1353
Passengers
642
Crew
1997
Launched
2022
Last refit
61849t
Tonnage
238m
Length
34m
Width
22kts
Speed
10
Decks
GBP
Currency
About Borealis
Borealis, operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, is a medium-sized ocean premium ship launched in 1997 and last refitted in 2022. It accommodates up to 1,353 guests across 702 cabins. Passengers can count on 642 crew members to assist them while on board.
A mid-sized ship offers a balance of choice and space, with a pace that sits between small ship cruising and larger vessels. You must be an adult to sail on Borealis.
Compare & book Borealis(38)
Destinations
Rivers
Countries
Borealisfrom
Southampton
Borealisfrom
Southampton
Borealisfrom
Southampton
Borealisfrom
Southampton
Borealisfrom
Southampton
Borealisfrom
Southampton
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
There's ten restaurants and eating venues on board, with five complimentary venues and five available for a supplement. The ship also features ten bars and lounges.
Explore Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
Entertainment
One of the benefits of sailing aboard Borealis is the variety available on board. The entertainment offering includes the flower shop and the auditorium, among other options.
Explore Entertainment
Shore excursions and activities
Borealis offers nine enrichment activities and programmes at sea.
Explore Shore excursions and activities
Accommodation
Borealis has 702 cabins across 20 accommodation categories. That includes inside and outside options. Amenities vary across the tiers, with higher-category cabins including a generous array of extra perks. But across the board, you'll still experience the signature Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines approach to quality and service.
Explore Accommodation
Ship Interior & Deck Plans
Borealis spans ten decks. Explore the ship's deck plans to see every level.
Explore Ship Interior & Deck Plans
Reviews
![Absolutely fantastic]()
I recently went on a 5 day cruise, with Fred Olsen on the Borealis. We went to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The whole experience was great. Loved the sea days. Especially the 10am craft classes. The lady leading the class really knew her stuff. I did my own thing in Rotterdam and a Fred Olsen excursion in Amsterdam. Again very well organised and a knowledgeable guide.
Reviews
![Borealis to Cartagena]()
Fabulous, only slightly spoiled by a faulty mooring line capstan winch that had inadequate maintenance resulting in horrid noises late at night when the sea conditions got rough, also the Portuguese dock workers strikes at the time that meant we had a day at Queta instead, which was a fabulous alternative.
The cruise was a little pricey compared to our usual Ambassador Cruise Line, and missed out on offers from FOCL of £200 per cabin free OBC by just a week when they started extra promotions to sell remaining cabins.
Our next cruise will be back with ACL as they are better in Customer considerations of the need for my wife to take a small mobility scooter on board, to enable getting about easier at the ports of call.
Most aspects of the FOCL cruise were absolutely superb, however both ACL and FOCL could improve significantly if they really looked at each others operations with little or no extra input.
Reviews
![Lovely relaxing time.]()
Lucky we were on this ship, the weather wasn’t brilliant on this cruise to the Canaries but we were well looked after, food good (especially Colours & Tastes Asian Fusion), good shows. Fireworks in Lisbon worked better than the previous year on a different ship.
Reviews
![A tired old ship]()
As with all cruise lines the staff were mainly very friendly. Food ok though often lukewarm. All inclusive drinks very limited although that will have changed with FO's new policy. Cabin was frankly shabby but functional. Be prepared for a very senior demographic.
Reviews
![Best of scenic cruising]()
Fabulous cruise to Croatia, weather was very hot, accommodation, scaffolding and food all excellent
Reviews
![Impeccable Service, incredible food and beautiful destination]()
I Visited the fjords with my children, 7, 16, 18 and 22, we saw some some breathtaking views, shared lots of laughter, and memories to cherish forever.
The landscape's scale and beauty was captivating .
We cannot wait for our next adventure! which is in 2 days time on Fred Olsen's Balmoral 5night Christmas Markets cruise
Reviews
![Considerably better than expected]()
A lovely ship with a lot of character and very well maintained. Some unique and somewhat quirky decoration and a range of public areas and restaurants. Clean throughout. Attentive staff. Room was comfortable with all the amenities you could expect. Did not feel over-crowded and the ratio of passengers/crew for the size of the ship was near perfect. Food in dining areas was very good.
Reviews
![Fun and games]()
There is so much to do on board depending on what you like I enjoy playing the games others the lecture or the demonstrations. There are quizzes 3 tines a day for all the pub quizzers.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Borealis sail?
Borealis departs from Portsmouth, Dover, Southampton, and Liverpool, sailing to Arctic, North America, South America, Caribbean, Europe, Far East, and Africa.
How much does it cost to cruise on Borealis and when should I book?
A 7-night cruise on Borealis costs from £225 per person in January, rising to £1,714 per person in the peak month of September.
What do passengers think of Borealis?
Borealis has an overall rating of 4.1/5 from 74 reviews.
What cruise line operates Borealis and when was it built?
Borealis is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. She was launched in 1997 and refurbished in 2022.
How big is Borealis?
Borealis has a gross tonnage of 61,849 GT, measures 238m long by 34m wide, cruises at 22 knots, and has 10 passenger decks.
How many passengers and cabins does Borealis have?
Borealis accommodates up to 1,353 passengers with a crew of 642 across 702 cabins including 5 wheelchair-accessible staterooms.
What facilities and entertainment are on Borealis?
Borealis features 11+ dining venues, shows and entertainment, and spa and fitness centre. This is an adults-only ship (no passengers under 18).
What type of cruising is Borealis best for?
Borealis is ideal for cruises from the UK, ocean cruises, and mini cruises. The onboard currency is GBP.
What is the average price of a cruise on Borealis?
The average price of a cruise on Borealis is £3,108 per person.
Is smoking allowed on Borealis?
Smoking is permitted on board Borealis in designated areas only.
Does Borealis have a swimming pool?
Borealis has 2 swimming pools on board.
What electrical sockets does Borealis have?
There are US 2 Pin 110v and EU 2 Pin 220v sockets on board. Adapters are not provided.
Articles about Borealis
Advice
Life aboard a Fred. Olsen cruise adventure
Oct 26, 2024
•
3 min read
Advice
Experience Norway with Fred. Olsen
Jul 26, 2024
•
3 min read
News
Fred Olsen confirms Caribbean return after three-year hiatus
Oct 3, 2023
•
1 min read
Food & Drink
Paella, sherry and tapas - best food and drink both on and off-board with Fred. Olsen
Mar 12, 2022
•
4 min read
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