We’re delighted to introduce you to Brabant, Fred. Olsen’s first-ever dedicated river cruising boat. Built in 2006, this elegant and comfortable vessel is in keeping with the fleet 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. There is a comfortable ambience and ample space in which to relax and enjoy the river cruise experience with around 150 fellow guests. Smaller-sized and classically designed, Brabant lends herself perfectly to Fred. Olsen's approach to cruising. Making the most of the boat's size advantage, we can expertly craft simply unforgettable river cruise itineraries which not only feature some of Europe's most breathtaking river scenery and cities, but also include chances to enjoy journeys along spellbinding, size-restricted sections of rivers and calls into stunning destinations that larger boats can't access. No matter which incredible Fred. Olsen river cruise you choose you’re in for a very special experience aboard Brabant.

Facilities on board

Entertainment

With so much time in port, river boats tend to have less activities on offer than ocean ships. However, despite Brabant being little smaller than many other river boats, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to keep you entertained throughout the time you spend on board.

During the day you might choose to relax at the Amadeus Club, where you can play cards, games and challenge yourself with brain-teasing puzzles; lose yourself in a good book; and browse the internet to catch up with the latest news, or friends and family at home. Or of course you could simply sit back and marvel at the ever-changing countryside scenery with a cup of tea or coffee in hand.

Alternatively, you might prefer to spend your time out on the Sun Deck, where you can take in spectacular views over a drink from the Lido Bar; top up your tan on one of the many sun chairs; or even try your hand at shuffleboard and giant chess.

In the evening, be sure to take a seat at the stylish Panorama Bar to enjoy gentle live entertainment from a host of talented performers. Whether you’ve spent the day sailing along beautiful rivers or exploring ashore in a captivating town or city, you’re sure to savour soothing sounds of singers, pianists and other musicians here.

Food and Drink

Great food has become synonymous with a Fred. Olsen cruise, and like our 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 – we’ll do our utmost to ensure your needs are met wherever possible.

*All meals are open seating. Evening dinner is one sitting, normally at 7.30pm.

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.

Recreational

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 the boat’s complimentary bicycles and enjoy a leisurely bike ride ashore – it’s a great way to keep fit while exploring the charming towns, cities and villages on your itinerary.

Relaxation

The time you spend on board Brabant should be relaxing and carefree from the moment you embark, which is why the river boat 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 breathtaking 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.

Ship statistics

• Occupancy: 156
• Length: 360ft