This morning, I took a trip to Southampton with a few colleagues to visit the Fred Olsen Cruise Line Ship Borealis. The adults only, 237.9 metre ship looked pristine in the beautiful April sunshine as she was docked at the Horizon Terminal with her unmistakable red funnels sporting the company's logo.
Upon arrival we parked in the short stay car park which is a small car park located across the road opposite the terminal entrance. Then after a short 3–4-minute walk we entered the main terminal building. The main terminal building is not the largest of terminals, with minimal seating as you enter. However, when you head for the security area there are several lanes to join so to pass through this section relatively quickly. We were greeted at the terminal by Pam White and her team from Fred Olsen Cruises, where we had our ID’s check and security passes for the ship given to us. Then we were taken through the crew/visitor security entrance and to the aft gangway to enter the ship. As we entered the ship onto Deck 1 which is named Marina, we were warmly met by the ship’s security team where we had our passes scan so to confirm we were on board.
Now on we waited at the aft staircase for rest of the group to get onboard, and once they all had we headed along the starboard corridor to the front of the ship. The corridor was just wide enough for people to walk in opposite directions in single file, and had a blue carpet highlighted with red, yellow and white patterns, and walls dotted with a selection of different styled art pieces. Once at the front staircase and lifts we took the lift, which held 9 of us, up to Deck 9 (Named Sports) and into The Observatory. The Observatory is a wonderful open plan venue that wraps around the front of the ship with large bay windows offering great views of the direction the ship is heading. A nice feature is there are several binoculars free to use dotted along the outlooking windows of the venue. There are a central rounded bar and a stage area for live music, with a fabric world map along one of the walls. The venue is used for several different functions, such as afternoon tea, quizzes, silent discos and live music events. It is also a nice venue to spend the daytime in for relaxation and good views, with reclining seats located at the front of the venue. We were met by the team from Fred Olsen and sat for a selection of pastries, sweet treats and teas and coffees as we took in information from the team holding the tour. After a short break we were split into two groups and led out on our tour.
We started our tour of the 10 Deck ship at the front on deck 8 (Named Lido) at the Atlantis Spa and Fitness Centre. In the spa you can have a selection of treatments, from facials, body treatments and massages to hair and nail styling. All these are bookable and at an extra charge. All performed in different rooms with some of the chairs facing out to views around you as you sail. The Fitness Centre is well equipped with many different machines and weights. They also offer personal trainer sessions and class that you can take part in. The Fitness Centre also has large bay windows looking out so you can enjoy the view as you sail and work out. However, the pick of the Spa and Fitness Centre is the Thermal Suite. Bookable and for sole use of your party only once booked, it has relaxation written all over it. Steam room, mineral bath and ceramic relaxation beds giving you the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the world pass by.
From there we headed towards the centre of the ship on Deck 8 and to where the swimming pool is located. Amply size pool with sun loungers spread around it and plenty of seating also. There are a couple of jacuzzies, a bar and table tennis table all available to use. There is also a retractable roof, so the area can be used in all weathers. A wonderful statue of a couple of sea lions’ pride of place by the jacuzzies and swimming pool.
Now heading towards the back of the ship along Deck 8 we came across the buffet. Called The View, it had lots of seating on both sides of the ship and out into the open area by the pool there shouldn’t be much problem getting a seat when you want to have some food. Also, unlike some other cruise lines, in the buffet you still get a waiter and they will seat you so that you don’t have to worry about looking after your table when going up to get food. They are also on hand to help with any issues. A wide range of food and drink offerings with hot and cold food and hot and cold drink stations all for you to choose from. The buffet area itself is well lit and with large windows running the whole way along the ship both sides offer good natural light and opportunities to enjoy a view with your meal. A colour scheme of red and white brings a warm and welcoming venue. Heading through the buffet to the aft of the ship brings you out to an open area with more sun loungers and seating.
Now we headed down one deck to Deck 7 (Named Bridge) to visit the first of the cabins we were going to look into on our tour. The first cabin we saw was cabin 7040, which is an adapted premier suite cabin. As we entered, we were welcomed to a good space that occupied the bed and a seating area. Plenty of cabernet space and wardrobe space, with an exit out to the balcony. Around the corner there is a bathroom well set for assistance with several assistant bars and open plan. Includes toilet, shower and bath. Extra features include fridge, tea and coffee making station, water and fruit upon arrival. In my opinion a very good-sized cabin.
After that we headed back towards the centre of the ship along the colourful corridor to our next cabin which was a Premier Suite Cabin. The cabin we saw was 7032, very similar in layout to the adapted premier suite with the bed and seating area in an open plan setting and offering the same features in both cabins. The main difference between the two we saw is in the bathroom, with this cabin not having a bath but just the toilet and shower. Like the previous cabin, the customer is greeted with fresh fruit.
From here we continued along Deck 7 to the front of the ship and to one of the most impressive cabins onboard Borealis. The cabin we got to view was the Olsen Suite, the owner’s suite and the cabin they use when sailing onboard. If you have the money and want to really travel in style, then this the cabin to choose. As we entered cabin 7002, the first room you come across is the kitchen. The kitchen has a large fridge, sink and storage space and is also stocked with teas, coffees and water. Next to there is one of the toilets, only having toilet and sink this would be used by visitors to the cabin. Next you come to the dining area, with art on the walls and a large dining table set for 6 people. Fresh fruit and champagne await the customer as they arrive, it also has the exit to the balcony. In a slight open plan with the dining area is the seating area. Here there is a large sofa and armchairs with TV and storage areas. Large bay windows offer great natural light and wonderful unrestricted views. Heading into the next room we came across the bed, a large king size. Attached to this room is the main bathroom and walk in wardrobe. The walk-in wardrobe has amply storage and would be welcomed in many properties on land. In terms of the bathroom, it is decorated to a high level with many features such as toilet, shower, jacuzzi bath and double sink. This cabin would be ideal for long voyages giving you a great area to spend in when not on deck.
One deck down to Deck 6 (Named Highland) we moved onto our next cabin. Up next we cabin 6130, a Balcony Suite Cabin. On your left as you enter is the bathroom, with toilet, sink, large mirror and bath with shower over it. Not a bad size for a cabin on a ship and plus to have the bath which many don’t have. From there we headed into the cabin main, an open plan with good size bed and two-seater sofa. Desk area with seat, TV, coffee and tea making station next to the exit to the balcony. Like all the other cabins we have been into so far, there was fresh flowers and fruit ready for the customers arrival.
As we passed along the corridor, again dotted with lots of art along the walls, we came to the next cabin, an Adapted Superior Ocean View cabin. This was cabin 6104, an open plan cabin set in a twin configuration. A two-seater sofa set up as another bed offering a room capable of several occupants. Plenty of wardrobe space and similar extras to the previous cabins visited. However, this time as we are in a lower grade cabin, no fresh flowers or fruit for the customers arrival. A good size bathroom with plenty of assistant bars and a seat in the shower area.
A break from view cabins we were now at the front of the ship on Deck 5 (Named Lounges) and we entered the upper level of the Neptune Lounge. A mix of individual and sofa styled fabric seating, offering space for over 1,000 people and most of the ship’s capacity. This is the main entertainment venue on board which will host the main evening entertainment be that a show from the ship’s show company or guest entertainer. There are usually two shows a night, to tie-in with the dining times, so customer can either eat first then see a show or vice versa. When we were there the ship’s show company were installing a brand-new show, something exciting for past and new cruisers to look forward to.
From there we come across the atrium, which has spiral staircase surrounding a magnificent sculpture. The base is a large clock, with a statue man holding aloft a large, decorated ball. After the atrium along this deck is the Ocean Bar. Filled with tables and chairs there is also a stage area for live music and a small dancefloor. Patterned carpet and walks filled with art, just another space well decorated and slightly different from the other venues. Onward from here is another lounge area with plenty of seating, which includes a painted portrait of the original Olsen’s who founded the company and a portrait of Bolette, who Borealis sister ship is named after.
We then entered the shopping area offering lots of different items to buy, from jewellery, handbags and other accessories to sweets and duty free.
Next to the shopping area there is the Morning Light Pub & Lounge and the Piano Bar. The Morning Light Pub & Lounge offered lots of seating and pub games such as Bar Billard’s and tabletop Shuffleboard. A wide selection of soft and alcoholic drinks to keep anyone going throughout their trip. The Piano Bar is a smaller lounge with a more intimate setting with select seating a piano.
As we entered the mid-aft of the ship and next few public venues, we first came across The Bolette Card Room, with several card tables set up ready for games such as Bridge or Whist. After that we entered The Bookmark Café & Lounge, this is the library onboard and has a wide variety of books to choose from and enjoy. Plenty of seating and a space for board games and chess to be play. This spreads along the port side of the ship for a large area, with a café bar located in the middle of it offering a range of chocolates to support your tea or coffee and is surrounded Japanese and Oriental art and sculptures.
From here we took a quick break in the Serentiy Tea Room, a lovely open plan tearoom with a wonderful green and yellow colour scheme. Here customers can pick from a choice of teas from around the world, including tea cocktails and mocktails. A very nice venue to relax in during your trip.
Once we finished our break, we went down another deck to Deck 4 (Named Main) where we walked through some more public spaces. As we were towards the aft of the ship, we began this part of the tour in Colours & Tastes the speciality restaurant onboard Borealis. With tables for either 2’s or 4’s dotted around the room the restaurant has gone from just an Asian-fusion food inspired restaurant to offering a rotating menu with more worldwide food choices. A good venue to choose for a special occasion meal or something a bit more intimate than the main dining restaurants or buffet.
The next venue on our tour was the Auditorium. A smaller, lecture style venue which can host around 100-150 people and has a built-in kitchen for cooking demonstrations. It is also home to many talks while sailing.
From there we were back in the atrium and here on deck 4 is guest services and destination services. Guest services are the main reception onboard and deal with anything the guests may need, and here we picked up a copy of Fred Olsen’s Daily Times magazine – the ships information magazine. In this daily magazine it will have all the information on the events happening onboard the ship that day, opening times for bars and restaurants, travel information, dress code, notes from the officer team, safety notes, a little puzzle and other information. A well balanced and clear guide for guests onboard. Destination services are the place the guests would go for all information regarding the ports the cruise is visiting and the shore excursions available to them to choose from.
Beyond from there is a small art gallery which leads into the photography section of the ship. Here customers can arrange photo shoots and look at photos that have been taken by the onboard professional photography team. At the front of the ship passed the photography section is the entrance to the lower section of the Neptune Lounge, were we got to meet the ship’s show company installation team who gave us a brief talk about what they were doing and the new show they were bringing on.
Now that we have toured most of the main public areas it was back to view cabins. The first of the cabins we saw on this part of the tour was a Terrance cabin located on Deck 3 (Named Promenade). The room was 3334, a smaller cabin than we had seen before but still space for a good size bed and two-seater sofa. Some wardrobe space and a smaller bathroom, which is basically a shower room with a toilet and sink in it. Small desk space with a TV, phone and bottle of water. At the end of the cabin is the exit to the promenade deck which has two sun loungers reserved for the cabin. It isn’t a balcony as it leads to the public walkway of the promenade but does offer some outside space which inside cabins or ocean cabins do not offer.
Next was cabin 3304, a Single Ocean View cabin. Set in a twin configuration, a small cabin with a large window offering good natural light. Good wardrobe space a seating space of just a chair with a wall mounted TV. Similar size bathroom to the Terrance cabin.
Our next cabin visit was on Deck 2 (Named Coral) where we saw a Single Inside Cabin. The cabin was 2608 and was small but a good size for an inside cabin. A decent size bed with not much space down the side, the cabin still offered a two-seater sofa and desk area with chair. Wall mounted TV and a relatively small bathroom but still has a toilet, sink and shower.
The last of the cabins on our tour was an Ocean View Cabin. This was cabin 2682 and as you enter the bathroom is on your left with a small bath and shower over the top. Like all the others has a mirror, sink and toilet. Another tight cabin but still space for a good size bed which can be made into a twin, and a two-seater sofa. Small amenities like the other lower, smaller grades such as TV, phone and water.
Now we came to the final part of out tour, lunch followed by a talk from the Fred Olsen team.
The main restaurants, named Aurora and Borealis located on deck 4 and 5 is where we had our lunch. As we were seated, we had a water and bread roll offered to us. Along with this we were offered wine, of which I had a small taster of the red option. A light and well-balanced red wine which would pair well with a less rich red meat like venison. A special menu designed for us so to give us a taster of what guests could experience while onboard, with a choice from 3 starters, 4 mains and 3 desserts. For starters the choices were either a Ham Hock and Chicken Terrine served with edamame beans, pickled vegetables and Dijon mustard. Watermelon, Rocket and Feta Salad served with apple, lemon and fresh mint. The third option was a Seafood Bouillabaisse served with garlic croute. I chose the Terrine, served cold with a good-sized terrine filled with a mix of ham hock and chicken kept together with a gelatine and the served with well cooked but sparce vegetables. All together was a good mix and the mustard added to the flavour well. For main course the choices were either Grilled Sea Bass served with parmentier potatoes, asparagus, mushroom and hazelnut cream, red radish and herb oil. Basil and Garlic Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast served with rosemary roasted baby potatoes and sauteed green beans. Gnocchi in a Rich Gorgonzola Sauce served with parmesan herb crumb. The final option was a Beetroot, Pumpkin and Chestnut Wellington served with baby vegetables, saffron mash and gravy. I chose the Chicken Breast – was a well-cooked chicken breast filled with the stuffing and paired well with the potatoes and green beans. A good size for a main course that is served on ships. As for desserts, the options were either a Sticky Toffee Pudding served with vanilla ice cream, ginger snap tuile and butterscotch sauce. Grilled Pineapple, Malibu and Pineapple Salsa served with Chantilly cream, shaved coconut, rum and lime syrup. The last choice was a Rich Dark Chocolate Orange Cremeux served with Grand Marnier, orange gel, chocolate soil and raspberry coulis. I chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding, one of my favourite desserts – a good size portion and cooked well, neither over or under done which sometime can happen with a Sticky Toffee pudding. The accompanying ice cream and butterscotch sauce was very tasty. A good choice in my opinion!
Finally, we headed into a cornered off area of the restaurant where we had our final talk from the Fred Olsen team. Here we were show a few videos of the ships and cruises they offer, followed by a talk about upcoming events and new cruises. We were served teas, coffee and chocolates from the Bookmark Café. At the end of the presentation, we were led back to the staff gangway and led back off the ship and into the terminal ready for our journeys home.
Overall, a very interesting tour, showing off plenty of the ship and what they can offer the guests while onboard. It was a particularly interesting trip for myself, having worked onboard cruise ships for P&O I was looking forward to seeing what the differences were. I was surprised to see that the ship layout was similar though I would say the public areas are more open plan than those of the ships I worked on with P&O, especially that of Arcadia and Aurora who are of similar size. I felt that if you were looking for a more relaxed and intimate cruise then I would pick Fred Olsen over P&O, however if you were looking for more to do on board and more entertainment then I would pick P&O over Fred Olsen. Though they offer a similar entertainment programme I think there is more options on a P&O cruise than Fred Olsen. In terms of cabins, I would say the lower grade cabins are similar in size however the superior cabins or suite style cabins are slightly bigger on Fred Olsen than P&O.
I believe Fred Olsen offer a good cruising package and would appeal to many cruising types as well as both new and regular cruisers. Age range I would say from 40/50 upwards, and as this was an adult only ship not suited to younger families. Families with children of late teen – early 20’s age may also find it difficult to keep everyone entertained though the cruise, but that will depend on people’s preferences.
A great experience to visit a ship and company I hadn’t seen before, and I look forward to more opportunities to visit or cruise with Fred Olsen in the future. If you’re looking for your next Fred Olsen cruise, have a chat with Alexander on 01225 945 883 or email bath@milesmorgantravel.co.uk.
