I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity to board Fred. Olsen's Borealis, their adults-only ship. Throughout the visit, I focused on exploring the food and drink options available and seeing what each cabin type had to offer.
We started the day off by boarding the ship and being greeted by the team, with beautifully made mini pastries in the Observatory. This space is also used for daily afternoon tea and entertainment, from dance classes and live music to quiz nights and karaoke.
Cabins:
Throughout the tour we explored a variety of cabin types, including adapted cabins, interior, ocean view and balcony cabins, and the amazing Olsen Suite. The Olsen Suite is the most spacious and luxurious cabin option on the ship, and features a walk-in closet, large dining and living areas, a spacious private balcony and access to your own pantry, food and drink cooler and mini bar.
When you book a suite, you receive the complimentary Suite Dreams package, which is perfect for making your cruise extra special. This package includes:
- Dedicated check-in on cruises departing from the UK
- A welcome bottle of sparkling wine
- Fruit basket (topped up on request throughout your cruise)
- Flowers or plant in your suite
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Luxury towels
- Free pressing service for formal wear
- Binoculars in your suite
- World atlas and country guide for your reference
- Afternoon canape service
- Daily newsletter, featuring national and international news
- Pair of compact umbrellas for use ashore
- Laundry service discount vouchers
- Carafe of water, replenished daily
This ship also offers adapted cabins and suites, including partially adapted staterooms with grab rails in the bathroom, and fully adapted cabins with wider doors for wheelchair access. Each cabin number also has braille underneath for visually impaired guests. Fred. Olsen really care for their guests and want to ensure every guest has the best experience possible. Each cabin can be tailored to your preference, with the option of having a double bed or two single beds, to cater for everyone.
I was surprised by how spacious the interior cabins were, they’re a great budget-friendly option while still boasting a comfortable sailing experience. The Daily Times (Fred. Olsen’s daily newsletter) is delivered to your cabin every day. It provides information on the weather for the destination you’re in, and all the events and performances throughout the day on board, to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Food and drink:
Borealis is home to 11 bars and lounges and 5 restaurants, so you have plenty of unique dining options to enjoy. The buffet restaurant, The View, offers a wide range of food options, including a bakery, worldwide dishes, sandwiches and much more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be eaten here, and snacks are available throughout the day. Despite being a casual dining venue, you still get shown to your table by a waiter or waitress, which is a lovely touch and makes Fred. Olsen’s feel more special than other buffet restaurants.
Colours & Tastes is a speciality dining option that offers a blend of Asian, Italian and grill menus on rotation. This beautifully designed dining room also offers a Chef’s Table experience, which is a carefully curated 5-course menu designed by the expert chefs on board.
We were then shown the Serenity Tea Room, where rare tea tastings are offered. The menu features speciality teas and tea infused cocktails and mocktails. Showcasing teas from worldwide destinations like China, Japan and Taiwan, while still offering the cosy classics like Earl Grey and chamomile. It's a beautiful place to relax and unwind on a day at sea.
For gin lovers, the Ocean Bar has a wide range of premium gins to offer, that the bartenders can expertly pair with various tonics. They also hold Martini Experience evenings, a really enjoyable, hands-on activity for martini enthusiasts! The bar also offers a great selection of beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.
We were taken for lunch in the Aurora main dining restaurant. I chose a ham hock and chicken terrine to start. My main course was a grilled seabass fillet and my dessert was a rich, dark chocolate orange cremeux. As quite a fussy eater, I can honestly say that this was one of the best meals I’ve had. The seabass was cooked to perfection, and the service of the waiters was among the best I’ve received. Fred. Olsen definitely go above and beyond to look after their customers.
I had such a great experience on board Borealis. If you’re interested in booking a Fred. Olsen cruise, come and see me in Malmesbury, I’d be happy to help!
