Discover the Fred Olsen Borealis: Complete Ship Guide & Details
If you are looking for a classic, elegant, and intimate sailing experience, the Fred Olsen Borealis offers the perfect escape. Joining the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines fleet in 2020 (formerly Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam), the Borealis was beautifully refitted to reflect the Olsen family's signature Norwegian heritage and traditional cruising style.
With its spacious public areas, outstanding dining, and welcoming atmosphere, the Borealis is designed for travelers who prefer traditional cruising over crowded mega-ships.
Technical Specifications
Despite being one of the larger vessels in the Fred Olsen fleet, the Borealis retains a small-ship feel, ensuring guests are never overcrowded and always receive attentive, personal service.
61,849 GT
Gross Tonnage
1,360 Maximum
Passenger Capacity
600
Crew Size
1997
Year Built
Liverpool, England
Home Port
Borealis Cabins and Suites: Your Home at Sea
The Borealis features 699 beautifully appointed staterooms, ranging from budget-friendly interior rooms to expansive luxury suites. All cabins come equipped with smart TVs, climate control, fridges, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Inside & Ocean View Cabins
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Inside Cabins: Measuring around 182 sq. ft., these are perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and cozy retreat after a busy day exploring ports.
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Ocean View Cabins: Ranging from 140 to 214 sq. ft., these staterooms feature either classic nautical portholes or large picture windows, flooding the room with natural light.
Balcony & Terrace Cabins
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Terrace Cabins (Approx. 218 sq. ft.): A unique feature of the Borealis. These cabins feature sliding glass doors that open directly onto the wraparound Promenade Deck, complete with your own two designated wooden sun loungers.
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Balcony Suites (280 - 290 sq. ft.): Offering generous indoor living space and private balconies for quiet mornings at sea.
Premier & Olsen Suites
For the ultimate luxury, the Premier Suites and the flagship Olsen Suite (a massive 1,181 sq. ft.) offer separate living and dining areas, oversize baths, and expansive private balconies. Suite guests also enjoy the complimentary "Suite Dreams" package, which includes priority check-in, daily canapés, and sparkling wine on arrival.
Fred Olsen Bolrealis Cabins
Fred Olsen Bolrealis
Dining on Borealis: Exceptional Culinary Experiences
Dining with Fred Olsen is always a highlight, and the Borealis cruise ship delivers incredible variety across its restaurants.
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Aurora and Borealis Restaurants: The stunning, two-tiered main dining rooms. Here, you can enjoy expertly crafted five-course à la carte dinners, featuring everything from perfectly cooked steaks to regional dishes inspired by your cruise destinations.
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Colours & Tastes: A vibrant specialty restaurant offering modern Asian-fusion dishes.
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Vasco: A specialty dining venue named after the famous explorer, serving incredible, authentic Indian cuisine.
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The View Buffet: A relaxed, casual option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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The Bookmark Café: The perfect spot to grab premium coffees, specialty teas, and homemade luxury chocolates.
Fred Olsen Bolrealis Restaurant
Onboard Facilities & Entertainment
The Borealis operates with the "Olsen Way" in mind—focusing on the joy of the journey. The ship features everything you need to relax, learn, and be entertained.
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Atlantis Spa & Thermal Suite: Unwind in the hydrotherapy pool, saunas, and aroma room, or book a massage in one of the nine treatment rooms.
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Swimming & Fitness: Enjoy the all-season swimming pool, two jacuzzis, a fully equipped fitness center, and traditional deck sports.
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The Auditorium & Culinary Theatre: Attend fascinating guest speaker lectures or watch live cookery demonstrations by talented onboard chefs.
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Evening Entertainment: Catch high-quality cabaret and production shows in the two-tiered Neptune Lounge, or enjoy a quiet nightcap accompanied by live music in the elegant Ocean Bar or the Morning Light Pub.
Fred Olsen Bolrealis Spa
Why Choose the Fred Olsen Borealis?
Sailing on the Borealis is about experiencing the world in comfort. Because she carries fewer than 1,400 guests, she can navigate into smaller, more interesting ports—such as the heart of the Norwegian Fjords or narrow European rivers—that massive modern resort ships simply cannot reach. If you value space, excellent food, immersive itineraries, and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere, the Fred Olsen Borealis is waiting to welcome you aboard.
8 Insider Tips & Secrets for Sailing on the Fred Olsen Borealis
Want to cruise like a pro? Here are a few insider hacks and lesser-known features aboard the Borealis that will upgrade your experience:
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The "Secret" Balcony Alternative: If you want the views and fresh air of a balcony without the higher price tag, book an Ocean View Cabin on the Promenade Deck. You get a massive picture window to let the light in, and the sprawling outdoor deck is just steps away—meaning you can be outside enjoying the sea breeze in seconds.
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Terrace Cabin Perks: If you do book a Terrace Cabin, take advantage of the dedicated wooden sun loungers placed directly outside your sliding glass doors on the Promenade Deck. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the ship's classic teak decks while still having your own reserved space.
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Don't Skip Vasco: While the main dining rooms are excellent, you must book a table at Vasco. This specialty restaurant, named after the explorer Vasco da Gama, serves an incredible, fresh take on Indian cuisine inspired by chefs from Goa. Many past guests rate it as one of the best specialty restaurants at sea.
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The Best Seat in the House: For panoramic views, head straight to The Observatory. Located high at the front of the ship, it’s the ultimate spot to grab a pre-dinner cocktail, listen to the resident pianist, and watch the world go by through floor-to-ceiling windows.
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The Daily Times Pocket Hack: Every evening, you’ll receive the Daily Times newsletter in your cabin. Look closely—there is a convenient tear-off slip with the day’s schedule that you can rip off and keep in your pocket so you don't have to carry the whole paper around.
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The Magnetic Door Trick: The walls and doors in the cabins (especially the bathroom doors) are metallic. Bring a few small magnetic clips from home to stick your daily planner, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to the door so you never lose them.
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Unique Smoking Policy: Borealis is one of the few cruise ships left in the world that still permits guests to smoke on their private cabin balconies. If you are a smoker, this is a massive perk. If you are highly sensitive to smoke, you may want to factor this in when choosing your cabin location.
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Complimentary Room Service: Unlike many contemporary cruise lines that have started charging delivery fees, Fred Olsen still offers complimentary room service. Treat yourself to breakfast in bed or late-night snacks without worrying about a bill.
