Jeannine Williamson experiences the intrigue and excitement of a Fred. Olsen mystery cruise
As we gathered for the sail-away party with a glass of celebratory Champagne in hand, and the city of Portsmouth faded into the distance, Cruise Director Anthony Cranny picked up the microphone.
“I’d like to welcome you aboard for our trip to the Caribbean,” he announced, before hastily adding: “Oh no, I’ve given it away!” The laughter from my fellow passengers was infectious, and set the tone for the rest of the trip.
Imagine sailing on a cruise where the only thing that’s certain is the unknown. This is the allure of a mystery cruise – an experience that adds an exciting twist to a seafaring holiday.
I embarked on a five-night mystery cruise, with my silver traveller friend Diane, aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis. The itinerary? A complete surprise. The only information we were given in advance was that we’d visit two ports – but where exactly, nobody knew.
From the moment we stepped aboard, we sensed the buzz of anticipation in the air. Only the captain and a handful of crew members were in the know, and very adept at keeping a secret even when questioned by curious guests. The rest of the staff were as equally clueless – in the nicest sense – as the passengers.
Information screens around the ship displayed the global positions of Bolette and Balmoral, the two other ships in Fred.’s fleet, but Borealis was simply shown as “cruising”.
The next morning, during a day at sea, there were no pointers at the traditional noon briefing, which usually provides a vessel’s location, course and distance to the next port.
Instead, Captain Mikael Degerlund said, with a serious tone of voice: “We are in a mystery position, and this is very good weather for crossing the Bay of Biscay.”
After a small frisson of concern, given the bay is notoriously rough in autumn and wintertime, I quickly realised – along with any other passengers taken in by the joke – that we wouldn’t have enough time to reach Spain or Portugal.
While some guests tried to solve the mystery by poring over atlases in the library, I was content to sit back and let the adventure unfold. To add to the enigma, maps on the TV infotainment system in the cabin were also disabled, and the position of Borealis was replaced with a large question mark.
It was only when we finally docked in Zeebrugge, followed by Hamburg, that information about the destinations were displayed in the atrium. It was a clever touch, keeping us on our toes right until the very end.
Another fun aspect of a mystery cruise is that advance details of the shore excursions are just as covert as the places visited. Prior to the sailing we received a brochure providing cryptic clues about the available tours. One of the excursions promised visits to “key locations commemorating a tumultuous period” – which turned out to be a moving trip to Ypres and the surrounding war memorials in Flanders. Another hinted at discovering how a port got its nickname, which led us to explore Hamburg, Germany’s biggest seaport and so-called ‘Gateway to the World’.
Ahead of the sailing, Diane and I both hazarded a guess at where we might end up. I wondered if we might go round-Britain or hop across to Ireland. So all credit to my savvy shipmate who correctly guessed Zeebrugge, the gateway to beautiful Bruges, and Hamburg.
Admittedly, it was tricky to select excursions ahead of time. Not knowing where the full-day tour would go (it turned out to be the one to Ypres), I opted for a couple of the shorter ones. I wasn’t disappointed and enjoyed the coach trip which circled around Bruges and included a stroll through the charming town of Damme. In Hamburg, a walking tour of the city’s different districts gave me the chance to explore a port I’d never visited before, including the shopping centre attached to the brand new cruise terminal.
Selecting excursions is a shot in the dark based on the information provided, so it’s best to consider what suits your style. Choose a scenic coach tour if you want to take it easy, or a walking tour if you prefer to be active.
If you’re a solo silver traveller, a mystery cruise is a fantastic ice-breaker and the 1,360-passenger Borealis is a really friendly ship, with dedicated get-togethers and activities for singles. At shared tables, any awkwardness surrounding initial small talk quickly evaporated as everyone began discussing their theories about where Borealis might be heading. Elsewhere, conversations sparked effortlessly – over breakfast in the buffet, during afternoon tea (and for a real treat book the special tea served against the backdrop of live classical music in the Observatory Lounge), or even while working out in the gym.
I found myself chatting to passengers who were determined to crack the mystery, leaning in with the air of amateur detectives as they whispered their guesses. Everyone was eager to share their predictions, making for lively and entertaining conversations.
The great thing about a mystery cruise is anyone can enjoy it. Whether you’re a seasoned Fred. Olsen regular or a first-timer cruiser. The excitement of the unknown creates a unique camaraderie.
For those who struggle to choose between the many cruise options available, or agonise over the best destinations to visit, a mystery cruise removes all the stress. It’s a great option for spontaneous travellers. A mutual friend of Diane’s only heard about the cruise a week before departure – when she told her about it – and decided to join at the last minute, bringing along her daughter. They both had an amazing time, loving the unpredictability of it all.
Borealis is heading off on another clandestine cruise on October 16, 2026. The nine-night round-trip from Southampton will visit ports not featured on any other Fred. Olsen itinerary during the year. I’m very tempted to sign up.
Find out more
To book a mystery cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines or get further information from our Silver Travel Advisors call 08400 412 5678.
