Life On Board Fred Olsen River Cruises

Fred. Olsen River Cruises

Step aboard Brabant, Fred. Olsen’s dedicated river cruising ship. Built in 2006, this elegant and comfortable vessel is in keeping with the British style of our ocean-going cruise ships. Brabant’s bright and spacious public areas and 79 well-equipped rooms and suites, spread across four decks, provide the intimate, home-from-home feel which Fred. Olsen’s guests already know and love.

Cruise ship staples such as swimming pools, a number of lounges and on-going activities are not in evidence on board, making way for a comfortable ambience and ample space in which to relax and enjoy the river cruise experience with around 150 fellow guests. What's more, Brabant’s friendly, attentive crew speak English and guests can pay in pound sterling on board, while the food and fantastic service have been specifically tailored to suit British taste. 

No matter which incredible Fred. Olsen river cruise you choose you’re in for a very special experience aboard Brabant.

Accommodation

You’re sure to settle in straight away aboard Brabant, thanks to the ship’s comfortable and contemporary accommodation. Each bedroom features cherry wood interiors, stylish décor and generous storage space to ensure you feel relaxed and right at home from the moment you step on board.

Juliette balconies and panoramic windows are a welcome feature in many of the rooms – perfect for admiring gorgeous river scenery from the comfort of your own space. A wide range of in-room facilities include a large flat-screen TV, complementary Wi-Fi, individual climate control, an in-room safe and a well-equipped en suite bathroom, all provided to make your stay relaxing and stress-free.

There are two thoughtfully designed Suites on Mozart Deck, complete with a long sofa, minibar (payable), desk, cabinet and more room to stretch out. The Suites come with a bathtub and complimentary bathrobe and slippers too, allowing you to indulge and unwind in style after exploring ashore.

Dining

Great food has become synonymous with a Fred. Olsen cruise and, like on their ocean-going ships, the quality and variety of the cuisine on board Brabant is sure to be a highlight of your holiday.

In the morning you can wake up with 'Early Riser' coffee, tea and pastries, all before tucking into a hearty breakfast buffet. At lunch, you have the option to indulge with three delicious courses, supplemented by a variety of buffet options, in the Panorama Restaurant. Mid-afternoon the Panorama Lounge will serve up a sweet-tooth-satisfying Afternoon Tea to help refuel after a morning of exploration. The crowning moment is sure to be the sumptuous five-course à la carte dinner, served every evening in the Panorama Restaurant. To round the day off, late-night snacks are available for those who are – somehow – still peckish. What's more, all this is included in your cruise price.

The carefully crafted lunch and dinner menus feature a few classic favourites and vegetarian options too, as well as regional dishes inspired by the stunning destinations on your itinerary. Should you have any special dietary requests, simply let us know at the time of booking – Fred. Olsen will do their utmost to ensure your needs are met wherever possible.

And, on top of all the above which is included in the price of our River Cruises – we can offer you a great value Dining Drinks Upgrade package. For £15 per person, per night, you can enjoy as much red and white house wines, European lager, bitter and branded soft drinks at lunch and dinner as you like.

Example Menu

                                          Starters

Salmon Trio | Carpaccio, tartar, California roll, wasabi crème fraiche & soya dip

Tomato Essence & Spinach Ravioli | Sun dried tomatoes, asparagus

Cream of Hokkaido Pumpkin | Served with brioche croutons

                                           Main Courses

Truffle Scented Chicken Cassoulet | Puff pastry, tarragon, Chateaubriand & Red wine gravy, potato soufflé & seasoned vegetables

Grilled Sea Bass | served with spicy sea grass, stuffed onion & garlic sauce

Polenta Cake & Black Sesame | Served with Provençal vegetables & shaved parmesan

                                             Desserts

Bittersweet Chocolate Pot De Crème | Served with a pineapple-mint salsa

Cheese & Crackers | Served with grapes, nuts & a fruit chutney

Bar & Lounge

Brabant's bar and lounge are perfect for enjoying some peaceful relaxation with family and new-found friends as the boat glides slowly along beautiful rivers and by postcard-perfect scenery.

There’s the Amadeus Club, where you can sit back and take in unforgettable scenery with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee – which is available 24 hours a day – in hand, browse a small selection of books and newspapers, or play cards, games and puzzles. You can even catch up on your emails and social media on one of the desktop computers.

When the weather's fine, you can grab a drink from the Lido Bar out on Sun Deck before retiring to one of the many sun chairs to soak up the scenery and sunshine.

The Panorama Bar and Lounge is always a great place to relax, enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple and socialise, however it’s in the evenings when this stylish venue on Mozart Deck really comes to life. Gentle live entertainment rounds off each day here, with performances from singers, pianists and other musicians, complemented by specially-chosen regional acts where available.

Activities & Entertainment

While Fred. Olsen river cruises focus on unforgettable scenic cruising and time exploring inspirational destinations to provide the most rewarding experience possible, you're sure to find that Brabant has plenty to keep you entertained throughout your time on board.

During the day you might choose to relax at the Amadeus Club, a good spot for peaceful relaxation, with books, newspapers, playing cards, games and puzzles, plus self-service tea and coffee available around the clock. Alternatively, you might prefer to spend your time out on the Sun Deck, perhaps relaxing with a drink from the Lido Bar in hand, or even trying your hand at shuffleboard and giant chess.

As the sun sets, attention turns to the stylish Panorama Bar for gentle live entertainment, including classic and contemporary singers, pianists and other musicians, complemented by specially sourced regional acts (where available). You're sure of a pleasant evening, enjoyed in the warm company of like-minded guests.

Facilities and Amenities

The time you spend on board Brabant should be relaxing and carefree from the moment you embark, which is why this river ship features everything you need to refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul and make the most of your well-earned time away from the stress and strains back home.

The Sun Deck is a great place to enjoy fresh air, top-up your tan and take in breath-taking scenery on one of the many sun chairs, perhaps with a drink from the Lido Bar in hand. For the ultimate indulgence, you might want to treat yourself to a soothing massage or luxurious bath experience at the Vital Club on Haydn Deck. Next door to the Vital Club is the Hair Salon, where you can perfect your current look or perhaps try something new at the hands of the expert stylist.

If you want to ensure you stay in shape during your river cruise, you can do so at Brabant’s on board Fitness Room. It’s open around the clock, so you can work out to your heart’s content and at a time that suits you. You can also hire one of Brabant's bicycles for a leisurely bike ride ashore – it’s a great way to keep fit while exploring the charming towns, cities and villages on your itinerary.

Fred. Olsen's Enjoyment Promise

If you favour a welcoming, 'home-from-home' atmosphere; friendly, smiling staff; and like-minded guests with whom you can share a story or two; you'll likely find Fred. Olsen to your taste. You don't have to take their word for it though; they are so confident that you'll like cruising with them that they offer their Enjoyment Promise as standard. 

Simply book at least 12 weeks in advance and if you find that it's not for you within 24 hours of sailing, just let them know and they promise to arrange and pay for your flight back to the UK from the next port and repay the cost of your cruise. Peace of mind and relaxation start the moment you choose Fred. Olsen.