Cruise Frog guide
Borealis
Borealis is a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruise ship of the Rotterdam class, in service since 1997. She measures 61,849 gross tons and carries 1,299 guests with a crew of 600. She sails World cruises, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean itineraries.
About Borealis
Borealis was built by Fincantieri in Trieste and entered service in November 1997 as Holland America Line's Rotterdam, sailing for that line for 22 years. Fred. Olsen bought her in 2020 and she began cruising under her new name in July 2021. She measures 61,849 gross tons and carries about 1,299 guests, and Fred. Olsen markets her as its adults-only ship. Venues include the two-tier Aurora and Borealis restaurants, Colours & Tastes, the Observatory Lounge and a spa with a thermal suite. She sails from Southampton and Liverpool, from short Belgium trips and Norwegian fjords to a 2027 around-the-world voyage.
Ratings
- Cabins
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- Dining
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- Entertainment
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- Service
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- Pools & decks
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- Value
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Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
- World cruisesvoyages of three months or more, most leaving in January
- Canary Islandswinter sun off North Africa, often with Madeira and Morocco
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Norwegian Fjordsfjords and the North Cape, with midnight sun in summer
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
Home port: Southampton, England.
Flying in for your cruise?
Borealis sails from Southampton, England. The airport is London Heathrow (LHR), with 40 lounges to wait in before you board.
- Emirates LoungeLHR Terminal 34.9 ★
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T4)LHR Terminal 44.9 ★
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T5)LHR Terminal 54.9 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Borealis?
Borealis is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and belongs to its Rotterdam class.
How big is Borealis?
Borealis measures 61,849 gross tons and 238 metres in length.
How crowded does Borealis feel?
Borealis has a passenger space ratio of 47.6: 61,849 gross tons for 1,299 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Borealis feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Borealis carry?
Borealis carries 1,299 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 600 (about 2.2 guests per crew member).
When did Borealis enter service?
Borealis entered service in 1997.
Where does Borealis sail?
Borealis sails World cruises, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Norwegian Fjords and Mediterranean itineraries. Her home port is Southampton, England.
Which airport should I fly into for Borealis?
Borealis sails from Southampton, England. Fly into London Heathrow (LHR), which has 40 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Borealis?
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines publishes the deck plans for Borealis; this page links to Deck plans.
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