Life On Board Fred. Olsen’s Borealis: A Firsthand Review

• Firsthand Insider Review: A complete breakdown of life on board Borealis.

• Small Ship Atmosphere: The unique benefits of smaller-vessel sailing and direct port access.

• Surprising Highlights: Why personal crew touches, varied entertainment, and poolside activities make Fred. Olsen great for all ages.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has long carved out a distinct identity in British travel, placing warm hospitality, human-scale ships, and hand-crafted itineraries at the heart of every voyage.

Sailing directly from regional UK ports such as Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Portsmouth, and Rosyth, the cruise line focuses on the joy of ocean travel, taking guests into smaller harbours and scenic waterways that modern mega-ships simply cannot reach.

At the forefront of the fleet is Borealis, a beautiful vessel that seamlessly blends traditional maritime elegance with contemporary comfort. Carrying fewer than 1,400 guests, Borealis offers an uncrowded, relaxed atmosphere across her spacious decks.

On board, guests enjoy an all-weather pool area protected by a retractable glass roof, broad wooden promenade decks ideal for sea watches, and refined dining venues celebrating both classic British dishes and international cuisine.

To see how the Fred. Olsen experience translates for modern holidaymakers, Cruise.co.uk’s Senior Product Operations Assistant recently stepped aboard Borealis for a 7-night River Cities of France and Guernsey voyage departing from Southampton. Here is a firsthand recap of life on board, covering everything from crew service to small-ship benefits.

What was your very first impression when stepping on board?

My first impression of Fred. Olsen was that the ship felt instantly elegant and stunning as soon as I boarded. The decor throughout Borealis is beautiful, and every member of staff was so friendly, making me feel genuinely welcome from the moment I stepped on board.

What was your favourite thing to do on board during the cruise?

Lounging around the main pool area was definitely a highlight for me. It is a fantastic space to relax during the day, with a great variety of entertainment taking place right by the water, ranging from live singers to live ice-sculpting demonstrations.

There is also a dedicated table tennis and darts area nearby, which was great fun to play. While relaxing by the pool, you can grab light bites from the Poolside Cafe, which serves delicious options throughout the day.

Another favourite aspect of my time on board was attending the evening theatre shows. The entertainment team put on superb productions most nights, and I was really impressed by how well-crafted and varied each show felt from one evening to the next.

What were your expectations going in, and how did the reality match up?

Before sailing, I expected an amazing experience with delicious food and a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. The trip met and exceeded those expectations.

The staff went above and beyond to ensure everyone had the best possible holiday, right down to remembering the small details like your favourite drink order or how you prefer your meals prepared. The food was fantastic every single night, with a broad range of options catering to every taste.

Another stand-out positive was the value of the drinks package. At just £280 per person for the entire seven-night cruise, it offered fantastic value for money, making enjoying a cocktail by the pool or a glass of wine with dinner completely worry-free.

Would you say Fred. Olsen works well for younger cruisers?

I would definitely say Fred. Olsen works for younger cruisers. Throughout the daytime hours, we found there was always plenty of activity to keep us engaged and entertained.

From organised table tennis competitions to interactive game shows, there is never a dull moment on board, offering something for every age group.

What was the biggest advantage of the small-ship experience?

One of the stand-out benefits of sailing on a smaller ship like Borealis was being able to stop directly in ports like Honfleur.

Because of the ship's smaller footprint, we had easy access right into the harbour, requiring only a short 10-minute transfer to get straight into the heart of the historic city centre.

Describe your Fred. Olsen experience in three words:

Amazing. Authentic. Friendly.