Borealis - Entertainment

Along with the Earth Room, the Botanical Room has been brought to life in 2023. Designed with our green-fingered guests in mind, this comfortable lounge is decorated in lush shades of green and yellow. You’ll find a selection of magazines and books on topics such as gardening, flowers, plant care and flora species around the world. The lovely plants and fresh flowers bring a feeling of the outside, inside.

New for 2023, Borealis’ Earth Room is a peaceful lounge, designed to inspire and ignite a passion to find out more about the world we live in and how we can lessen our impact on the environment.

Here, you will find a hand-selected range of around 350 rare books, by eminent writers – chosen by Fred. Olsen, along with podcasts and videos to watch on the iPads provided. These resources, and occasional guest speakers, are particularly focused on sharing ways that we can all make small changes in our lives to positively impact climate change. 

The tranquil atmosphere of The Observatory makes it the perfect spot from which to enjoy our Signature Experiences - Scenic Discoveries, where commentary supplied by our on board team will enhance your cruise journey; or our fantastic Ship and the Sea experience – learning to read navigational maps and charts with our officers. With panoramic windows and located directly above the Bridge, you'll have the same vantage point as the Captain, enjoying views of expansive oceans or coastlines we're sailing past. Later on, join our live bands for singing and dancing, accompanied by a selection of Champagne and sparkling cocktails or mocktails, designed to add an extra special touch to your cruise experience.

Named after one of the largest sailing ships owned by the Olsen family, the Morning Light Pub & Lounge has a welcoming atmosphere featuring plenty of comfortable seating and is designed to resemble a British pub. The well-stocked bar has a collection of beers and cider, including British and international classics, and a selection from independent breweries close to our office in Ipswich.

Each evening we feature our talented resident singers and guitarists, showcasing their talents; and the popular Fred. Olsen quiz is also held here, creating a cheerful atmosphere as friendly debates are held over the answers taking place each evening; or perhaps enjoy a congenial game of Shuffleboard with friends or family. 

The Serenity Tea Room has been designed using exotic décor and stylish furnishings - including beautifully hand-painted murals adorning the walls - offering a menu of the finest quality teas and herbal infusions for guests in relaxing and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a selection of oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, as well as a few favourite blends, such as Earl Grey and English Chamomile. There’s also the opportunity to participate in one of our tea-tasting experiences, where you’ll learn more about their origins. Join us to discover our range of tea-inspired cocktails, including a Royal Tea or Mint Julep, and selection of deliciously cold Japanese, Sinagaporean and Thai beers. We also offer two non-alcoholic cocktails, based on Sri Lankan and Chinese teas.

The Bookmark Café is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your choice of speciality coffee or tea. Perhaps an Earl Grey or warming latte in the morning, or a delicious hot chocolate, topped with cream and chocolate after a busy day ashore; accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of handmade chocolates and freshly baked cakes and treats. Take advantage of our fantastic Bookmark Bestseller card, which you can either pre-order - and it will be added to your cabin account - or buy once on board. For just £25, you can choose from a selection of hot drinks, including coffees, teas from the Rare Tea Tasting company, or a luxury hot chocolate, accompanied by a bag of delicious truffles. Close to the library, there's an extensive range of both fiction and non-fiction books for you to select and enjoy with your daily coffee. 

Whether you're spending the day relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying a few dips in the pool, or getting stuck into a good book, the Lido Bar is the ideal place to enjoy a drink if you're in need of something to help you cool off. The bar is open throughout the day and is a bright, open space with comfortable furniture, perfect for enjoying a cold beer perhaps, a soft drink or even a fruity, exotic cocktail or mocktail which our waiting staff will be happy to arrange for you. This is also the perfect venue for our cocktail-making sessions, as the retractable roof over the bar and pool area ensure you're kept warm at all times. 

The stylish Piano Bar is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy your time on board, particularly when Borealis is at sea - inspired by cocktail bars, folk and jazz music fills the air as our resident musicians take their seat at the piano. Take a seat here before dinner and settle into your evening with a cocktail or mocktail, expertly prepared by our trained bar team; or visit this spacious venue after your evening show to wind down with a drink on the rocks, and enjoy interesting conversation with your fellow guests. We even make our own brand of Aquavit on board, why not give it a try?

Take a seat in Borealis' elegant, two-tiered Neptune Lounge, and enjoy an evening of entertainment. We'll also feature guest comedians, singers and magicians, who’ll delight and entertain you, and do join us for our Captain’s Welcome and Farewell parties. During the day, the Neptune Lounge is used for our guest speakers, who will share their vast knowledge delivering fascinating talks and activities, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the destinations you’ll be visiting. The Neptune Lounge is also the perfect place to attend our 'Audience with...'sessions, where you can learn about how much work goes into our Shows, or learn about life as a ship's Captain.

The inviting, spacious and sociable Ocean Bar is a great place to celebrate the joy of music and dance in the very best of company. Choose from a premium selection of gins and perfectly paired tonics, or a delicious martini cocktail at our Martini Experience evenings - shaken, not stirred of course! We have a wide selection of wine, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options too. After the evening show, the resident band or DJ will ensure you're having a great time on the dancefloor.

Borealis's Auditorium is where guests can enjoy a host of exciting, educational and interactive events, as well as the entertainment and interesting talks held in the Neptune Lounge. Perfectly designed to host cooking demonstrations and presentations, this spacious venue has plenty of comfortable seating, carefully positioned to offer great views of the stage area, so that guests are able to experience events such as our Treats of the Region - ideal for watching our talented chefs create delicious dishes that you'll also be able to sample and learn to cook at home.

Featuring an abundance of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Card Room on board Borealis provides guests with a quiet space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply for a bit of fun, perhaps with a delicious coffee or tea from the nearby Bookmark Café. Bridge is a popular pursuit on board, so you'll be sure to find other guests who are up for a challenge. On some cruises, we'll have experts in Bridge tuition who are on hand to help you develop your skills.

The shops on board Borealis offer all you may need during your time on board, for either basic essentials or for that occasion when you feel like treating yourself or a loved one to a holiday gift. Perhaps choose something special from the Boutiques for perfumes and after shaves; visit the Sea Cove shop for a great range of Fred. Olsen branded merchandise, such as gilets, jackets, and t-shirts, tote bags and rucksacks, water bottles and travel mugs, or lanyards to hold your cabin card.

Add a special touch of colour and fragrance to your cabin, or perhaps treat someone special, with a beautiful bouquet from the Flower Shop? With a choice of beautiful year-round and also seasonal flowers, create a personalised bouquet, or simply select from the delightfully crafted ready-made arrangements. You will also have the opportunity to select single stems to provide the finishing touch to your Formal Night.