One sunny morning in April, I was fortunate enough to board Fred. Olsen's Borealis as she was in dock in Southampton before she departed for Amsterdam.
This was my first time on a cruise ship, and it’s safe to say Borealis not only met every expectation I had but even exceeded them.
The day began at Southampton, where we checked in and received our passes to access the ship. We were taken onboard by the very friendly Fred. Olsen team who were so welcoming and knowledgeable.
Once onboard, we were treated to a welcome drink and pastries in the Observatory Lounge. There were plenty of armchairs and sofas to relax in whilst enjoying the view of the horizon. They even had binoculars on hand to help you see even further! This would be the perfect space to enjoy a sea day. In the evening, the Observatory Lounge hosts a silent disco, if you’re looking for more lively entertainment!
We then began our tour by visiting the pool area on the top deck of the ship. There were plenty of very comfortable loungers for guests, as well as two Jacuzzis! Being on the top deck, you get great views to look at whilst relaxing. My favourite thing about the pool area was the retractable roof, so you could enjoy it in all weather!
The next facilities we visited were the Atlantis Spa and the fitness centre. It’s hard to imagine wanting to use a gym whilst on holiday, but the fitness centre was tempting! It was a large space that had all the equipment you could ever need, from treadmills to rowing machines and even weight machines. I especially liked the floor to ceiling windows which offered amazing views out to sea. The Atlantis Spa offered a range of treatments from manicures to pedicures, washes and blow-drys and facials. I felt it was the perfect place to treat yourself onboard!
Next on the tour was the Thermal Suite. This was a spacious room that you could privately hire, so no need to worry about other guests coming in! There was even a private outdoor space with sun loungers for you to enjoy. Equipped with heated curved beds and a sauna room, it felt like the perfect place for a pamper on a sea day.
What impressed me most onboard was the abundance of lounges and areas to sit and have a drink, or to simply watch the world go by. Each lounge had its own character and feel, but my favourite by far was the Earth Room. It was such a peaceful room filled with thought-provoking books about the world we live in. They have 350 rare books in this room, so there’s definitely something for everyone. I especially liked the armchairs that faced the windows.
The next stop on the visit was the Bookmark Café, the perfect space for book lovers. They had a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books and a delicious selection of chocolates in the cafe section! If you’re a fan of hot drinks and books, I’d recommend getting the ‘Bookmark Bestseller Package’ where you can enjoy 7 hot drinks and a bag of truffles for £25. You can then sit back and relax with a good book and great coffee!
After seeing all the facilities Borealis has to offer, we were then shown the entertainment. The Neptune Lounge is a two-tiered theatre, home to their brand-new show ‘Moments’. They also have comedians, singers and guest speakers in here! It was a really inviting space that felt like it could have been the West End!
Another exciting space was the auditorium, where they had a full-sized kitchen ready to host live cooking demonstrations! The chefs talk you through how to make the chosen dishes and you can even sample them. Again, they have plenty of seats available to enjoy this experience.
I had an amazing time on board Borealis and would highly recommend Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to my customers. I left the ship feeling excited at the prospect of future cruises.
If you’re considering a Fred. Olsen cruise come into our branch in Chepstow and I’d be more than happy to help you find the perfect itinerary!
