Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

It all started in the 1960’s, when RNLI volunteer Howard Bell and his wife Poppy started fundraising onboard a Fred. Olsen cruise ships.

Since then, our relationship has grown and the generosity of Fred. Olsen passengers and crews has made a lifesaving difference at the RNLI.

Fred. Olsen passengers and crews have funded five inshore lifeboats over the years, including the ‘Pride of Fred. Olsen’ Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which joined the RNLI’s relief fleet in 2018.

As well as the funding of lifeboats, Fred. Olsen and their guests have also funded

• three mobile training units

• three seminar rooms at The College, Poole

• the development and funding of three lifeboat launching trolleys.

In 2019, Fred. Olsen turned their attention to funding the RNLI’s mobile Diver Health Kiosks, encouraging divers of all ages to be aware of their cardiac health. This is a valuable, potentially life-saving resource, as it gives divers an opportunity to assess their health status before undertaking strenuous diving activity.

Public Relations Manager for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Rachael Jackson says: 'Fundraising for the RNLI has become an institution on all our ships, and it is very rewarding to know that the generosity of our passengers and crew has achieved so much this year.'

Fred. Olsen are currently fundraising towards RNLI apprenticeships at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset, to help give young people the opportunity to learn specialist skills, as well as supporting the future sustainability of the RNLI’s boatbuilding capabilities. 

Community Safety Manager Nick Fecher says: ‘As a charity, we depend on donations and we’re so grateful for the generosity of Fred. Olsen and their guests.’

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines pride themselves on providing a very personal service on their four distinctive vessels: Braemar, Black Watch, Boudicca and Balmoral. So, if you are planning a cruise, don’t forget that when you sail with Fred. Olsen, you can help raise money for the RNLI too.

For further information visit the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website.