Fred. Olsen has announced that its Borealis returned to the UK from Iceland this week with Fred. Olsen becoming the first cruise line to complete an international voyage since the resumption of cruising.
Fred. Olsen’s new ship Borealis is said to have set sail for the rugged landscapes of Iceland on August 14th with around 800 guests onboard and was the first international voyage to set sail from British waters since all UK cruise operators paused their operations in March 2020.
The cruise visited Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Eyjafjörður and Seyðisfjörður, and guests were able to leave the ship and explore ashore in organised shore excursions.
Fred. Olsen’s Director of Product and Customer Service, Clare Ward said, “This is a big achievement not just for us, but for the cruise industry”, adding, “Being the first international sailing, this cruise was not without its challenges, but we worked very closely with the Icelandic authorities to ensure all went smoothly and, of course, safely, both for our guests and crew and those living and working in the ports we visited”.
She said, “It is the first time in 17 months that anyone has been able to explore overseas on a cruise again, and our destinations team worked closely with our shore tour providers to help as many guests as possible have safe yet genuine experiences ashore and enjoy the natural wonders of Iceland,” adding, “the joy of the journey is just as important as the destination.”
She also said, “Our journey planners curated an itinerary to showcase some of Iceland that is best seen from the water, from the rugged landscapes of Hornstrandir King and Queen Cliffs and scenic sailing into Seyðisfjörður, as well as some lovely sights of whales and other marine wildlife,” adding, “This is a real milestone for Fred. Olsen, and we can’t wait to welcome guests back on board for international sailings throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”
Fred. Olsen said the company and guests need to complete a number of procedures to make the sailing to Iceland possible, including pre-registration forms and testing prior to arrival into Iceland and before returning to the UK, with all guests required to be fully vaccinated by the Icelandic government.
The cruise line currently has two ships sailing, the Borealis, and the new flagship Bolette, both of which are offering more international sailings from September.
A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor Global Travel Media and Global Cruise News.
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