Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis Returns to Service After Successful Dry-Dock Refurbishment

The newly improved Borealis has officially returned to service, with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcoming its first guests following an extensive dry dock investment.

The 1,353 guest capacity cruise ship, Borealis entered Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam (DSR) on 21^st October for a scheduled two-week maintenance programme. During this time, Borealis underwent a comprehensive rejuvenation of both her interiors and exteriors. The dry-dock investment focused on technical upgrades and guest-centric enhancements designed to elevate the onboard experience.

Public areas such as The Observatory and The View have been refreshed, bringing a brighter and more inviting feel to these popular spaces. The onboard Atlantis Spa has also been enhanced, with upgraded salon equipment, a new pedicure chair and a new jacuzzi in the Thermal Suite, creating an even more soothing and relaxing environment for guests. In addition, new fresh-water piping systems have also been fitted in selected guest corridors as part of the upgrade works.

The Neptune Lounge has been upgraded to support Fred. Olsen’s new entertainment partnership with RWS Global, which will launch fully on Borealis from 30th April next year. Enhancements to the stage technology, lighting and acoustics, along with the addition of new aerial silks, will elevate the standard of performances and enrich the overall entertainment experience for our guests.

One of the most notable transformations is in the speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes. Refreshed premium interiors now beautifully showcase the restaurant’s art collection, creating an elevated setting for dining. From 2026 guests can also enjoy a new rotating themed menu featuring Gourmet Grill, Traditional Italian and the much-loved Asian-fusion cuisine, offering a more variety to guests during their cruise.

Guests sailing on Borealis’ this year, following her dry-dock, will be among the first to discover Fresco – a brand-new open-air lounging venue located on Deck 8 aft, set to be introduced as part of the ship’s enhancements. Designed for relaxation and panoramic views, Fresco features a pediluvio foot spa experience and a spotlight stage for intimate live performances, weather permitting. Starting February 2026, guests can also savour Mediterranean-inspired light bites in this scenic setting.

Operational improvements include the installation of brand-new RFID cabin doors and key cards, as well as a new phone system. The galley has been modernised with energy-efficient equipment, including a new pizza oven, while improvements have been made to the laundry facilities to streamline turnaround processes and support more sustainable practices across the ship. Additionally, several crew cabins have been refurbished, with further upgrades made to crew break-out and recreational areas.

Dry-docking is a mandatory procedure for all cruise ships, allowing for thorough inspection and maintenance of underwater components. During this time, Borealis underwent hull cleaning, grit blasting, and checks on key systems including the keel, bow thrusters, stabilisers, and propellers.

Sustainability-focused upgrades were also carried out, including the installation of more efficient propellers to improve fuel performance. These enhancements support optimised energy use and reinforce Fred. Olsen’s commitment to reducing emissions and advancing decarbonisation in line with EU and IMO regulations, as well as broader sustainability goals.

Borealis’ seaworthiness has been formally certified by both the Classification Society and the Flag State – independent authorities responsible for upholding global maritime safety standards. These certifications affirm that the vessel meets the upholds the highest standards of structural and technical integrity, while also fulfilling international environmental commitments and national regulatory obligations.

A workforce of more than 920 supported the successful completion of this project.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Borealis following her successful dry-dock period. This investment underscores our ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience and proudly maintaining our fleet of classic, smaller ships for many more years of service.

“The dry-dock programme allowed us to carry out essential technical and mechanical maintenance to ensure Borealis continues to operate efficiently and responsibly. During this period, we also invested in energy-efficient upgrades to key components, reaffirming our dedication to protecting the oceans we sail and ensuring a more sustainable future for cruising.

“Inspired by what our guests value most, we’ve also introduced a range of exciting enhancements – from refreshed public spaces to new dining experiences – designed to offer greater choice, improved comfort, and more memorable moments at sea.”

With Borealis now back in service, guests can look forward to an exciting array of upcoming itineraries, including:

Borealis’ 14-night S2532 ‘Fairytale Baltic with Christmas Markets’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 8^thDecember 2025. Prices start from £999 per person.

• Browse Christmas Markets in Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Denmark
• Enjoy festive food and drink, like gingerbread and mulled wine
• Explore the old towns and castles of the Baltic

Itinerary: Portsmouth, United Kingdom – Warnemünde, Germany – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia – Helsinki, Finland – Copenhagen, Denmark – Portsmouth, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit S2532 Fairytale Baltic with Christmas Markets

Borealis’ 13-night S2533 ‘Canary Islands Christmas with New Year in Lisbon’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 22^nd December 2025. Prices start from £2,999 per person.

• Explore the beauty of the Canaries and Lisbon at Christmas
• Embrace traditional music and dance, Malvasia wine and local cuisines
• See in the New Year with Lisbon's impressive fireworks display

Itinerary: Portsmouth, United Kingdom – Funchal, Portugal – San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands – Arrecife, Canary Islands – Lisbon, Portugal – La Coruña, Spain – Portsmouth, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit S2533 Canary Islands Christmas with New Year in Lisbon

Borealis’ 10-night S2601 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 04^th January 2026. Prices start from £1,099 per person.

• Join a tour to see the Aurora Borealis
• Learn about Arctic life with the Sámi people
• Discover the science behind the Northern Lights

Itinerary: Portsmouth, United Kingdom – Ålesund, Norway – Narvik, Norway – Stavanger, Norway – Portsmouth, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit S2601 In Search of the Northern Lights

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operates a fleet of three smaller ships – Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral – each designed to carry under 1,400 guests, offering a refined and personal cruising experience. These award-winning cruises feature immersive shore excursions, diverse dining and leisure options, and a wide selection of cabins, including dedicated solo traveller rooms, interior cabins, and balcony suites.