I was very grateful to experience my first educational ship visit on board Fred. Olsen’s Borealis on 9th July.
We were warmly welcomed by the crew in The View Restaurant which had wonderful floor to ceiling windows and gave us a brilliant view of Southampton, in there we were treated to a selection of pastries, tea and coffee before starting our tour. After fuelling up, we made our way around the ship, exploring the different cabin grades and seeing what each had to offer.
One thing that really surprised me was how spacious every cabin felt. Even the inside cabins had plenty of room, lots of storage, and felt bright and comfortable, something I don’t think many people would expect from an inside cabin. We were also shown the Terrace Cabins, which really stood out to me. These cabins open directly onto the Promenade Deck, with designated sun loungers just outside. I thought they were a brilliant option for guests who want the sea breeze and easy access to the outdoors without booking a balcony cabin. They really bridge the gap between an Ocean View Cabin and a Balcony Cabin.
We then had the opportunity to look around the different suite categories, including the Balcony Junior Suite, Premier Adapted Suite, Premier Suite and the impressive Owner’s Suite. The Premier Adapted Suite featured a ramp leading out onto the balcony, making it much more accessible for guests with reduced mobility along with carefully thought-out layout and a bathroom with bath and roll-in shower. Each suite was beautifully decorated and incredibly spacious. You could really tell that every detail had been carefully thought through, from the furnishings to the finishing touches, creating a luxurious yet comfortable space that felt welcoming.
After touring the cabins, we explored everything else Borealis has to offer. From the lounges and bars to the restaurants and entertainment venues, there was plenty to discover. Every area we visited felt spacious, thoughtfully designed and had its own unique character.
My favourite spaces on board were definitely the Earth Room and The Botanical Room. They felt completely different to anything I’d seen on a cruise ship before. The Earth Room is home to over 350 rare books, along with iPads where guests can listen to audiobooks and podcasts, creating a peaceful space to switch off and relax. The Botanical Room was another highlight for me. Filled with beautiful greenery, gardening books and magazines, it creates a calming atmosphere and is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time in nature. Introduced in 2023, both spaces were designed to inspire guests to learn more about the world around them while encouraging a greater appreciation for nature and sustainability. I could have happily spent hours in both of these rooms. I really like having somewhere quiet to sit with a book and just switch off for a while, so these were definitely my favourite places on board.
We then stopped at the Serenity Tea Room, where we enjoyed a refreshing fruit juice, which was very needed in the hot weather we had that day. The hand-painted murals immediately caught my eye and gave the room a lovely, elegant feel. Next, we visited the Neptune Lounge. During the day, it’s used for guest speakers and enrichment talks, while in the evening it transforms into the ship’s entertainment venue with live music and shows to comedians and magicians. Although it’s a large, two-tiered theatre, it still felt intimate, with décor that reminded me of a cosy jazz bar.
We also spent some time on deck exploring the pool area, jacuzzies, the Lido Bar and the Fresco poolside café. There were plenty of sun loungers, meaning there should be no early morning race to reserve one! The deck areas felt spacious and there was plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Next, we visited the Atlantis Spa. I was genuinely surprised by how extensive the facilities were. There were many treatment rooms and a fantastic range of treatments available. You can also book the Thermal Suite, which becomes a completely private space. I thought this was such a unique option, especially as it even has its own separate balcony. I could imagine how fabulous it would be while sailing through the Norwegian fjords, which is my personal favourite itinerary that Fred. Olsen offers, as its smaller ships can dock at ports that larger ships can't. I think it would be a really lovely option to book for a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday.
One feature I wasn’t expecting was the onboard florist. I’d never seen or even heard of this on a cruise ship before. Guests can have bespoke bouquets created or choose from a selection of beautifully arranged flowers, which I thought was a really unique touch and something that sets Fred. Olsen apart.
Overall, my visit on Borealis was a brilliant experience. You can't beat seeing a ship first-hand, and I left feeling much more confident recommending Borealis to customers. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Fred. Olsen. If you are interested in cruising with Fred. Olsen, why not contact me on 01225 945096, email [email protected] or visit me in our Trowbridge Shop. I would be happy to help!
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