New Fred Olsen Ship Borealis Prepares for Sailing Today

The new Fred Olsen Cruises Lines ship Borealis sails from Liverpool today, marking the company’s return to sailing after the pandemic halted the cruise sector for about a year and a half.

It will be the first time the 1,360-passenger ex-Holland America Line vessel sails with the firm, and it will kick off a ‘Welcome Back’ summer sailing program in the UK.

At first, the ship will only be able to carry 50% of its passengers.

This year, the Borealis will set sail from Liverpool, starting with scenic-only sailings across the UK before adding places of call later in July and August.

The ship will add a two-tier theatre and main restaurant to the fleet, as well as an all-weather swimming pool with a retractable roof, a big spa and thermal suite, and a new space for culinary displays.

Fred Olsen bought Borealis and sister ship Bolette last summer as part of a plan to “strengthen and evolve” the line in preparation for its return to cruising.

On selected ex-UK 2021 sailings, discounts of up to £300 are available, as well as up to £200 per person to spend onboard, as well as up to £200 per person to spend on board on a selection of 2022 ex-UK cruises.

Peter Deer, the company’s managing director, said: “Today is a truly momentous day for us, as not only are we setting sail again after 16 months, but we are doing so with the first of two wonderful new ships.

“Our crew on board have been working incredibly hard to get Borealis ready to sail, and our guests can enjoy many brand new venues including The Crow’s Nest and the Piano Bar, and those familiar Fred Olsen touches, such as the Morning Light Pub, and our famous ‘doodle’ carpet, designed to be bright and cheerful.

“I must extend my personal thanks to each and every member of our wonderful crew, our shoreside team and our trade partners for their hard work, dedication, passion and commitment, and to our guests, both new and returning, for the support, patience and loyalty they showed as we prepared for our return.

“This voyage setting sail today is the beginning of a bright new future for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines with two remarkable new ships among the fleet. Here’s to many, many years of happy sailing ahead.”

Captain Rommel Pineda, who will be in command for the inaugural cruise, added: “Being a captain on a new ship is a great honour in its own right, but today represents so much more than that.

“My team on board have put their all into adding our own ‘Fred Olsen touches’ and to see the pride on their faces as they prepare to welcome our first guests on board is testament to just how much we have all missed being at sea.

 “Today we set sail on a new era, with many cruising adventures ahead.”