Formally serving in the Holland America fleet under the name Rotterdam as an extremely popular ship due to her stylish design and medium size, Borealis lives up to her new name, giving 1,404 lucky passengers the chance to take in the wonders of the Northern Lights in Fred. Olsen’s classic yet modern take on luxury. Offering itineraries departing from as close to home as Liverpool, guests won't have to travel far to enjoy the comfort and adventure of a Fred. Olsen cruise.
Top Borealis Deals
The ship in numbers
- Launched 1997
- Tonnage 61849
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 26
- Decks 9
- Lifts 12
- Pools 2
- Restaurants 6
- Formal nights Yes
- Adult only Yes
- Maximum capacity 1,404
- Crew 615
- Refurbished 2020
What's onboard
Dining
Serving up delightful Fred. Olsen cuisine at all its restaurants, you'll love each and every meal during your time onboard Borealis. If you're looking for an elegant and sophisticated venue perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the two-tiered main dining room invites you inside, where you'll be treated to world-class service by the dedicated crew. What's more, with plenty of other restaurants to choose from, including both speciality and those included in your fare, you'll be able to try a different menu each night of your holiday.
Entertainment
No cruise holiday would be complete without evenings spent soaking up the entertainment options, and with Fred. Olsen's Borealis you'll be delighted by what's on offer. As well as live performances at the theatre, you'll also find culinary demonstrations which show off some of the best foods and wines from ports of call you'll visit during your journey.
Meanwhile, if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink, you'll find plenty of bars and lounges, with a range of venues- from cosy to lively and late-night- meaning you'll find somewhere to suit your mood. What's more, if you're feeling truly daring, why not head to the casino and try your luck on the games tables and slot machines?
Things to do
When it comes to making the most out of your time at sea onboard Borealis, guests won't be disappointed by the variety of ways in which they can spend their down time. Alongside getting to know other guests, admiring the views from the deck and exploring the ship, be sure to book in a session at the spa where you'll find treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and even a thermal spa. Alternatively, for those who want to relax without the additional cost of the spa, the all-weather pool is the ideal spot, with loungers and a retractable roof meaning you can wind down and let the afternoon pass you by.
Borealis Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Borealis
What a wonderful cruise with Fred Olsen, it was are first time sailing with them and we can highly recommend the company and the cruise. The ship itself is easy to get around, spotless clean. Staff are extremely friendly & helpful. Food choice plenty and very good, definitely something for everyone to choose from. The cabins are adequate, beds very comfortable. We would say not enough plug sockets. Low pressure on the shower but sufficient to wash with. We went on 3 tours, well organised and ran on time. Good knowledgeable guides. There was plenty of activities to do and lots of different areas on the ship to relax. The evening shows were of the West End 🎠standard, the crew worked extremely hard to put these shows on and we really appreciated them. We would highly recommend the holiday
A nice ship and a good size -ie small! Lovely crew.
Excellent cruise in all respects.
Fed's standards never fail to impress. Their immaculate, friendly crew are the best on the seas. Nothing is too much trouble or beyond their capabilities. Service with ten smiles. Superb meals with so much choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on Borealis?
You can choose from standard Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, alongside a selection of spacious, premium Suites.
Families and Kids
Is Borealis family-friendly?
No, this is an exclusively adult-only ship. Guests must be 18 or older to sail.
Does Borealis have waterslides?
No, this ship does not have waterslides. The ship does have one main swimming pool and two hot tubs.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on Borealis?
Enjoy complimentary, multi-course meals in the elegant Main Dining Room, or visit the casual buffet for relaxed, flexible dining.
What speciality dining is there on Borealis?
The ship offers premium dining venues like steakhouses, Italian trattorias, or Asian-fusion restaurants. Cover charges usually apply.
Itineraries
Which ports does Borealis usually sail out of?
The ship typically sails from UK ports such as Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, or Newcastle.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard Borealis?
Its scenic cruising abilities and the two-tiered, grand main dining room.
