Inside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Two Enticing New Ships – Bolette And Borealis

No cruise line does small-ship cruising better than Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. It is all about access to destinations that larger ships cannot provide, a high level of service where you are remembered by name, not by number, and scenic cruising to further enrich your time on board.

However, not content with resting on its laurels, in summer 2020 the cruise line put in motion a plan to revamp and revolutionise what it does. The line purchased two new ships in a sure sign of its commitment to the cruise market and the small-ship concept.

Announcing the news, chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Fred. Olsen Junior, said: “We have chosen these vessels as they will fit seamlessly into our existing fleet of small ships, each carrying under 1,500 guests, bringing with them new and larger public areas whilst not compromising on our small ship experience.

“This increase in our capacity demonstrates our confidence in the future. With these new additions to the fleet, we will come out of this current situation stronger than ever, ready to deliver the award-winning itineraries that we are famous for.”

Renamed Bolette and Borealis, these ships promise to elevate the offering ­– for example, the new ships can sail faster, so Fred. Olsen can take you to more destinations in a shorter amount of time – all while ensuring you never feel overcrowded on board.

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Fred. Olsen's new flagship

Bolette, now the flagship in the fleet, proudly bears the name of Fred. Olsen Jr.’s great-great-grandmother, as many other vessels have over the years.

A classic and elegant ship, Bolette has spacious and open public areas, and all the special touches you have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ship. The same can be said for Borealis.

The fine dining experience on board these two ships takes place in the number of stylish restaurants on board. The high-point is undoubtedly the grand two-tiered main restaurant, featuring classical, elegant décor.

As ever with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, it is all about giving you the choice and so there are a variety of seating options and table sizes available – perfect for both intimate and large group dining. You can also choose to dine in one of the smaller supplementary dining venues.

After dinner, it’s time to sample the sophisticated bars and lounges, providing plenty of choice and variety. Whether it’s an evening tipple while relaxing with friends or live after-dinner shows in the main lounge, each venue has a home-away-from-home feel, creating the perfect end to yet another perfect day on your voyage.

Bolette and Borealis are of course complemented by Balmoral and Braemar, two ships with a proud history and timeless style. One of the focal points on Braemar is five-deck-high atrium area, while Balmoral has a distinctively Scottish vibe running throughout, including in the main dining venues – the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey – where you can enjoy menus prepared by expert chefs.

Dedicated to the UK

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines makes the cruising experience as simple as possible for you, with a number of ex-UK sailings from regional ports across the country, including Dover, Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Rosyth (Edinburgh).

For much of 2021, the line will focus on departures from the UK, including Borealis’ maiden voyage on 23 April 2021, sailing a six-night Scottish Lochs and Isles itinerary.

*“The number one reason for choosing a cruise is destination and while ship facilities and amenities are an important factor in the overall consideration, it is the itinerary that clinches the deal. Small ships in the Fred. Olsen fleet can reach some of the world’s finest destinations. Small ships offer a more personalised experience,” says Clare Ward, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines director of product and customer service.

Making sailing on Bolette and Borealis even more accessible, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched an incredible cruise sale, with cruises from £599 per person. Guests booking in the sale will get to choose between two packages, either Free Drinks or up to £600pp on-board spend. Special offers are also available on selected solo sailings, and apply to selected 2021 and 2022 cruises.

To book your next cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and to experience the excitement of Bolette and Borealis' debut in 2021, visit fredolsencruises.com.

* quotes taken from CTN article in 2020