Inside Fred. Olsen cruise ship Borealis as vessel sets sail to Norway

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines makes its return to homeland Norway today on board new ship Borealis, to seek out the Northern Lights.

This is Fred. Olsen's first cruise to Norway since the line resumed sailing in the summer, and marks the start of a hand-crafted programme of cruising to the region, with 22 sailings across all four seasons in 2022.

So, what do you need to know about the cruise line's new ship?

Well, Borealis brings a number of new venues and facilities to the fleet, including a grand, two-tier theatre and main restaurant and an all-weather pool with a retractable roof.

There's also a large spa and thermal suite plus new venue The Auditorium offering culinary demonstrations and more.

The ship can carry 1,360-guests, ensuring that on board Borealis you're never overcrowded.

Borealis itineraries

Borealis will sail also sail to Norway in 2022, on an eight-night 'Classic Norwegian Fjords' cruise, departing from Liverpool on April 6 2022.

The ship will visit Eidfjord, Flåm, Bergen, Kirkwall as well as cruising the waters of Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord, Maurangerfjord and Furebergfossen, Nærøyfjord

- READ MORE: Borealis has undergone exciting renovations -

Borealis cabins

Borealis has cabins to cater for every budget. Inside rooms consist of two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed and a shower only.

Larger picture window cabins have two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed, bathrooms featuring both a bath and shower as well as a great view.

There are also a number of suites, with the very best being the Olsen Suite. This suite is approximately 1,273 square feet in size. Features include floor to ceiling windows leading out to a private balcony.

The suite has one king-size bed and a sofa bed with the bathroom boasting an oversize bath and separate shower. A separate living room, dining room, dressing room, private balcony, pantry, mini-bar, fridge and guest toilet can also be found in the Olsen Suite.

The ship also caters well for solo travellers - Borealis has over 50 single cabins, with grades ranging from Inside to Balcony Suite.

- READ MORE: Which cruise ships have solo cabins? -

Borealis dining

Guests can enjoy dining in Borealis' lower level restaurant - The Borealis Restaurant, and upper level The Aurora Restaurant - a grand two-tiered venue featuring classical, elegant décor and a variety of seating options and table sizes, perfect for both intimate and large group dining.

Guests will also have the chance to savour new flavours in Borealis’ new speciality dining restaurants.

Vasco, named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, who was the first European to reach India by sea, offers a fresh and modern take on Indian food.

Meanwhile, Colours & Tastes offers modern Asian Fusion dishes. The décor is colourful, the mood cheerful and the food offers a stimulating set of new taste experiences.

Alternatively, there's the more relaxed buffet restaurant.

Borealis entertainment

Borealis features eleven stylish, spacious and comfortable bars and lounges, providing plenty of choice and variety.

When the lights go down and guests settle into their evening, Fred. Olsen will treat you to a selection of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire stand-up comedy.

The ship's main evening show lounge is an impressive two-tiered venue designed to provide each guest with the utmost comfort and unspoilt views of the stage during the live after-dinner shows each evening.

Of course, throughout the ship, you can sit, relax and enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple accompanied by the gentle sounds of live acoustic music.