Borealis

Packing for your cruise holiday with Fred. Olsen is simple. The dress code is designed to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable during your days and evenings on board, as well as your time ashore. This handy guide will help you decide what to pack for your cruise holiday.

Daywear - On board

Whether enjoying the sea views from the deck, or participating in the many activities available, we want you to feel at ease. Casual wear is perfectly acceptable for your days on board with many guests opting for shorts and a T-shirt or polo shirt while cruising in sunny climes, and a pair of light-weight trousers and a sweater or jacket for cooler daytime temperatures.

Whilst on deck, bathing suits are a must to ensure you can make the most of the pools and Jacuzzis on board. A pair of flip flops or sandals are advisable as the decks can sometimes get very warm (please take care, as the decks can be slippery too). A T-shirt and casual shorts is often preferred for lounging by the pool. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses and sun cream, as the sun can be a lot stronger at sea.

Ashore

The weather can vary greatly depending on your destination and the time of year you cruise. For warm weather destinations like the Canaries, Mediterranean and the Caribbean, typical summertime wear such as T-shirts, shorts or swimwear are fine. For Shore Tours that include visits to churches, museums or cathedrals, it is advisable to dress a little more conservatively.

For cruises to cooler destinations, a pair of trousers, a jumper or jacket and a raincoat are recommended, as the weather can be changeable.

Whichever type of cruise you choose to embark on, a pair of comfortable walking shoes is strongly recommended to explore some of the fabulous destinations you will be visiting in comfort.

Evening wear

Evening wear is simple on a Fred. Olsen cruise; most evenings are Smart Casual with a Formal Night or two providing the chance to dress up. And just to add some fun to the cruise, there may also be some optional Theme Nights on longer sailings.

Smart Casual Evenings

Most evenings on board have a smart casual dress code. Dresses and skirts or a pair of trousers, chinos or dark jeans, coupled with a polo shirt, shirt or blouse. Some guests opt to wear a jacket and tie too, but the choice is yours.

Formal Evenings

Cruises of five nights or longer will have at least one Formal Evening - this is your chance to ‘dress to impress’ and add glitz and glamour to your dining experience.

Most men opt to wear either a dinner jacket, or dark suit and tie. Ladies are often seen looking fabulous in dresses, gowns, evening suits or a sparkly top with smart trousers or a skirt.

Casual Dining

On any evening, you have the option to dine in our casual, self-serve restaurant. While we request that guests dress appropriately – avoiding swimwear and loungewear – this option offers a casual dress code for a more relaxed dining experience at a time that suits you.

On board all of our ships, we do our best to accommodate most dietary requests. So, vegetarian, vegan, low fat, low cholesterol, low salt, dairy-free, lactose-free, wheat-free and gluten-free food are all catered for.

We also kindly request that you make us aware of any special dietary requests at the time of booking or by calling our Guest Services Team on 0800 0355 145. We’ll do our best to source exact products, or provide certain foods, such as diabetic desserts. Guests with food allergies or intolerances will also have the opportunity to speak to the Maitre ’d or Executive Chef once on board to discuss any requirements.

We can also provide a vegan option for our Traditional Afternoon Tea service, which is available on all sea days.

Please note that we may not be able to source specific brands given our location or the availability at local ports. 

Smoking is only permitted in our designated public smoking areas on board. This applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic cigarettes. In any other locations including inside spaces, cabin balconies and open deck areas, any form of smoking is not permitted. The designated smoking areas on board are:

Please ask a member of staff for the designated smoking areas when you board your ship.

Designated smoking areas on board are as follows:

Borealis

• Deck 8 aft – starboard side
• Deck 9 forward – starboard side

Bolette

• Deck 8 aft – starboard side
• Deck 9 forward – starboard side

Balmoral

• Deck 7 starboard side
• Deck 8 and 9 aft - starboard side
• Deck 11 starboard side - outside Marquee Bar

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines warmly welcomes guests dependent on the use of a wheelchair/scooter for mobility on all vessels within our fleet. However, with the very different nature of a holiday at sea when compared to one on land it is essential you are accompanied by an able-bodied companion who is responsible for providing any assistance that you may require both on board and ashore. On board we are unable to offer any sustained or long-term assistance.

To ensure a safe and comfortable cruise for our guests with reduced mobility, any guest who uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter must book an accessible cabin. This allows us to provide the appropriate space, care and equipment throughout your time on board. It also means that in the unlikely event of an emergency we can quickly locate and support you, along with all guests who may need additional assistance.

If it transpires that any guests with limited mobility are unable to cope on board you will be required to meet with a senior officer to discuss the situation, and in extreme circumstances asked to disembark the vessel at your own expense. If in any doubt prior to departure as to whether we can safely accept the guest for passage, we do reserve the right to insist a guest is accompanied by an able-bodied companion.

The number of guests either reliant upon the use of a wheelchair/scooter, or with reduced mobility, that we can accept is governed by the number of crew we can assign to assist disabled/mobility impaired guests in the unlikely event of an emergency. This is in accordance with the International Maritime Organisation’s convention on ‘Safety of Life at Sea‘ (SOLAS), governing the safe evacuation of a vessel within 30 minutes of the emergency alarm being sounded. This regulation is not superseded by the EU Passenger Bill of Rights Regulation 1177/2010, effective 18 December 2012, concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea or inland waterways.

Please Note: All guests will be required to store mobility devices in their cabin on board and will not be permitted to leave them outside in corridors and stairwells, or have them stored on board.

If you would like to hire mobility equipment to take on your cruise, please contact the following companies:

• For hire in Southampton: Mobility at Sea 0800 328 1699
• For hire in Newcastle and Liverpool: Mobility Hire 0800 111 6234

Deaf and visually impaired guests

As with mobility impaired guests we would strongly recommend guests are accompanied by an able-bodied companion to assist them both on board and ashore.

If you have a hearing impairment and are unable to hear alarms/announcements a portable kit can be requested for your cabin. This includes a wireless doorbell, optical smoke alarm, flashing strobe light and vibrating pillow pad. Infra-red hearing loops are fitted on all vessels, with headsets available from Guest Services, for use in the main ‘Neptune Lounge’, please note that this headset system is not suitable for people who wear permanently inserted hearing devices. In the event of an emergency our specifically trained and assigned crew will come directly to your cabin. Please advise us of any serious hearing impairments in advance.

At Fred. Olsen we are committed to reducing the impact we have on the environment around us.

With our ships sailing to the four corners of the earth, we want to minimise the impact we make on all the beautiful places we visit∘ and ensure that they are protected for future generations. As a company, we strive to comply with all environmental requirements and take steps to exceed them whenever possible.

Continuing our ongoing efforts to help alleviate plastic pollution and its global environmental impact, single use plastic water bottles∘ are no longer available to purchase throughout our fleet, for guests or crew, and glass carafes, which are replenished daily, are in use in all cabins.

Guests can bring their own refillable water bottles, or purchase on board in the ship's Port Shop; these can be filled in any of our bars, and we are in the process of installing water stations across the fleet.

Little changes can make a big difference

• We have removed all single-use coffee cups, plastic cutlery and plastic straws
• Plastic jam and butter portions have been replaced with refillable options
• New linen bags have replaced plastic laundry bags
• The consumption of cling film in The Galley has been reduced
• Ropes are now used to secure items during rough seas rather than plastic
• Wooden pencils are provided in cabins, instead of plastic pens
• All printed marketing communication is on responsibly sourced FSC approved paper

We are excited to be supporting the Refill Campaign, run by environmental campaigning organisation City to Sea, to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastic water bottles on the environment, and encourage people to use refillable water bottles instead.

A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and it’s predicted that figure will rise by another 20% by 2021.

Find out more about how you could save money, stay hydrated and help prevent plastic pollution at source with Refill.

Download the Refill app to find your nearest station today and become a 'Refill Champion'.

Fuel

Taking great care of our ships

We are proud to operate a fleet of three classic, smaller-sized ships. Rather than build new vessels, we invest in our ships to prolong their lifecycle, so that we can keep them sailing for many years to come.

We know that our guests love our ships as much as we do, and we take great pride in maintaining them to the highest standard. Each ship undergoes regular, multi-million-pound dry dock programmes, which include technical and mechanical upgrades and enhancements to guest areas.

Sustainable fuels

Following a successful trial in 2024, our ship Borealis is now sailing a share of her itineraries using biofuel. We will continue our research and trials in this field as we work to roll biofuel out across our fleet.

Waste Recycling

From our guest cabins to our galleys, we take care to sort all waste on board, with materials such as plastic, cardboard, paper, metal, and glass separated and prepared for recycling ashore. We’ve also removed single-use plastic bottles across the fleet, along with plastic straws, stirrers, and other disposable plastic items - helping to reduce unnecessary waste and protect the environments we visit.

For your peace of mind, all of our cruise ships have a Medical Centre offering primary and emergency care, with a doctor and/or nurse on call at all times. All our cruise ships also have two qualified nurses on board. The Medical Centres operate outside of British and European health services and charges are levied for consultations, investigations, prescriptions and room visits. A scale of charges is displayed in each Medical Centre, and charges incurred will be billed to your on board account. We would ask that any guest taking medication brings adequate supplies to last the duration of the cruise. Please ensure you pack medication in your hand luggage, if required, en route to your ship.

Staying connected with friends and family at home whilst on a Fred. Olsen cruise has never been easier.

With our new fast Starlink maritime service you’ll be able to connect to the internet via your smartphone, tablet, laptop and other devices to send email, keep up-to-date with the latest news and share your holiday experiences on social media as you cruise.

Simply connect to the guest WiFi aboard, create an account and select your desired internet package and you’re good to go. WiFi is available throughout our ships, so you can connect to the internet whilst relaxing in any of our public areas. Any charges will be charged directly to your on-board account. Find out more here.

Our Suite Dreams package comes with our compliments in all our Suites. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and a fresh fruit bowl – which will be topped-up anytime during your cruise at your request.

To assist you on your voyage of discovery, you’ll find a pair of binoculars, a world atlas and a country guide,as well as a complimentary shuttle service to the local centre, if berthed more than one mile away (*unless local restrictions prevent this service). A newsletter with domestic and international news is delivered to your room daily, along with a selection of delicious canapés.

We know it’s the little details that make all the difference, and the inclusion of extras such as luxury towels, bathrobes and slippers, complimentary water, free pressing service and laundry vouchers ensures your Suite Dreams package is a valued treat.

Suite Dreams benefits include*:

• Dedicated check-in on cruises departing from the UK**
• A welcome bottle of sparkling wine
• Fruit basket (topped up on request throughout your cruise)
• Flowers or plant in your Suite
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Luxury towels
• Free pressing service for formal wear
• Binoculars in your Suite
• World atlas and country guide for your reference
• Afternoon canapé service
• Daily newsletter, featuring national and international news
• Pair of compact umbrellas for use ashore
• Laundry service discount vouchers
• Carafe of water, replenished daily

*Facilities (including cabin layout) vary by Suite type; please check when making your booking. Suite Dreams benefits are available on all cruises of three nights and above duration. Suite Dreams benefits apply to guests staying in all Suite grades.

Guide dogs (assistance dogs) are warmly welcomed on board all our cruise ships.

In order to offer an enjoyable and safe cruise experience for both you and your dog, we kindly request you complete the ‘Assistance Dog Travel Application Form’. This can be obtained by contacting the Guest Services Department on 0800 0355 145 or via e-mailing guest.services@fredolsen.co.uk. We request that guests advise us before travelling that they wish to bring an Assistance Dog on board, and that all relevant application forms are completed.

The following items must be included in the application*:

Pet Passport

Pet Passport We require a copy of all pages, including your pet's microchip number and confirmed rabies vaccination, which must be administered at least 21 days prior to travel, and valid for the duration of the cruise.

Training Certificate

Training Certificate A copy of the training certificate from ADI (Assistance Dogs International) or IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation).

Tapeworm Treatment Appointment

Tapeworm Treatment Appointment Confirmation of a pre-booked overseas veterinary appointment for tapeworm treatment. This is a mandatory requirement between 24-120 hours prior to return to the UK. We strongly advise you book this appointment for the penultimate port of call (if within the mandatory time period) to avoid any issues should the final port of call be missed for any unforeseeable reason. Exceptions include sailings direct from Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta. Please note: other EU countries also have tapeworm compliance requirements if you are not travelling to that country directly from the UK (i.e. the ship makes a call in another country first).

*If for any reason, after submitting the application, your request is denied by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), you are entitled to cancel your booking free of charge. Please be aware that it can take time to process applications with APHA, so please submit your request at the earliest possible opportunity to avoid disappointment. Terms & conditions apply.  

All of our ships have at least one fully equipped Laundry Room, complete with self service washing machines filled with with detergent and softener. Just collect a token from Guest Services (there is a small fee of £3.00 for this service) and pop it in the machine. Also in the Laundry Rooms are tumble driers, irons and ironing boards.

Or, let us do your laundry! A laundry bag will be supplied to you in your cabin welcome pack for your use, if you wish to return home with a case full of clean clothes. Simply fill the laundry bag with the items you need washing, and your cabin attendant will whisk them away for our 'wash and fold service'. Full details of prices can be found in your cabin welcome pack.

Please note: travel irons and steamers are not permitted on any of our cruise ships.

By upgrading to our Premium Drinks Package, you can enjoy a wide selection of premium wines, spirits and cocktails all day, every day – so you can savour that extra glass of your favourite tipple without worrying about the bar bill. It’s all taken care of.

The package starts from £32 per person, per night on cruises of 70 nights or more, so if you’d like to enjoy your drink of choice more than four times a day, it offers excellent value.*

*Based on a 70-night cruise with a package cost of £32 per person, per night. Typical drink price used for calculation: £8 (e.g. spirit and mixer).

What's included

• All Cocktails and Mocktails
• Soft Drinks (excluding Red Bull)
• Liqueurs and Speciality Spirits
• Lager, Ale and Cider
• Red, White and Rosé Wine by the glass
• Sparkling Wine by the glass
• Alcohol-free Spirits and Wine by the glass
• Spirits and Mixers
• Whisky and Brandy (excluding premium brands)
• Sherry, Madeira, Port and Vermouth

With our Premium Drinks Package, you’ll also enjoy:

• 25% off Red, White and Rosé wines by the bottle (including alcohol-free)
• 25% off Premium Whiskies and Brandies
• 10% off Champagne and Sparkling Wine by the bottle
• 10% off Dessert Wine

Please note: Some exclusions apply to our Premium Drinks Package, including 750ml glass bottles of mineral water; Red Bull; speciality coffee and drinks from our Bookmark Café and Serenity Tea Room.

Is there a limit on the quantity of drinks that guests can enjoy?

There is no set limit to the number of drinks our guests can enjoy, and we will always treat you as an adult. We operate a Responsible Service of Alcohol policy on board all our ships and reserve the right to restrict or pause consumption where necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.

PRICES

ADVANCE PURCHASE

• 1 - 5 nights. - £44 per person per night
• 6 - 27 nights - £40 per person per night
• 28 - 69 nights - £36 per person per night
• 70+ nights - £32 per person per night

ON BOARD PURCHASE

• 1 - 5 nights - £48 per person per night
• 6 - 27 nights - £44 per person per night
• 28 - 69 nights - £40 per person per night
• 70+ nights - £36 per person per night