Written by Jay from Sail Away Magazine
My love for cruising began when I was just 12 years old, on a voyage to Norway aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Braemar with my grandparents. That trip ignited a passion for the sea that has stayed with me ever since. Now, 19 years later, I had the chance to rekindle that affection with a recent journey to Iceland about Borealis. What I found was a ship steeped in tradition and elegance, offering a cruise experience that stands out in a world increasingly dominated by mega-ships and mass-market cruise lines.
A ship with a proud legacy
Borealis, originally known as MS Rotterdam, spent the bulk of her life as the flagship of Holland America Line from 1997 until 2021. For years, she was a symbol of refined cruising, representing the very best of what Holland America Line had to offer. When Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines acquired the ship, they took care to preserve the elements that made her so beloved, while infusing her with the warmth and intimacy that defines the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines brand.
From the moment I stepped aboard, I could feel the ship’s rich heritage. The mural in the Borealis and Aurora Restaurant, which pays homage to Rotterdam V, an iconic vessel in Holland America Line’s history, is a beautiful nod to her past. The grand clock in the atrium, the centrepiece of Borealis, immediately catches the eye and acts as a reminder of the ship’s grand lineage. While the ship has been modernised, these thoughtful design touches keep her maritime legacy alive, ensuring that passengers feel a connection with Borealis’ soul.
The perfect size for comfort and relaxation
One of the standout features of Borealis is her size. In an age where cruise ships seem to grow larger every year, Borealis strikes the perfect balance. With a capacity of just over 1,300 passengers, she offers all the amenities of a larger vessel without the crowds and queues that can detract from the cruising experience. On our 11-night voyage, we never felt overwhelmed or jostled. There were no long lines at the buffet, no crowded lounges or pool decks. It often felt as though we had the ship to ourselves, which is a rarity these days.
This sense of space allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the cruise at our own pace. Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s commitment to keeping things intimate and personal is apparent in every aspect of the experience. Unlike the hustle and bustle found on the larger ships of many mainstream cruise lines, Borealis promotes a more traditional, refined style of cruising, where relaxation takes centre stage.
Traditional cruising at its finest
The experience aboard Borealis offers a nostalgic return to the golden days of cruising, where the focus is on relaxation, personal connection and the joy of exploration. There is a quiet, laid-back atmosphere onboard, perfect for those who want to unwind and savour the journey. For us, that meant long, leisurely walks around the ship’s wraparound promenade deck, reading a good book while sinking into one of the ship’s many comfortable chairs and indulging in some much-needed pampering at the spa.
The spa aboard Borealis is a sanctuary in itself. Complete with a thermal suite and hot tub, it provides a calming retreat where you can relax and recharge. The well-designed layout ensures that even when the ship is full, there is always a quiet corner to be found, whether it’s in the spa, on the promenade deck or in one of the ship’s many bars and lounges.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has expertly preserved the traditions of cruising that made the experience so captivating for generations of travellers. Rather than chasing the latest onboard gimmicks, Borealis celebrates the essence of what makes cruising special - quality time spent with loved ones, new friendships forged over shared experiences and the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life at sea.
Culinary delights onboard Borealis
Dining aboard Borealis was another highlight of our trip. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has gone to great lengths to ensure that the quality of food is far beyond what you might expect from a mid-sized cruise ship. Whether dining at the buffet, main dining rooms or the poolside grill, we were consistently impressed by the variety and flavour of the dishes on offer. The inclusive dining options offered a wide range of international and local flavours, each prepared with attention to detail. In particular, we enjoyed several dishes that would rival those served at high-end restaurants on land. The quality of dining aboard Borealis far exceeded that of some of the cruise lines Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines competes with.
However, it was the ship’s speciality restaurants, Colours & Tastes and Vasco, that truly stood out. Colours & Tastes offers a tantalising array of pan-Asian cuisine, with dishes that are bursting with flavour and beautifully presented. Vasco, which specialises in Indian cuisine inspired by the flavours of Goa, was a revelation. The dishes were expertly spiced and so authentically prepared that we felt like we were dining in a top-tier Indian restaurant. Vasco easily competes with other standout Indian dining experiences at sea.
What made these dining experiences even more enjoyable was the refreshingly reasonable cost. Unlike many cruise lines that charge exorbitant cover fees for speciality dining, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines keeps their prices fair, ensuring that these premium dining experiences are accessible to all passengers.
Service that sets a new standard
Without a doubt, the service aboard Borealis was the best we have ever experienced on a cruise ship. The crew were consistently friendly, attentive and efficient, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made us feel like valued guests from the moment we boarded, to the time we disembarked. It’s clear that the crew takes pride in their work, and this shines through in their interactions with passengers.
Every request was met with a smile, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. The crew’s attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond truly elevated our cruising experience.
This commitment to exceptional service is a hallmark of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and it is one of the many reasons why we keep coming back to this cruise line. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned one, the level of care and personal attention aboard Borealis and with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Modern comforts with a timeless touch
Despite being launched in 1997, Borealis has been carefully maintained and updated to offer all the modern comforts passengers expect from a cruise ship today. Our cabin was immaculate, with plenty of storage space, ample wardrobe space and convenient plug sockets, including USB ports by the bedside. This attention to detail made our stay incredibly comfortable, and the cabin never felt dated despite the ship’s age. The bathrooms, often an indicator of a ship’s age, were pristine and well-designed, a testament to Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s commitment to providing a high-quality experience in every aspect of the voyage.
Destination immersion and exceptional value
Our cruise to Iceland was nothing short of spectacular. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed to provide a deep and immersive experience of the destinations we visited. From the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland to the charming stop in Lerwick, Shetland, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s focus on destination immersion shone through in every port of call. The shore excursions were well organised, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and experience the local culture and natural beauty.
In terms of value for money, Borealis truly delivers. You’re treated to the beauty and elegance of an ex-Holland America Line ship without paying the premium prices associated with Holland America Line. This blend of classic cruising, exceptional service and reasonable pricing makes Borealis a standout choice for anyone seeking a more traditional, relaxing cruise experience.
Sailing aboard Borealis was a return to the roots of cruising - a voyage that celebrates the joy of exploration, the pleasure of fine dining and the warmth of personal connection. Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s has managed to preserve the timeless elegance of this ship while offering an unparalleled level of service and comfort. For those seeking an intimate, relaxing and immersive cruising experience, Borealis offers a journey that is hard to match.
