fred olsen cruise norway fjords

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Norway and the fjords that dot this magnificent Scandinavian coastline truly are an unforgettable sight. The breath-taking views that you will experience while you wind your way through snow-capped mountains will prepare you for what you will see as you reach remote picturesque villages. The endless summer sunshine provides you with every opportunity to take in the indescribable surroundings. Some cruises venture as far as the North Cape and Honningsvagg and from there only the Svalbard Islands stand between you and the North Pole.

Capture your opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Alta is home to the world's first Northern Light observatory, earning the city the title 'Town of the Northern Lights', so you could be no better placed to see this spectacular natural phenomenon if luck is on your side.

Bergen is called the "Gateway to the Fjords," as it is a great launching point for a tour of nature's Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord. This city has a wonderful mix of architectural styles that add to its 18th-century charm.

Lying at the head of Aurlandsfjord, the small village of Flaam is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, isolated farmsteads and waterfalls. Flaam also boasts the extraordinary Flaamsbanen. One of the most dramatic train rides in Europe, the Flaamsbanen takes an hour to cover 12 miles, hugging cliffs, plunging through tunnels and pausing for its passengers to admire the views as it ascends the Flaam Valley to a desolate mountain plateau.

Geiranger is one of the most loved fjords due to the dramatic views it offers -  of the sheer cliffs from the sea and of the picturesque town from a number ofhigh vantage points. Nearby Loen is another breathtaking spot, where the Skylift can take you amove the mist and clouds to another world.

Tromso is the most northern of Norway's rugged islands; Tromso possesses the true wonders of the polar environment: glistening glacial ridges, the icy clear waters of Lake Prestvatn, even windswept valleys where reindeer roam free. Amidst the beauty, there is fascinating history to be found as well, from ancient northern settlements to signs of sacrificial sites and cults that pre-date Christianity.

Whether you arrive on board a cruise ship or choose a land tour of the Norwegian Fjords, adventures await at every turn. You can raise the heart rate with a husky sled experience or RIB ride, or take things easy with an authentic fishing trip or glacier walk.

Norwegian Fjords Factfile

• Sogne fjord stretches over a distance of 204 kilometers and is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway. It was an important trading route during the Viking Era since it connected the villages of Sogn and Bergen
• Geiranger fjord, popular for its 'Seven Sisters waterfall' was listed as a world heritage site in 2005 by UNESCO
• In year 2,000, coral reefs were found on the base of the fjords. This enhanced their profile as a major ecosystem. Coral reef is home to plankton, coral, anemones, fish, several species of shark, and many more
• Hjørund fjord takes the tag of being the most beautiful fjord in the world for its sword-shaped peaks on either side
• Hardanger fjord is ideal for salmon fishing. For those who venture out here, you will be surprised by the number of fresh fruit orchards you find on its banks.
• At 250 meters in width, Naeroj fjord is the narrowest Fjord in the world
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As one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred. Olsen Travel provides outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our six distinct specialisms. Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your booking is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Wonders of Wanders

Travel, Food and Culture Content

Newcastle to Norway: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords with Fred. Olsen

We discovered the delights of two contrasting ports, stood captivated at the sight of incredible natural wonders and enjoyed scenic cruising through some of Norway’s awe-inspiring fjords. This is a 3-part series. Check out the other two posts here:  Bergen Cruise Port Guide  and  New to Cruising Tips .

The Norwegian fjords are some of nature’s symbols of beauty in the world. The fjords are masterpieces of unusual landscapes and spectacular scenery formed over millions of years of glacial activity. Some of these natural wonders, vibrant Bergen and tranquil Eidfjord were ours to experience on a 5-night cruise onboard Balmoral , the flagship of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

After an overnight sail from Newcastle – and a somewhat choppy turn on the North Sea – our encounters with the fjords began with a glide on the glassy waters of Lysefjord. Measuring over 40km from one end to the other, the light-coloured granite rocks in the rugged terrain inspire its name which translates to “light fjord”.

The scenery at Lysefjord was simply entrancing.

We sailed through in spellbound appreciation, marvelling at the mist-topped peaks, plunging waterfalls and mysterious rock formations from the comfort of the ship.

First Port of Call: Bergen

A full day in Bergen, Norway’s thriving second city, began early the next day.

There were a plethora of highlights to discover in the Hanseatic city. The 900-year-old UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, funicular ride to Mount Fløyen and the fish market were standouts. We even experienced one of Bergen’s 275 average days of rain per year. Talk about getting a taste of the city in its authentic element! More delights were still to come.

Pack more into your day with this Bergen cruise port guide. CLICK HERE to read more .

Second Port of Call: Eidfjord

From bustling Bergen, we sailed deep into Hardangerfjord – Norway’s second longest fjord – to Eidfjord. A welcome serenity presented itself as we realised what was missing: traffic, noise and people. The village has only 950 inhabitants. What Eidfjord lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in astonishing landscapes and rugged natural beauty.

With a free hour before our organised excursion, a turn on the sightseeing troll train was in order. The 50-minute ride took in Eidfjord’s natural, cultural and historical highlights – including Western Norway’s biggest selection of graves from the Iron and Viking ages. All the while, we swapped one lush scenery for the next. For those keen to embrace adventure on two wheels, the nearby tourist office offered bike hires for a small fee.

Finally, it was time for our organised tour. The first stop was the Hardangervidda Nature Centre. Featuring three interactive floors, aquariums and live exhibitions, it offered more fascinating insights into the nature and environment of Norway.

Continuing from there, we drove on the steep roads of the Måbødalen Valley before reaching the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Here, the cherry on the cake awaited in the arresting scenery and thundering sounds of Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most popular waterfalls.

Norway is, quite simply, one for the great outdoors.

Onboard life

Returning to the ship at the end of port days was a welcome respite. Venturing out of spacious staterooms revealed stylish bars, lounges and convivial spaces in the country house hotel style of Fred. Olsen. There were options to soak up the atmosphere in one of the premium dining venues, enrich your mind at the daily talks held in the Neptune Lounge or get in shape at the gym if so inclined.

Wining and dining

Food is a highlight on most journeys – and this cruise was no different. We started days off with a tasty breakfast catering to different palates, from fresh fruits to a hearty full English. Not ready to leave bed just yet? Opt to have a continental breakfast delivered directly to your stateroom. Lunchtime presented varied and interesting menus enriched by a selection of hot and cold options from the buffet. 

Balmoral  added flavour in the evenings with a pampering five-course à la carte feast. For a particularly memorable meal, speciality dining at The Grill is a top recommendation; available at a small supplement. Enjoying a premium experience here in view of the cascading Furebergfossen Waterfall in stunning Muarangerfjord was a highlight moment onboard.

Bringing the world closer…

Balmoral  is the flagship in Fred. Olsen’s approach to smaller-sized ocean cruising, which means you can relax onboard without feeling crowded. The atmosphere was warm and sociable, allowing for interactions with different people. Some of these interactions happened with two longtime cruisers from Manchester. They both twinkled with the glow of curiosity about the world that hadn’t waned – even far into their 70’s. The best part about our conversation? Their healthy approach to solo travel.

At our age, we don’t have time for anyone faffing about. We’d rather go on our own! Excerpt from a conversation with two travellers in their 70’s

Now that is sure to resonate with the increasing number of us learning to go solo, from Bath to Zadar and beyond. Plus, it’s a great lesson to leave your first cruise with, wouldn’t you say?

Got questions about taking your first cruise? Check out my New to Cruising Q&A for more tips and advice. Or, get in touch, and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

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11 comments.

[…] first port of call during this Norwegian fjords cruise, Bergen awaits with a rugged backdrop, colourful architecture, cobbled alleyways and a long history […]

Looks wonderful! I’ve actually never been on a cruise before so this is a great report to get the feel of it. Love the fjords!

Thanks from this newbie cruiser. Glad I could give a great report 😊. The fjords are simply beautiful!

This is interesting I’ve always have wanted to visit the Fjords. I just want to clarify was your cruise from Newcastle Upon Tyne in England? The reason I’m asking is that is my home city and I never knew about this. How much was your package with Fred Olsen?

Hi Alexandra, thanks for stopping by. It was Newcastle Upon Tyne indeed. Fred Olsen have some great itineraries from there, so that should be handy if you’re considering a fjords cruise from your home city. Have a look at this link for a feel of pricing/upcoming itineraries from Newcastle: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-newcastle There’s a 5nt one similar to the itinerary in this post, and a longer 9nt one that also sounds exciting.

[…] As the train pulls into Amsterdam Central station, I look through the window and stare wide-eyed at the number of bicycles chained to racks outside the station. There are rows and rows of them, and, quite simply, I have never seen so many bicycles at once. I may have skipped out on this quintessential Amsterdam ride on this trip, but I’m no stranger to two-wheeled discoveries, as you will see from my wanders in Croatia and Norway. […]

[…] Recommended read: Sailing the Norwegian Fjords with Fred. Olsen […]

[…] Cruising the Norwegian Fjords […]

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[…] 3-part series on my Norwegian fjords cruise adventure. Check out the other two posts in the series: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords and Bergen Cruise Port Guide. In this post, I answer questions from the WoW community on taking my […]

[…] Cruising The Norwegian Fjords […]

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CruiseMiss.com

Let me take you on a journey through the wonderful world of cruise!

Norwegian Fjords With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral sailed into Newcastle with the promise of a 5-night scenic cruising voyage to Norway, taking in 2 ports of call: Bergen and Eidfjord. I visited Norway a few years ago on a cruise; that particular itinerary was to the Arctic Circle and as you can imagine, it was rather cold! This cruise, however, would bring stunning scenery, warm days, superb food and a ship that has so much charm and character that I was reluctant to disembark in Port of Tyne, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves… I’ve not told you anything about the trip yet!

It was a wet and miserable day, but Balmoral was warm and inviting and I was desperate to get aboard. Check-in was swift and I was soon in my cabin, unpacking. I had a balcony cabin on Deck 6 and it was a lot bigger than I had expected- I was rather pleased, I have to say. Not only was there enough wardrobe storage, the cabin was also wide enough to allow me to keep my suitcase open on the floor without it being an obstruction – it was a 5-night cruise, I wasn’t going to unpack completely! My cabin also had the best air conditioning of any ship I have ever been on! I turned it down and it was instantly cold, I turned it up and it was instantly hot. I whinge and moan about one thing on every cruise and that’s the air con in the cabin, but this time I was a very happy cruiser. I hate nothing more than being too hot when I am trying to sleep, but Balmoral kept me nicely chilled.

Balmoral is traditional in many ways and that’s one of the things I love about the Fred. Olsen fleet as a whole. I can sit on the open deck and see the sea – it may sound ridiculous, but you don’t get that from a lot of cruise ships these days because they are bursting with this, that and everything in between. I spent every evening on Balmoral outside watching the world go by and I was in my absolute element. That is my happy place and the place where I can think, collect together my ideas and just enjoy being at one with the world. There’s nothing more peaceful than watching the sun set across the open ocean – or in this case, in a stunning Fjord where snow-capped mountains tower above you and remind you just how small you are in the world.

My main dining venue during the cruise was The Spey restaurant on Deck 10 and what superb views it offered! We were very lucky that our table was right at the back of the restaurant, set against the glass doors, so we almost had panoramic views. I’m jumping ahead a little now, but on the evening we left Eidfjord the views were absolutely beautiful. I have NEVER been in such awe of my surroundings as I was that night. The huge round windows in the restaurant became moving picture frames and it was just incredible. My pictures will never do it true justice, you really had to see it for yourself, but I’ve added a few below for you to see – yes, I managed to sneak outside so that my pictures weren’t taken through glass.

Our first port of call was Bergen and I was quite excited to head ashore and explore. I’d missed out on the port during a previous cruise thanks to Mother Nature throwing an almighty tantrum, but this time I made it, and off up Mount Fløyen I went. I was incredibly lucky as the day had started off quite damp and overcast, but by the time our coach arrived at the ticket office, the sun was out and the clouds had lifted considerably. Our group boarded the funicular and started the ascent. The views from the top were nothing short of breath-taking – as you’d expect at 1,000ft above sea level! I’m not good with heights and I was a little nervous on the train on the way up, but once at the top, I was transfixed with the scenery. We only had 30 minutes at the top of the mountain and ideally I would have liked longer to explore more and simply take my time, but by the time we left it was very busy! Our guide really did make the right call by going there first. Once back on the coach we had a drive around the city before heading back to the ship. I was going to go back out after lunch, but once again the clouds rolled in and it started raining quite hard, so I stayed in the dry and warmth of Balmoral – taking part in the afternoon quiz and getting a respectable 13 out of 20! I would definitely recommend a visit to Mount Fløyen if you are ever in Bergen, but ideally you should get there as soon as it opens and possibly do it on your own as opposed to an organised excursion. I’m told there are some beautiful walks you can do through woodland and past lakes, so if you like the outdoors then this is definitely ideal for you.

Our second port of call was Eidfjord and I’d not planned anything here, I just wanted to walk around and enjoy this very small Norwegian town. Before leaving the ship, I went out on deck to get a birds-eye view of where we were and I felt as if I were docked right in the middle of a toy town – that’s the only way I can describe Eidfjord. A very beautiful toy town. Mountains with waterfalls towered above us, it really was a spectacle. If it had been a warm day, I would have spent our time there just sitting on the grass next to the ship. It’s a place you could probably sit for hours and not be bored because every direction you turn you are greeted with something so incredibly beautiful. If you would prefer to do something more adventurous, then one attraction here is kayaking; A few people onboard went out on that excursion and said they absolutely loved it – so there’s an idea for you.

The food onboard Balmoral was delicious! Every evening the menu was exciting and there was always good variation between dishes. I ordered a pasta dish on my first evening aboard which was incredibly tasty, I do love pasta in a white sauce and aside from it making my taste buds happy, it was visually very pleasing. I had steak twice during the cruise – both were cooked exactly to my liking – and I had soup at just about every other opportunity. If there’s one thing you can’t go wrong with on Fred. Olsen it’s the soup!!

On my final evening aboard I dined at The Grill, Fred. Olsen’s specialty restaurant, which on Balmoral is located at the back of The Palms restaurant (when not warm enough to enjoy al fresco). It is £20pp to dine at The Grill, but it is definitely worth every penny. The menu is quite small, but for steak and seafood fans it’s more than enough. There are 4 starters to choose from, including lobster pasta (which was delightful) and beef carpaccio. As an entrée you can choose either an 8oz fillet (this was my choice), sirloin or rib-eye, or if seafood is your thing then the only choice you need to make is the grilled mixed seafood. Each main meal comes with your choice of 2 side dishes, including thick cut chips, grilled asparagus, garlic mushrooms and salad. If you still have room left after all of that, then I highly recommend the chocolate and orange Bavarian cream tart to finish.

Overall, the cruise was absolutely fantastic. It felt much longer than 5-nights and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The scenic aspect of the trip – which was a big selling point – didn’t disappoint, we were presented with some splendid sights, including the Furebergfoss Waterfall, which was magnificent. The water was thundering down the side of the fjord and there we were, on this huge ship, just sitting in front of it. Every day, there was something to see, even if it was just an oil platform in the North Sea, there was something to look at. Once we left the North Sea and got into the Fjords, it really was stunning. Several times, we simply just stopped in the middle of a Fjord and sat there for a while before doing a 360 degree turn and heading back out the way we came in.

Norway is such a beautiful country and no matter what time of year you visit, it offers captivating views and scenery. I’ve seen the country in 10 foot of snow and I’ve seen it in glorious, warm sunshine and both were equally impressive. The only criticism I have is that 5-nights with Fred. Olsen simply wasn’t long enough for me! 😉

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A residential cruise ship that's supposed to sail the world for 3 years has been stuck in Northern Ireland for 3 months

Villa Vie Odyssey was supposed to set sail on a global cruise from Belfast in May.

Problems with the ship mean it's been docked there for the past three months.

Some passengers are staying positive and using the delay to take trips elsewhere.

A residential cruise ship that was supposed to travel around the world has been stuck in Northern Ireland for the past three months.

Business Insider previously reported that the  Villa Vie Odyssey  was initially set to sail from Belfast in May. The ship has been docked there because it needed updating, as it's more than 30 years old. It was previously called the Braemar and operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Villa Vie has said issues such as the aging ship's rudder stocks and recertification have delayed its departure by three months.

The 509 cabins cost at least $100,000 each. The Odyssey is due to sail around the world every 3 ½ years , visiting 147 countries and 425 destinations en route.

While the ship is stuck in Belfast, passengers can go on board during the day but not stay on it overnight.

The cruise line's CEO, Mikael Petterson, told BI in an email on Thursday that Villa Vie had provided residents with hotels, other cruises, shore excursions, and trips to the likes of Spain, Liverpool, and Amsterdam.

It's also welcoming residents on board, "where they can get their rooms ready and connect with crew and fellow residents," he added. "It is great to see the relationships building and the community bonding as we are looking forward to the next 15 years of discovery."

One couple on the ship, Johan Bodin and Lanette Canen, previously told BI they'd traveled elsewhere during the delay, to the likes of Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

The couple said Villa Vie had also sent them on various excursions, including a trip to the Canary Islands and a cruise to the Norwegian fjords.

"We understand there are hiccups," Bodin told BI. "They're schmoozing us a bit to keep us happy. They're almost being too serviced-minded — I don't need to be pampered all the time."

Holly Hennessey, from Florida, told BBC News: "We can have all of our meals, and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock."

Angela and Stephen Theriac told the outlet they'd spent the delay traveling around Spain by train, visiting Greenland, and taking weekend trips to England.

"We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast," Angela Theriac told the BBC.

"We have eaten in every restaurant and had a Guinness in every pub," her husband added. "It is just all part of our adventure."

Angela Theriac previously told BI she and her husband had started decorating their floating condo with "personal touches," adding: "Our room is our bedroom, and the ship is our home."

Petterson, Villa Vie's CEO and founder, told BI, "We are going through the last few surveys and expect to launch within the next week."

He added that sea trials were scheduled for Monday.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Sun-Kissed Islands of Madeira & the Canaries

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights.

Soak up some winter warmth on this eight-night escape as you hop between sun-kissed islands. You'll have opportunities to explore Madeira's vibrant botanical gardens, relax on the Canaries' sandy beaches, and stroll palm tree-lined promenades. In La Gomera, you can discover the unique Silbo language. Meanwhile, Funchal is perfect for sampling the Madeiran way of life, from sipping local wines to experiencing Bailinho folk dance and music. Each island features volcanic vistas that showcase the raw power of nature, particularly La Palma, home to Cumbre Vieja's active craters, Teneguía's dramatic landscapes, and the ancient Caldera de Taburiente, a massive crater with lush scenery and rugged beauty.

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Life On Board

Introducing borealis.

Sister ship to Bolette , Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world. 

Sister-ship to Bolette , Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 18:00 29/08/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 18:00 29/08/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Borealis ' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Borealis ' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis ' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.

Premier Suite (PS)

Borealis ' Premier Suites are located on Bridge deck, and have a private balcony.

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Borealis ' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on Bridge deck.

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis , with a private balcony and sitting area.

Terrace Cabin (TC)

Borealis ' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.

Terrace Adapted Cabin (TCD)

Borealis ' Terrace Adapted Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.

Ocean View (F)

Borealis ' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on Marina & Coral deck.

Ocean View (E)

Situated on Marina & Coral deck, E Grade Ocean View cabins have a picture window.

Ocean View (D)

Situated on Marina & Coral deck, D Grade Ocean View cabins have a picture window.

Superior Ocean View (C)

Borealis ' C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a picture window.

Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)

CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.

Last few cabins remaining!

Superior Ocean View (B)

B Grade Superior Ocean View cabins on Borealis are situated on Promenade deck.

Superior Ocean View Wheelchair Adapted Cabin (BD)

BD Grade Superior Ocean View Adapted cabins are on Highland deck and Promenade deck, with a picture window.

Interior Cabin (I)

Located on Marina, Coral & Promenade deck, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.

Interior Cabin (H)

H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.

Superior Interior Cabin (G)

G Grade Superior Interior cabins on Borealis are on decks Promenade & Highland deck..

Single Interior Cabin (N)

Borealis ' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.

Single Superior Interior Cabin (M)

M Grade Single Superior Interior cabins on Borealis are on Bridge deck.

Single Ocean View (K)

Borealis ' K Grade Single Ocean View cabins have large picture windows.

Single Balcony Suite (JB)

Borealis ' Single Balcony Suites, located on highland deck, have a private balcony.

From £2,698.50

From £3,148.25

From £1,798.50

From £1,573.25

From £1,499

What's Included

So much already included.

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Dining & Lounges

• À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Daily buffet dining options
• Late night Supper Club
• Afternoon tea
• Self-service tea & coffee
• In-cabin dining & snacks
• Evening shows
• Live music & dancing
• Dance classes
• Lectures & talks
• Cookery demonstrations
• Traditional deck games
• Daily games & quizzes

Relaxation & Fitness

• Swimming Pools
• Fitness Centre
• Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

Need Some Help?

Take a look at our faqs, what do i pack for a cruise.

The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.

Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?

Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.

What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?

On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.

I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?

Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat. 

How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?

Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.