On 2026 sailings selected house beer (by the glass), selected red, white and rosé wine (by the glass), and draught soft drinks, included with lunch and dinner. Available with waiter service only in selected venues, including the main, buffet and speciality restaurants. Non-alcoholic options are also available
Tips
Tips are now included in the Freedom Fare for 2026 sailings and beyond.
Entertainment
Choose from a variety of things to entertain yourself including restaurants, bars, theatre, pools and much more.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
Accommodation
Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.
Port Fees & Taxes
No surprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price.
Extras
Wi-fi
If you would like to use the internet onboard you can add a package from £8.50 - £12 per day depending on the length of the cruise. This can be added to your package after booking.
Speciality Dining
Specialty restaurants allow travellers to enhance their dining experience during the cruise. This is a great way to add variety to your holiday or celebrate a special occasion. You can pay for meals in the special dining restaurants onboard.
Excursions
If you would like to do any excursions/tours while docked these will be an additional charge. Excursions/tours can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package. Alternatively these can be bought while on the ship but may be more expensive than pre-booking.
Parking
Car parking at the port or airport for the duration of your trip is not included within the price of the cruise. Port/airport parking can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add this to your package. An approximate cost for parking is between £12 - £20 per car per day. Alternatively we can arrange transfers from your home to the departure airport/port.
Insurance
Have the peace of mind that you're covered. Contact us after you have made the booking if you would like us to add this to your package.
Transfers (home to port)
Transfers from your home to the port or airport aren't included but we can help organise coach transfers, taxis etc to make your life easier. Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package.
Visa
Visas are not provided by us or the cruise operator. Visas and other travel documents have to be obtained by the individual passengers prior to sailing.
Ship Facilities
Borealis - By Fred. Olsen
Good for couplesOver 50sInformal
Year: 1997
·
Refurbished: 2020
·
10 Decks
·
Max capacity: 1,404 people
To book an accessible cabin, please give us a call
020 3991 1166
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Borealis
4.5
Based on 133 reviews
Cabin
5
Service
5
Excursions
4
Dining
5
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
4
The ship was a good size to get around easily the food was great some of the best tasting afternoon tea in the buffet restaurant the entertainment was good and the big shows got better as the cruise went on
The only poor part of the cruise was the pool area basically it was cold some times very cold to the point that the staff had to wear winter coats with hods up and there is a very good restaurant in the pool area as well
couple
10+ cruises
31 Dec 2025
Nice, smaller ship with great service & attention to detail.
The staff really were great, and most that we spoke to, had worked for Fred Olsen for many years.
The food was excellent in the restaurant & buffet & near the pool. But the speciality restaurant was a disappointment!
When I found what looked like a hair in my starter, the waiter enquired & I was visited by the chef, the Maitre'd & the food manager! All putting my mind at rest that it was only a coconut fibre! They took it very seriously, which was very reassuring.
Our cabin on deck 1 was much bigger than we expected, and had plenty of storage. The cabin steward serviced the room twice each day!
Overall the service on this cruise was much better than on the newer ships of P&O & MSC.
The itinerary, to the Baltic Christmas markets was somewhere different, where we hadn't previously visited. Very good
couple
10+ cruises
23 Dec 2025
Very pleasant ship, good size superior outside cabin and larger shower cubicle (part glass door). Staff friendly and helpful. Food always good( including Christmas Dinner on one of the formal nights. )
Entertainment and staff vey good.
We love smaller ships for ease of getting around and found Borealis and Balmorral previously) easy to navigate. Ship very clean and would definitely look to book with Fred Olsen cruises again.
couple
10+ cruises
23 Dec 2025
Great cruise Great ship. Great crew. Good food. Will Go again.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Talk to a Cruise Expert
Our cruise experts will help you pick the perfect cruise line, ship and destination.
We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
Nestled in the north of England, Liverpool is home to an extensive maritime history, having been one of the country's most vital maritime centres since the 18th century. As well as the museums and docks, music enthusiasts will love the Beatles Story Museum and the world-famous Cavern Club. A walking tour of this vibrant city will allow you to truly soak up its cultural highlights, as well as Hope Street, a must-visit for delectable cuisine and classic pubs.
Things to do in Liverpool:
Royal Albert Dock
A vibrant waterfront with a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, shops and other attractions, the Royal Albert Dock is situated in the heart of the city. The ultimate destination to visit when in Liverpool, it’s also host to an array of events throughout the year that’s suitable for all the family.
Sefton Park
A beautiful 235 acre, Grade 1 historic nature park with breathtaking scenery, Sefton Park is a popular, award-winning attraction that features statues, caves, a bandstand, and a large greenhouse amongst other attractions.
Tate Liverpool
An art gallery and museum, the Tate Liverpool has a large collection of artworks and events throughout the year. Located in the Royal Albert Dock, this attraction is well worth a visit for those that love art; from contemporary to classic pieces.
At Sea
DAY 2-4
15 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
Praia da Vitoria
DAY 5
18 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
A vibrant municipality in Portugal, Praia da Vitoria is your gateway to the picturesque Azores archipelago, with breathtaking scenery in abundance alongside a charming historic town centre – in which you’ll find fantastic cafes and restaurants, boutique shopping experiences, and more to enjoy. This coastal town also enjoys a stunning pale-sand beach, which is quite rare in the Azores, making it an ideal place for lounging around in the subtropical sunshine. While here, you’ll also have the opportunity to venture to the other side of the island and visit the historic Angra do Heroísmo, the island’s oldest city and somewhere where an incredibly authentic experience awaits. The 16th century cathedral here is among the landmarks you’ll have the chance to see when you visit, alongside enjoying some of the flavourful local foods and soaking in the incredible atmosphere here. With breathtaking natural beauty everywhere you look, and excursions involving whale-watching and water sports always an option, there’s so much to look forward to when you dock in Praia da Vitoria.
Things to do in Praia da Vitoria:
Forte de São Sebastião
Located in Angra do Heroísmo, Forte de São Sebastião was constructed as a demonstration of new coastal defence ideas in 1580 at the suggestion of architect Tomaz Benedito de Pesaro. The first major maritime fortification built in the city, it actually crosses fire with Fortress of São João Baptista, providing effective defence of Porto das Pipas (Pipas Port) – a vital seaport and anchorage for transit ships heading from destinations like India and Brazil to the Kingdom of Portugal.
Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo
An impressive 16th century cathedral in Angra do Heroísmo, the Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo is the largest religious institution in the archipelago and a stand-out landmark in the city today. Boasting a simple Portuguese Chã design with twin bell towers, parts of the cathedral were reconstructed following the 1980 earthquake. Interestingly, due to a lack of space when construction began, the church is orientated northwards, and not eastwards as was the tradition for medieval religious buildings.
Praia da Riviera
A stunning sandy beach in Praia da Vitoria, Riviera Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the warm weather of the Azores when you arrive. A stone’s throw from central Praia da Vitoria with easy access to the other beaches in the area, you’ll never be too far away from something exciting – or somewhere even more serene.
Ponta Delgada, Azores - Overnight onboard
DAY 6-7
19 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Ponta Delgada offers unspoilt, lush landscapes and terracotta rooftops, as well as a truly stunning coastline. It has quickly become popular for the breathtaking scenery and for its hot springs, though you won't find massive crowds flocking to the Azores, making it perfect for unrivalled relaxation. Take a stroll around the Old Town centre, or enjoy a romantic tour by horse-drawn carriage. During the summer, you may also spot whales off the coast.
Things to do in Ponta Delgada, Azores - Overnight onboard:
Botanical Garden
A historic garden dating back to the mid-19th century, the Jardim Botânico António Borges botanical garden features a variety of walkways, along with a selection of rare and exotic plants.
Gruta do Carvão
A fascinating cave that you can take a tour around, it's filled with stalactites and rugged surfaces. A unique attraction to explore, you can spend hours discovering its natural beauty.
Pineapple Plantation
If you're looking for something a little different to explore, head to the Plantação de Ananás dos Açores. A pineapple plantation, you can taste delicious pineapple liquour, jams and juice, whilst seeing where this mouth-watering fruit is grown.
At Sea
DAY 8
21 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
Funchal, Madeira - Overnight onboard
DAY 9-10
22 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
This lush, green city found in the south of Madeira is a haven of relaxation, outdoor activities and beautiful gardens. For the most adventurous, visitors will love diving in the crystal-clear sea, catching some waves and even swimming with dolphins, while those looking to take things at a slower pace can enjoy whale watching. One of the most popular events in Funchal is the yearly New Year’s Eve Fireworks display, which is one of the largest in the world.
Things to do in Funchal, Madeira - Overnight onboard:
Funchal Cathedral
Found in the city centre, Funchal Cathedral is an impressive Gothic-style monument, popular with locals and visitors alike. Take a look inside to learn about the fascinating history of the architecture, including the altarpiece ordered in 1510 to 1515.
Monte Cable Car
For unrivalled panoramic views of Funchal Bay and the vast landscape, Monte Cable Car will take you to one of the best vantage points in Funchal. The fifteen-minute journey is a relaxing ascent towards Monte, with a souvenir photo at the end of the journey.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Occupying 70,000 square meters, Monte Palace Tropical Garden is home to a plethora of exotic flora and fauna from all corners of the world. You will get lost in the tranquil beauty of this garden, enjoying the space with black swans, colourful koi and vibrant peacocks.
Quinta do Palheiro Ferreira
Thanks to Madeira’s fertile soil, many tropical plants thrive here and Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro’s gardens are an excellent showcase of this. The most notable collection are the camellias, first planted by the Count of Carvalhal.
At Sea
DAY 11
24 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
Matosinhos, for Porto
DAY 12
25 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
At Sea
DAY 13-14
26 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
Liverpool
DAY 15
28 May 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Nestled in the north of England, Liverpool is home to an extensive maritime history, having been one of the country's most vital maritime centres since the 18th century. As well as the museums and docks, music enthusiasts will love the Beatles Story Museum and the world-famous Cavern Club. A walking tour of this vibrant city will allow you to truly soak up its cultural highlights, as well as Hope Street, a must-visit for delectable cuisine and classic pubs.
Things to do in Liverpool:
Royal Albert Dock
A vibrant waterfront with a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, shops and other attractions, the Royal Albert Dock is situated in the heart of the city. The ultimate destination to visit when in Liverpool, it’s also host to an array of events throughout the year that’s suitable for all the family.
Sefton Park
A beautiful 235 acre, Grade 1 historic nature park with breathtaking scenery, Sefton Park is a popular, award-winning attraction that features statues, caves, a bandstand, and a large greenhouse amongst other attractions.
Tate Liverpool
An art gallery and museum, the Tate Liverpool has a large collection of artworks and events throughout the year. Located in the Royal Albert Dock, this attraction is well worth a visit for those that love art; from contemporary to classic pieces.
AI review summary
Food
Many customers remarked that the food on the ship was excellent, with consistently very good and staff excellent.
Crew
Many customers loved the crew, praising their friendliness, punctuality, and helpfulness during their cruise.
Entertainment
It was observed by customers that the entertainment on the ship was very good, with varied and excellent performances.
Service
Many customers brought up the excellent service provided by the ship, praising its friendliness.
Ship
Many customers expressed satisfaction with the ship, describing it as excellent, fantastic, friendly, and stunning.