Borealis originally entered service in 1997 as MS Rotterdam for Holland America Line before joining Fred. Olsen, in 2021, is one of the older cruise ships sailing today, but she still attracts loyal British cruisers.

Since then, she has become a firm favourite for guests who enjoy a classic, traditional style of cruising.

When you step onboard Borealis, you immediately notice that her atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.

The crew is warm and welcoming, the service is attentive without being overbearing, and the ship has that homely feeling that so many repeat Fred. Olsen passengers love.

Her cabins are comfortable rather than flashy, and while she may not compete with the newest mega-ships in terms of size or amenities, Borealis still offers everything you need for a memorable voyage.

But here’s the important bit: with more than 700 cabins onboard, not all of them will suit every type of traveller.

A poorly chosen cabin won’t ruin your holiday, but it could make things a little less comfortable than you’d hoped.

Maybe you’ll hear unexpected noise, find your view blocked, or discover that your “balcony” isn’t quite what you imagined.

That’s why doing your research before booking matters so much. I’ve cruised on Borealis myself and spent plenty of time swapping stories with other passengers.

Add to that the insights I’ve gathered from cruise forums and reviews, and you’ve got a complete, honest guide to which cabins on Borealis are the best — and which you might want to avoid.

How to Select the Best Cruise Cabin on Borealis

Before diving into Borealis specifically, let’s touch on something every cruiser should keep in mind: choosing the right cabin is part science and part personal preference. What bothers one traveller might not matter at all to another.

Here’s a little checklist I always keep handy when picking a cabin — and I recommend you do the same:

• Think about location – Mid-ship cabins feel less motion, while forward and aft cabins give more dramatic views but can be noisier.
• Consider your budget vs comfort – Inside cabins are a great value, but a window or balcony can make your cruise feel more relaxing.
• Look at what’s above and below you – Nobody wants to be stuck under a nightclub or right next to a service area.
• Check for connecting cabins – If you don’t need one, avoid them, since soundproofing isn’t as good as a solid wall.
• Pay attention to accessibility codes – Don’t book an adapted cabin unless you actually need the extra features.

These rules apply to every cruise line, but they’re especially useful on ships like Borealis, where the cabin mix is varied and the quirks of an older design mean some rooms really are better choices than others.

Different Types of Rooms on Borealis

One thing I love about Borealis is that she offers more cabin options than any other Fred. Olsen ship.

With 702 cabins in total spread across several decks, you have plenty of choice, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a small group.

She shares a similar layout with her sister ship Bolette, but Borealis has 12 extra cabins and one additional category type, bringing her total to 19 categories.

That’s quite a variety, especially when you compare her to the smaller ships in the fleet.

To make it simpler, the cabins fall into four broad groups: Inside, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite.

Within those groups, you’ll find options for single travellers, couples, and guests with accessibility needs.

Just remember — the adapted cabins are designed for those who genuinely need them, so leave those for guests with mobility challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of all the cabin and suite types on Borealis:

Cabin	Type	Category	Max. Guests	Decks	Avg. Size (sq. ft.)
Single Interior	Inside	N	1	1	182
Interior	Inside	H, I	2-4	1-3	182
Single Superior Interior	Inside	M	1	2, 7	182
Superior Interior	Inside	G	2	2, 3, 6	182
Ocean View (Porthole)	Ocean View	F	2	1, 2	214
Ocean View Adapted (Porthole)	Ocean View	FD	2	1	214
Single Ocean View (Picture Window)	Ocean View	K	1	1-3	214
Ocean View (Picture Window)	Ocean View	D, E	2	1, 2	214
Superior Ocean View	Ocean View	B, C	2	3, 6	190–214
Superior Ocean View Adapted	Ocean View	BD	2	3, 6	214
Superior Ocean View Fully Restricted	Ocean View	CO	2	3	214
Terrace Cabin	Balcony	TC	2	3	218
Terrace Cabin Adapted	Balcony	TCD	2	3	218
Single Balcony Suite	Suite	JB	1	6	244
Balcony Junior Suite	Suite	BJ	2	6	280–290
Balcony Suite	Suite	BS	2	6	280–290
Premier Suite	Suite	PS	2	7	568–644
Premier Adapted Suite	Suite	PSD	2	7	568–644
Olsen Suite	Suite	OW	2	7	1,181

Now, most cabins on Borealis are a standard size for their category, but some vary a little depending on their exact position.

The best way to figure this out is to study the deck plans carefully before booking. They’re to scale, so if a cabin looks larger on the plan, it genuinely will be.

The Cabins That Might Not Suit Everyone on Borealis

Choosing the right cabin on Borealis can make the difference between a cruise that feels restful and one that leaves you wishing you had done a bit more homework before booking.

The ship has plenty of comfortable rooms, but a few categories come with quirks that not every traveller will enjoy.

Let me walk you through them based on my own experiences and the feedback I’ve gathered from fellow cruisers.

1. The Porthole Cabins

Another option that can be hit-or-miss is the Ocean View cabins with portholes.

These are mostly located on Decks 1 and 2, and while the idea of having natural light in your room sounds appealing, the execution isn’t always what people expect.

Instead of a big window where you can sit and watch the horizon, you get small round portholes, sometimes in a row of two or three.

To actually see outside, you need to lean over and peer through, and because you’re low on the ship, the view is often just waves or the side of the dock.

Some guests don’t mind — they like the little bit of daylight, and the price is lower than the picture window cabins.

But if you were dreaming of waking up and gazing out at the open sea without leaving your bed, these rooms can feel disappointing.

Personally, I think they’re fine if your budget is tight and you just want some light, but if views matter to you, a higher-deck picture window cabin is worth the extra.

2. Terrace Cabins

When I first saw the Terrace Cabins listed, I thought, “Ah, brilliant — a balcony option without the price tag of a suite.”

But the reality is quite different. These cabins, all located on Deck 3, don’t give you a private balcony at all.

Instead, your sliding doors open directly onto the Promenade Deck, which is essentially a wide walkway wrapping around the ship.

You do get two sun loungers reserved just for you, which are positioned right outside your cabin door. And don’t worry — the glass is one-way, so passersby can’t stare in at you.

But here’s the catch: you’re sharing that “balcony” space with everyone on the ship. Guests might stroll by while you’re sipping coffee, or even pause for a moment right outside.

For some, that social aspect is a fun way to meet people, but for others, it feels like a lack of privacy.

I remember chatting with a couple who booked one of these cabins for their anniversary.

They liked being able to step straight out for a walk around the deck, but admitted they missed having their own little retreat.

If you value private outdoor space, you’ll be happier upgrading to a suite with a true balcony.

3. Connecting Cabins

Like many ships, Borealis has a number of connecting cabins — basically two rooms side by side with a shared internal door.

These are fantastic if you’re travelling as a family or group and want that easy access. But if you’re just booking one of them on its own, that door can be a nuisance.

Why? Because it doesn’t block sound as well as a solid wall. On my last sailing, a friend of mine ended up in a connecting cabin, and while her neighbours weren’t wild or unruly, she could still hear the muffled TV through the door at night, and even some snoring. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to relax.

It’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, especially since Fred. Olsen cruises don’t tend to attract rowdy guests, but if you’re a light sleeper, I’d suggest steering clear of these.

Unfortunately, the deck plans don’t always make it obvious which cabins are connecting, so you may need to double-check with the cruise line if it’s a big concern.

4. Suites Below the Pool Deck

If you’re an early riser yourself, it won’t matter. But if you love long, peaceful lie-ins on sea days, I’d recommend choosing a suite located further aft on the same deck, where you’ll get more quiet.

Specifically, some of the Premier Suites (7005 to 7019) sit right under the sun deck area.

The pool itself isn’t noisy, but the scraping of deck chairs early in the morning can disturb light sleepers.

I once stayed just a couple of doors down, and while it didn’t ruin my cruise, I definitely noticed the sound of loungers being dragged into place when the sun-seekers started claiming spots at dawn.

Noise isn’t usually a big issue on Borealis. She doesn’t attract late-night party crowds, and her engines are far enough from most cabins to avoid heavy vibrations.

But there’s one place where sound can sneak in: the suites directly below the pool deck on Deck 7.

5. Seasickness and Cabin Choice

One of the things you quickly learn about Borealis is that she’s not a brand-new mega-ship with the latest stabilisers built in.

She’s sturdy and reliable, but because she’s a bit older, you really do feel the movement of the ocean more in certain parts of the ship.

I still remember my first few nights on her — I had a lovely cabin near the front on a higher deck, and while the view was gorgeous, I definitely noticed the rocking whenever the seas turned a little rough.

Someone once told me the phrase: “The more you pay, the more you sway”, and it’s spot on.

The bigger and more expensive cabins tend to be higher up, and that’s exactly where the motion is felt the most.

If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to think carefully before booking one of those high-level suites or forward-facing cabins.

The safest bet is to go mid-ship and as low as you’re comfortable with — that’s where the motion is minimal.

And here’s a little tip I’ve picked up: if you can get fresh air and a clear horizon view, it helps calm the queasiness.

So ironically, this is one of the few times when those Terrace Cabins with outdoor access on Deck 3 can actually be a smart choice.

6. Fully vs Part-Adapted Cabins

One thing I really respect about Fred. Olsen is how they’ve worked to make their ships more accessible.

On Borealis, there are a number of cabins marked as “Adapted”, meaning they have features designed for passengers with disabilities.

But here’s where it gets a little tricky: not all adapted cabins are created equal.

Some are fully adapted, offering extra space for wheelchair or scooter users, with wide doorways and plenty of room to move around.

Others are only part-adapted — they don’t have the extra floor space, but they do have an adapted bathroom with a fold-down shower seat and grab bars.

The problem is that if you rely on a wheelchair, a part-adapted cabin simply won’t be suitable, even though it’s technically labelled as “adapted.”

I’ve seen travellers get caught out by this and end up having to switch cabins. So if you need full accessibility, make sure you’re crystal clear when booking.

Cabins like 1806, 1807, 1956, 2500, 2702, 2704, 2709, 3394, 3399, 3428, and 3439 are part-adapted, and unless you’re okay with just the modified bathroom, you’ll want to avoid them.

The Best Cabins on Borealis

If you want the very best experience, the Olsen Suites stand out with their sheer size, private balconies, and luxury perks.

They’re followed closely by the aft-view Balcony Junior Suites, which offer peaceful wake views and a calm retreat after a busy day onboard.

The Olsen Suites

If you really want to experience Borealis at her very best, then the Olsen Suites are where the magic happens.

I remember chatting with a couple onboard who were staying in one of these, and they showed me a few photos on their phone — their exact words were, “It’s nice, but VERY orange!” They weren’t wrong, but wow, the space was unbelievable.

At nearly 1,200 square feet, the Olsen Suites are about six times the size of the smaller cabins on Borealis.

You don’t just get a bedroom — you get a separate living area, a dining space, a dressing area, and a bathroom with both a big shower and an oversized bath.

The private balcony is spacious enough for loungers, making it the perfect retreat when you just want to escape the crowds.

And then there’s the Suite Dreams package. This includes priority check-in, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an afternoon canape service, upgraded bathrobes and slippers, free pressing for formal wear, and even binoculars and an atlas to help you make the most of your itinerary.

It’s the little touches that make you feel genuinely special, and they really do transform your cruise into something memorable.

Aft-View Cabins

If there’s one cabin location that always gets people talking, it’s those at the very back of the ship.

On Borealis, the aft-view cabins (such as 2704, 2707, 2711, 3437, and several on Decks 6 and 7) offer one of the most peaceful and rewarding views you can get.

Standing on your balcony, you’ll watch the ship’s wake trail off into the horizon, a steady white ribbon across the ocean.

It’s oddly hypnotic — I could sit there for hours with a coffee in hand just watching the water shift and shimmer.

These cabins are especially great in the Balcony Junior Suite category, since the aft position makes the balconies feel more sheltered and private, even on windy days.

For me, these are some of the best-value cabins onboard, especially if you want that perfect mix of view, comfort, and tranquillity.

Dedicated Single Cabins

One of the things I’ve always admired about Fred. Olsen is how well they treat solo travellers.

Many cruise lines will sting you with single supplements, but Borealis has dedicated single cabins — not just in the interior category, but also ocean view and even suite options.

I cruised solo on Borealis once, and while I was technically booked into a “single” category, I ended up with a twin room instead.

It wasn’t quite the double bed I would have preferred, but I could’ve asked my steward to adjust it if I wanted. It was a reminder of Fred. Olsen ships, you’re never just a number.

And here’s the real gem: you can even book a single suite, something that’s practically unheard of on most cruise lines.

That means if you’re travelling solo but want to indulge in more space and luxury, you can do so without paying the same rate as two passengers.

For anyone who values both independence and comfort, this is a huge win.

Deck 7: The Sweet Spot

If I had to pick one deck on Borealis as the “best overall,” it would have to be Deck 7.

This is where you’ll find many of the premium options — Olsen Suites, Premier Suites, and Balcony Suites — but it’s also a great location for convenience.

Being on Deck 7 puts you close to the pool and sports areas, but you’re also not far from the main restaurants.

And unlike some ships where being near the action means more noise, Borealis tends to attract a quieter crowd, so you still get plenty of peace.

For me, it felt like the perfect balance — luxurious cabins, great access, and no late-night disturbances.

The Best and Worst of Borealis Cabins

If I had to sum it all up, here’s how I’d put it:

• Best Cabins: The Olsen Suites for ultimate luxury, Single Cabins for solo travellers, and Aft-View Balcony Junior Suites for their unbeatable serenity.
• Cabins to Think Twice About: Terrace Cabins if you value privacy, Porthole Cabins if you want a real view, and connecting cabins if you’re a light sleeper. Seasick travellers should also avoid higher forward cabins, and wheelchair users need to be careful with the part-adapted cabins.

Borealis might be older, but she’s full of charm. Once you know which cabins suit your style — and which ones to avoid — you’ll be set for a truly memorable voyage.