The Fred Olsen Borealis, joining the fleet in 2020, accommodates up to 1,338 guests to a classic cruise experience with a modern twist. With 690 cabins and spacious public areas, this sister ship to Bolette offers an intimate, English-inspired voyage, featuring exceptional reception areas, dining venues, entertainment options, accommodations, and hospitality services tailored for relaxation and exploration.
Guests can anticipate a traditional yet approachable cruise, with the ship’s smaller size fostering a sense of community. The fare includes dining in main venues, most entertainment, and daily activities, allowing travellers to focus on relaxation. Options like the Atlantis Spa, heated pool, or pickleball cater to diverse interests, while The Flower Shop offers bouquets to personalise cabins. The Earth Room and Botanical Room provide serene spaces for learning about nature, and the ship’s English charm, with afternoon tea and formal nights, adds classic appeal.
Borealis delivers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. From the warm welcome in the Grand Hall to the crew’s attentive service, guests feel valued. The ship’s layout, with spaces like the Observatory for scenic views or the Morning Light Pub for socialising, encourages connection or quiet relaxation. Whether dining in elegant restaurants, enjoying a show in the Neptune Lounge, or unwinding in a spacious suite, the experience blends traditional English cruising with modern comforts tailored to individual preferences.
Reception Areas: A Warm Welcome
The Grand Hall, a three-storey atrium with an intricate astrolabe sculpture, greets guests with elegant wood accents and soft lighting. The nearby Guest Services desk provides seamless assistance for bookings or queries, while the Morning Light Pub, with its traditional English pub décor and comfortable seating, offers a cosy spot for drinks and live music. The Observatory on Deck 9, with panoramic windows and plush seating, provides a tranquil space for enjoying scenic views or planning the day.
Dining: A Culinary Range
Borealis offers complimentary dining venues catering to diverse tastes. The Aurora and Borealis Restaurants, two-tiered venues with classical décor, serve a five-course à la carte menu with regional dishes and daily-changing options, offering fixed or open seating. The View on Deck 8 provides a casual buffet for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with al fresco seating overlooking the aft. Specialty restaurants, Vasco and Colours & Tastes, offer Indian and Asian fusion cuisine for a fee, featuring dishes like Goan curries. The Poolside Café serves light snacks by the sun deck, and The Bookmark Café offers premium coffee and pastries. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are available at The View.
Entertainment: Engaging and Varied
Entertainment caters to a range of interests. The two-tiered Neptune Lounge hosts daytime talks by guest speakers on topics like wildlife or history, transforming into a theatre for evening shows by the Show Company, featuring music and comedy. The Auditorium offers cooking demonstrations with regional dishes, allowing guests to sample creations. The Piano Bar provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and live piano music, while the Lido Bar offers a lively poolside atmosphere. The Observatory becomes a lively evening venue with live bands, and the Card Room caters to bridge and board game enthusiasts. Guests can also enjoy shuffleboard or arts and crafts at The Olsen Art Studio.
Accommodation: Spacious and Comfortable
Borealis’ 690 cabins, ranging from 182 to 1,275 square feet, include 232 suites, 39 balcony cabins, 346 oceanviews, and 125 interiors. Interior cabins offer cosy retreats with en-suite bathrooms, interactive TVs, and tea/coffee facilities. Ocean View cabins feature large picture windows or portholes. Terrace Cabins provide direct Promenade Deck access, while Premier Suites and the Olsen Suite, with a king-size bed, separate living and dining areas, and a private balcony, include the Suite Dreams package with priority services. Over 50 single cabins and 26 wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity. All cabins feature binoculars for scenic cruising.
Hospitality: Attentive and Personalised
With a high crew-to-guest ratio, Borealis delivers warm, attentive service. Stewards provide daily housekeeping and turndown, while suite guests enjoy the Suite Dreams package with added amenities like priority check-in. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are available at The View, with 24-hour room service for all cabins. The crew accommodates dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and the Destination Services desk assists with shore excursions. A user-friendly app provides access to daily schedules and cabin accounts, enhancing convenience.
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