• Up to £10,000 for cancelling or cutting your trip short
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• Specialist policies for cruises and winter sports trips
• 24 hour emergency medical helpline

You’ll find most pre-existing medical conditions covered and there’s no age limits on their policies, unlike other insurers.

Buy now and you will get up to 20%* off your travel insurance. Use promo code ‘ARTS’ when you get a quote online, or call our friendly UK-based team on 0800 014 7862.

Signature cover levels shown above. *Discount does not apply to any medical or add-on costs. Full T&Cs apply

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TRAVEL EDITIONS

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• River Cruising

GCT M/S Tikhi Don - St. Petersburg to Moscow

By usnavyguy , June 24, 2012 in River Cruising

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This is a review of a St. Petersburg to Moscow river cruise from 5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012 with Grand Circle Travel. I'll divide the review into sections starting with the ship so folks can jump to those sections of interest & ignore what isn't pertinent to them. For an excellent discussion on pre-trip planning, visa issues, comments on various cruise lines, this link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1559518

will give you all the details you need. I'll not repeat it here.

So, let's get to the specifics:

Ship : Tikhi Don is owned by Grand Circle Travel (GCT) and is one of two ships, the other being M/V Rossia they operate between Moscow & St. Petersburg. All the cabins are identical: 146 square feet with one window that opens, situated on 3 decks. The only difference is location on the ship. The cabins were clean as were the attached bathrooms. Storage space was adequate for two weeks. There is one 120V and one 220V electrical outlet in the cabin as well as a 115V electrical outlet in the bathroom. I purchased a 4 outlet power strip specifically for this trip to plug in rechargeable digital camera batteries as well as a cell phone. The ship has an elevator near the reception desk forward that services Decks 1, 2, and 3. There is a double stairway in the after end of the ship that runs from the Main Deck to Decks 2, 3, and 4. All other stairways are external and serve all 4 decks. We had about 206 passengers embarked and about 100 staff, so the ratio of staff to cruisers was pretty high. It seems that all river ships operating in Russia carry about 200 or so customers which make them quite a bit larger than the average European waterways river ship. Since they have far fewer bridges to deal with in terms of height, and water depths are somewhat deeper than European rivers, they can and do take advantage of that to leverage a larger number of customers. That doesn't make it bad; it just makes it different. Tikhi Don draws about 9 feet of water which I suspect is about average for a Russian river cruiser. The ship has two bars, one on the 3rd deck forward (Tsar Bar) and one on the 4th deck aft (Presidents Bar). The restaurant is located on the 2nd deck aft and is used for the breakfast buffet and the sit down daily lunches & dinners. One disadvantage to my way of thinking was the sit down lunch. When we've cruised on Viking, they offered a light buffet lunch in the bar/lounge and a sit down lunch in the restaurant. That gave one some options which weren't available with GCT. Again, not necessarily bad; just different. Each cabin is equipped with a flat panel LCD TV with various satellite channels available depending upon the location of the ship at the time. There also were 3 different movie channels showing a different movie each day. Since we didn’t watch TV, I can only surmise it must have worked okay as we did not hear any complaints. While each cabin has individual air conditioning controls, they didn’t appear to function very effectively and the cabin remained around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. There is a separate heating unit mounted beneath the window on the outside bulkhead which proved very useful on some of the colder mornings we experienced during the cruise. The cruise covers 829 miles between St. Petersburg and Moscow, and consists of several lakes, rivers and canals including the transit of 16 locks.

Travelers: One significant difference I noted was the average age of the passengers was somewhat older than we had previously experienced with Viking in Europe. I would guess that average age was around mid-70s; some younger, and some a good bit older. We had several veterans of WW2 embarked and I can only hope I'm as spry as they were when I'm that age. They also are very loyal to GCT. Those folks who had previously traveled 3 or more times with GCT or their companion company, Overseas Adventure Travel were identified with a gold name badge. I'd estimate that at least 50% of the embarked travelers fell into this category. This was a very seasoned group of world travelers. Few on the trip were making their 1st river cruise and even fewer were traveling with GCT for the 1st time (we fell into that category). The tours generally involved quite a bit of walking and a not so slow pace, but most everyone managed to keep at it, and few opted out of the walking tours. I'll discuss those in more detail later in this post.

Ship Staff: The staff was quite young (mid to late 20s mostly), inexperienced, but always willing to help. Their command of English was generally very limited although I expect that will improve as the season wears on. Their English was way better than my Cyrillic so they get an A+ for effort. The cruise is managed by a Cruise Director who spoke idiomatic English. The ship's Captain was the most personable Captain I have ever sailed with on a cruise ship. He spoke good English, greeted all the travelers as they debarked for each tour, met each traveler at the gangplank when they returned, and along with the Cruise Director and Hospitality Manager stood on the pier and waved goodbye to every bus that departed. I'm used to the Captain putting in a brief appearance at the Welcome & Farewell Cocktail parties, then disappearing for rest of the cruise. This was a novel & most welcome change.

We were divided into 6 groups of about 32-35 people, assigned a Tour Director who worked exclusively with that group for the entire cruise. Very occasionally for an optional tour, the groups would be combined to keep the numbers about the same, but basically, you functioned within your assigned group. The Tour Directors all had majored in foreign languages at the University and had anywhere from two to as many as eight years with GCT. They all spoke idiomatic English and did a great job of keeping track of their charges. I liken managing U.S. tour groups to herding cats and these folks were always cheerful, ready to answer any question, and resolve any problem. The wait staff in the dining room had limited English, but knew enough to converse with the passengers with regard to the menu & was a hustling young group of Russians. They were extremely pleasant to deal with.

Food on Board: In general the meals were quite good. Breakfast was served buffet style and one always had the opportunity to order an omelet or eggs of any style. There also was a special breakfast order each day. They also included the European breakfast meats and other items common on European river cruise ships. Service was quick and efficient. Restaurant seating included tables for 2, 4, 6 or 10 passengers so there was a wide variety of seating. Lunches & dinners would be best described as Russian modified for American taste. As I remarked previously, all lunches were sit down, formal service with soup, entre (including a vegetarian selection). Salad bar and dessert. Dinners consisted of an appetizer, followed by a soup course, entre (again including a vegetarian choice), and dessert. At dinner, there was always available salmon or chicken breast with a baked potato and steamed vegetables for those who did not fancy the main course. Food was served hot when appropriate and cold when in order. Service was friendly and efficient. Even with 200 people sitting down to eat, there was no sense of “steam table” cooking. With the exception of two meals ashore, all meals were served onboard. In the event of an evening tour such as the Moscow circus or the St. Petersburg ballet, an early dinner was served to those attending the event, followed by a late night heavy snack following return onboard. While I did not eat very many lunches, my wife tried most of them and said the food was very good. We found the dinners to be tasty and a nice introduction to Russian cooking, including the famous Russian stroganoff which is not served over noodles as it is in the U.S., but over spaetzle or mashed potatoes which we were told is common in Russia. Early bird coffee was available from 6:00-7:00AM and also throughout the day at the coffee station on the main deck. Lunch was served at either noon or 1:00PM depending on the tour schedule, with dinner at 7:00PM.

Onboard Activities: There was never a shortage of things to do onboard, but all were voluntary so you could participate in as few or as many as you wished. They featured the usual port talks, introduction to the Russian language, lectures on Russian handicrafts, vodka tastings, blini parties, pelmeni (dumpling) cooking class, and hand painting of Russian Matryoshka (nesting) dolls. We also noted several spontaneous bridge, cribbage, and canasta card games in progress at various times.

There is a large, well stocked gift store on the ship, operated as a separate concession. My wife found the prices for souvenirs of all types were generally better than souvenir shops ashore. They accept major credit cards or roubles. You cannot charge items from the store to your shipboard account.

Tours: There were a limited number of optional (extra cost) tours available. In St. Petersburg, that included:

Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg

Yusopov Palace

St. Petersburg Ballet

Peterhof Gardens

In Petrozavodosk: Karelian Folk Show

Zlatoust Singers

Jewish Heritage of Moscow

Tretyakov Gallery

You can view the details of these optional tours on the GCT website: http://www.gct.com

under the Russian river cruise itinerary.

All passengers are provided with a pair of head phones & a battery powered receiver to provide the ability to listen to the tour guide while still wandering about the particular venue. The system works perfectly and depending upon location & interference such as walls, floors, and the like is crystal clear up to 100 feet from the tour guide. I have used these systems on other tours and would never consider a tour/cruise that did not employ this technology.

We took the Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg tour which entailed taking a canal boat up & down the various rivers & canals running through St. Petersburg. It lasted approximately 90 minutes with a well informed local guide who commented on what we were seeing. It was interesting and informative and gives you another whole perspective on St. Petersburg than from a city bus tour.

We also went on the Peterhof gardens tour which unfortunately, did not go as well. The morning tour for that day was Peter & Paul Fortress which was really not that interesting and turned out to be just another church tour. However, because of the distance from where the boat moored to the fortress, then into St. Petersburg for lunch, the morning and part of the afternoon was pretty well shot by the time we departed for Peterhof. Peterhof is a good 45 minute drive from St. Petersburg; so consequently, it was well after 2:00PM when we arrived at the gardens. I’d like to say the local guide tried to cram what could easily have been a 4 hour tour into something less than two hours. So, we consequently were trying to set land speed records for walking tours as she was determined to show us as many of the Peterhof fountains as possible, and there are more than a few. My wife is a bit slow of foot as she has limited walking capacity so she was hard pressed to keep up. I, on the other hand, wanted more time to take pictures of the fountains and didn’t appreciate being rushed from spot to spot. Fortunately, our tour director Alex was particularly solicitous of my wife and made sure we could cut some corners and get ahead of the tour where necessary. Unfortunately, the local tour guide was annoyed when told to slow down and became somewhat hostile. The tour ends at the Peterhof palace which has a very large number of very beautiful fountains, all in gold leaf and is a photographer’s dream. It easily could have been worth an hour or more of picture taking opportunities. While I do understand some folks just want to check the block of having seen it and move on, there are, I think, a larger number of us who don’t expect to see those things again and want to take full advantage of the picture taking opportunities.

St. Petersburg: We spent 4 days in St. Petersburg not counting the day of arrival. The 1st full day, we had a city bus tour which included a stop & tour of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and an approximately two hour visit to the famed Hermitage Art Museum with an option to stay for an additional 90 minutes, On Day 2, we had Catherine’s Palace & Park Tour, an offsite lunch paid for by GCT followed by the optional Rivers & Canals Tour, Day 4 was the Peter & Paul Fortress, again followed by lunch (this time on your own) followed by the optional Peterhof Gardens tour. On Day 3 of the visit, there were optional tours available of Yusopov Palace and the St. Petersburg ballet (evening). The boat was moored about 1 hour from downtown, depending on traffic, as the city authorities do not allow the riverboats to moor downtown. This caused some angst among those taking their 1st river cruise as they assumed this was standard. Of course, it’s not, and in fact, almost all European river cruises including Paris moor almost in the heart of the city. However, for those with free time and a little bit of adventurism, the subway took you downtown in less than 40 minutes. There is a bus from the head of the pier which costs 30 roubles (in early June 2012, roubles were 32.5 to 1 USD). That dropped you at the nearest metro entrance where 25 roubles and 5 stops later, landed you in the heart of Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s equivalent to Times Square in NY or Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The metro is clean, no graffiti in the stations or on the cars, efficiently run and very safe. To return to the ship, just reverse the process. Once downtown, there are many attractions within easy walking distance such as the statue of the Bronze Horseman, a tribute from Catherine the Great to Peter the Great and the Church of our Savior on the Spilled Blood on which site, Tsar Alexander II was murdered by an assassin on 1 March 1881.

This was our 2nd time in St. Petersburg as we were there on an ocean cruise of the Baltics in 2003 when the city celebrated its 300th anniversary. It is to my mind, much more European than Russian with the latest fashions on display, many, many outdoor restaurant cafes and a mostly young, apparently well off population (at least during a business day).

We had previously been to Catherine’s Palace and the Hermitage and enjoyed returning to both places. St. Isaac’s is very impressive, but unfortunately, it is crowded and pickpockets are afoot. Several men & at least 1 woman had wallets stolen in the crowds so for them, not so much fun. Peter and Paul Fortress from a historical perspective is important, but rather unimpressive.

We visited St. Petersburg during the period of the summer referred to as “White Nights” which are quite famous. Sunrise occurs about 4:30AM and sunset at 11:15PM. Since winters are long, cold, and sometimes very harsh, the many hours of sunlight are greatly appreciated and folks go out to stroll, especially on Nevsky Prospekt well into the evening hours enjoying the many parks and recreation areas throughout the city.

Svir Stroi: This is a small village of about 600 people located on the Svir River. They have the requisite souvenir shops, but the highlight of the stop was the visit to the home of a Russian villager. Our opportunity came to visit the wife of a local employee of the hydro electric plant. We visited her home and were served tea & pirozhki’s (Russian tea cakes). With the able help of our tour director, Tanya who translated, the lady explained her daily life in the village and the challenges ordinary people now face compared to the days of the Soviet Union. This is also where we first encountered the fierce Russian mosquitoes or as the tour directors called them, the KGB mosquitoes. They’re big, they bite and they fly around over the 3 months of summer. Mosquito repellent does, however, work when liberally applied.

Petrozavodsk: This port city on Lake Onega which is the second largest lake in Europe, only surpassed by Lake Ladoga, included a bus tour as well as a visit to the memorial to Russian’s Unknown Soldier from World War II, and a tour of the local market. It is the industrial, cultural, and scientific center of the Republic of Karelia. The visit also included an optional tour to a Karelian folk show which we opted not to attend.

Kizhi (Kee-shee) Island: This small island in the center of Lake Onega is home to the oldest known wooden church in Russia, the Church of Transfiguration which features 22 timbered onion shaped domes. The church was assembled without the use of a single metal nail and is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The stop also featured a “Fishing with the Ship’s Captain & Staff” for those who are ardent anglers. Fishing apparently wasn’t so successful as we did not have fish on the menu that evening!

Goritzy/Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery: Goritsky is just another tiny town, but the monastery was built in 1397 and had close connections with Ivan the Terrible. At one time, over 200 monks lived in the monastery, but with the Russian revolution and the harsh suppression of religion in Russia, it deteriorated significantly and now houses only 6 monks. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, restoration efforts have begun and the museum features an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons.

Uglich: The last city we visited prior to Moscow is located on the Volga River. Cruising on the river as you come onto Uglich is very impressive. The Kremlin (or fortress) has no exterior walls so the many colored churches and domes make great picture opportunities. The very large Cathedral of Transfiguration looms over the town while the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood with its rich red walls and blue onion domes offer a sharp contrast. Souvenir and shops selling all sorts of goods line the route from the ship’s berth to the main street of Uglich. We were told by the local guide that as many as 7 to 8 river cruise ships a day visit Uglich during the summer. They also were having a display of lacquer and paper Mache’ boxes for sale at very Western prices. Enameled watches are also a specialty of Uglich. We were treated to a short concert by a group of male classically trained singers who rendered several Russian songs a capella during our visit.

Moscow: We arrived in Moscow about 3 hours late because of heavy fog the previous evening while transiting the Moscow Canal. The river authorities do not allow movement in the canal during heavy fog, so we waited out the down time in one of the locks. The ship moored a good ways from downtown as the city authorities do not allow river cruise ships downtown, the same rule as St. Petersburg. Moscow is a city of 11.5 million people and traffic can be a nightmare. However, we were fortunate to arrive on a Monday before a national holiday (Day of Russia) on Tuesday and Moscovites are like people everywhere; they angle to take the day before a big holiday off. So, the traffic to downtown was pretty light and we made up some time on the city tour which started in the famous Red Square outside the Kremlin walls. The tour included a walk around Saint Basil’s Cathedral which is actually a museum, then on to the GUM department store which resembles a U.S. mall. We also walked past a “Historic Toilet” located in Gum’s that I believe was the 1st indoor lavatory in a Moscow department store. (Use of the WC was 84 roubles for those interested; I took a pass). We also went for a ride on the famed Moscow metro where many of the stations are elaborately decorated in frescoes, busts representing the struggle of the common man, and other adornments of the Russian revolution. As in St. Petersburg, the metro is clean (no graffiti in the stations or on the cars) and very safe.

The next day was the national holiday so our tours steered us quite far from Red Square (where demonstrations were purported to occur against the Presidential election recently completed) and out to Sparrow Hills which is a high priced area of the city. We also toured the New Maiden cemetery where various Russian notables such as Boris Yeltsin and Nikita Khrushchev are buried. The evening tour involved a visit to the Moscow circus which has been in continuous operation since 1980. A fun time of clowns, jugglers, trained poodles, bears, a lion taming act and culminated with a trapeze performance by 5 daring men & 1 woman.

The following day was a tour inside the Kremlin walls and to one of the 5 churches located inside the walls. I found it ironic that 5 churches would be allowed to exist following the revolution, but many things in Russia are strange, this only being one example. We also toured the Kremlin armory which contains the Tsar’s Crown Jewels, armor and armaments of the 16th- 18th century, many Tsarina coronation and wedding dresses as well as a very extensive display of Faberge eggs. The tour concluded with lunch at Moscow’s Hard Rock Café and time to tour Arbat Street which is a pedestrian only street in the heart of Moscow.

We had family obligations that required us to cut the last full day off the cruise and return home via direct flight from Moscow to Dulles International.

Final Observations: It was a very interesting and different river cruise for us. Because the distances are so vast, there is a lot more down time on this cruise than one in European waters, but Grand Circle can make it as busy or as relaxed as you like. The meals were comparable to those served on our other river cruises for quantity and quality. There are slightly more optional tours than with some other companies, but on the other hand, some of the included tours were excellent. St. Petersburg is a great city and one I’d be pleased to visit again; Moscow, not so much. Grand Circle is certainly worth your consideration as a cruise line as the prices are competitive with all other Russian river cruises. We did book our air through Grand Circle which I’m normally reluctant to do, but the routing was the same that I would have chosen had I done my own booking and the pricing was better than I could do on my own, especially considering what GCT would have charged for transfers to and from the ship. We did not purchase travel insurance through GCT as I found we could do better by shopping around over the Internet.

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Share on other sites, beverlyjack.

We did this trip in 2004, aboard the chartered Nicholay Chernychevski, before Grand Circle had put the Tikhi Don into service. This was an excellent review and brings back memories. Please post it under Travelers Reviews on http://www.gct.com on this trip.

Thank you for the informative review. I am taking this tour in mid August. I will print what you wrote so that I can refer to it as I do some of my planning.

How many people were in your "group" ? Did you take the pretrip to Helsinki and Tallinn?

We had about 32 people in our group. I don't know what, if any criteria, other than numbers were used to make up the groups. We did not take any pre or post trips with this cruise.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Expands Sales Team in the UK

• March 30, 2024

A year of record sales has led to the expansion of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Sales Team, the company announced in a press release.

The expansion is part of its commitment to building on its support for agents across the country, the company added.

Two new field sales agents have now joined the team as part of the initiative.

According to Fred. Olsen, Dan Scott and Katie Hughes were hired in late February, bringing with them a combined knowledge of more than 12 years in the travel industry.

“We’re incredibly proud to be increasing our dedicated support for agents around the country with our passionate and knowledgeable team,” said Geoff Ridgeon, Head of Sales at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“Both Dan and Katie add a great passion and energy to the team, and we can’t wait to continue building relationships and sharing knowledge with agents,” he added.

Based in Yorkshire, Scott is the newest Account Manager, tasked with looking after accounts across Central and Eastern England, stretching from Newcastle to East Anglia.

He brings with him seven years of experience, including previous roles at Hays and Thomas Cook, Fred. Olsen said.

“I am just at the start of my Fred. Olsen journey and cannot wait to see what the coming months and years bring. Right from the get-go I have been made to feel incredibly welcome. You can really tell it’s a company that cares about its people,” he said.

“How exciting it is to be working for one of the best cruise companies out there,” Scott added.

Based in Shropshire, Hughes has joined as an Account Executive and will work with key agent partners to elevate sales.

With more than five years of travel experience, including working onboard cruise ships, she has a wealth of knowledge and passion for cruise, Fred. Olsen said.

“There is something very special about working for a brand that has been sailing for 175 years and is steeped in family history,” Hughes stated.

“They are continuing to push the boundaries with new exciting and comprehensive itineraries which take guests to all corners of the globe, and I am thrilled to become part of this fantastic company,” she concluded.

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