By
Laura Hyde |
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ newly refurbished Borealis has returned to service following a two-week drydock project at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The refurbishment focused on technical upgrades and interior design enhancements to elevate the onboard experience for passengers.
During the refurbishment, public areas including The Observatory and The View were refreshed, while the onboard Atlantis Spa has been fitted with new salon equipment, a pedicure chair and a Jacuzzi in the Thermal Suite.
The 1,353-guest capacity ship now features a new open-air lounge venue located on deck 8; Fresco has been designed to offer “relaxation and panoramic views” and features a pediluvio foot spa experience and a spotlight stage for intimate live performances, weather permitting. Mediterranean-inspired light bites will be served from February 2026.
The speciality restaurant Colours & Tastes now includes refreshed interiors designed to showcase the restaurant’s art collection. From 2026 the restaurant will offer a new rotating themed menu, featuring grilled, Italian and Asian-fusion cuisine.
As part of Fred. Olsen’s new entertainment partnership with RWS Global, the ship’s Neptune Lounge has been upgraded with new stage technology, lighting and acoustics, as well as the addition of new aerial silks.
Borealis’ new open-air lounge venue, Fresco, has been designed to offer guests “relaxation and panoramic views”
Technical upgrades made during the refurbishment included the installation of new radio-frequency identification cabin doors and key cards, as well as an updated phone system.
The galley was also fitted with more energy-efficient equipment, including a new pizza oven, while the ship’s laundry facilities were upgraded to streamline turnaround processes.
New freshwater piping systems have also been fitted in selected guest corridors, while several crew cabins, crew break-out and recreational areas have been refurbished.
The refurbishment, which was carried out by a workforce of more than 920 people, included the installation of more efficient propellers to improve fuel performance. While in drydock, Borealis also underwent hull cleaning, grit blasting and checks on key systems including the keel, bow thrusters, stabilisers and propellers.
A team of over 920 people worked on Borealis during the two-week drydock
“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,” said Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “The dry-dock programme 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.”
Borealis will now sail a number of itineraries from Portsmouth, UK, including a 14-night ‘Fairytale Baltic with Christmas Markets’ cruise and a 13-night ‘Canary Islands Christmas with New Year in Lisbon’ voyage, which departs on 22 December 2025.