Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils refreshed ship with new inclusions
Book exclusively through Cruise Traveller in Australia
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ classic liner, Borealis, has emerged from a major dry dock refurbishment with a fresh new look inside and out.
Australian boutique cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller – the Australian representative for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, is offering exclusive fares on a range of voyages aboard Borealis sailing up to September, 2027, with all cruises from January 1, 2026, including complimentary guided walks ashore, onboard gratuities and selected drinks with lunch and dinner for the first time.
UK-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines boasts a trio of boutique, more intimate ships – the 1353-guest Borealis, the 1250-guest Balmoral, and the 1338-guest Bolette. Together they celebrate traditional seafaring heritage and the timeless pleasures of classic British cruising.
A workforce of almost 1000 people was involved in the dry dock project in Rotterdam, with Borealis emerging from her rejuvenation in November, 2025. The refurbishment included a comprehensive refresh of interiors and exteriors, technical upgrades and guest-centric enhancements designed to elevate the onboard experience.
Public areas such as lounges, restaurants, spa centre and show lounge were all upgraded, creating an even more soothing and relaxing environment for guests. Advanced new technology was also added to enhance onboard stage shows. One of the most notable transformations has been in the speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes, which now boasts an elevated setting with a new, rotating themed menu offering more variety to guests during their cruise. There’s also a brand, new, open-air, relaxation lounge called Fresco which offers panoramic views, a special foot spa experience, light bites and a spotlight stage for intimate live performances.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines CEO, Samantha Stimpson, 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 program 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.”
In Australia, Cruise Traveller Managing Director, Joe O’Sullivan, said: “A voyage with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is all about enjoying the journey and seeing the world in comfort and style. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships are smaller, more personal and full of charm and character, with space to relax in style so that you can savour the timeless pleasures of sea travel.”
Exclusive fares aboard Borealis – now including drinks with main meals
Starting January 1, 2026 – fares aboard all Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships include complimentary guided walks ashore, onboard gratuities and selected drinks with lunch and dinner for the first time.
As the exclusive representative for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Australia, Cruise Traveller is offering special fares on a range of voyages aboard Borealis from now until September, 2027, lasting from three to 98 nights. They include:
* A 15-night winter cruise to Norway in search of the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis northern lights, which the Borealis ship is named after. The round-trip voyage from Southampton in the UK along the majestic coast of Norway begins November 8, 2026, with fares from GBP 1649 British Pounds per person, twin-share
* A 14-night summer Greenland and Iceland voyage roundtrip from Liverpool in the UK aboard Borealis, departing July 5, 2027. The voyage promises the dramatic ice fjords of Greenland and the wildlife rich waters of the Arctic with the chance to see whales, seals and rare seabirds. Fares are from GBP 2899 British Pounds per person, twin-share.
Call Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ exclusive Australian representative, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – Cruise Traveller
Cruise Traveller is Australia’s premier, small ship cruise specialist, representing 70 boutique, luxury and expedition cruising operators around the world. www.cruisetraveller.com.au .
