When I got to know about a fantastic deal for the first leg of a world cruise aboard Fred. Olsen’s Borealis, I didn’t hesitate.
I’d always been curious about this traditional British cruise line, and this short journey — from Liverpool to Southampton — seemed like the perfect way to test the waters.
This wasn’t just any cruise. It was my first time sailing with Fred. Olsen, a cruise line I’d always associated with classic charm and a more traditional British crowd.
More importantly, it was also my first solo cruise. No partner, no travel buddy — just me, a suitcase, and a quiet craving for some space.
I needed a break, not just from work or routine, but from noise. I had a strong feeling that Borealis wasn’t the kind of ship where kids ran wild or pool parties blared EDM until midnight.
And guess what? That instinct couldn’t have been more accurate.
From the moment I stepped aboard, it was clear: this was the kind of ship built for unwinding, for genuine conversation, for noticing the little details.
And as a solo traveler, I felt like I’d stepped into a peaceful pocket of time — no pressure, no chaos, just calm seas and excellent company.
Boarding in Liverpool: In and Onboard in Under 5 Minutes
If you’ve ever spent an hour weaving through check-in lines, you’ll understand how refreshing it was to breeze through Liverpool Cruise Terminal in under five minutes. No queues, no fuss — just a friendly welcome and straight onto the ship.
Now, let me set the stage here: I’m used to the giants of the sea — those massive mega-ships packed during school holidays. In comparison, Borealis felt positively petite — about a quarter the size of those floating cities.
And because this particular voyage wasn’t heavily booked, the ship was running at just 25% capacity. Talk about spacious.
One delightful surprise? As I stepped onboard, I was greeted by none other than the captain himself — something that never happens on those bigger ships, where the captain is more legend than human.
My Cabin: Budget-Friendly But Brilliant
It wasn’t even lunchtime yet, but my cabin was already ready and waiting. Located on Deck 1, I expected something cramped or windowless.
Not the case. My ocean-view room came with a full-sized window and felt incredibly roomy, especially considering it was the cheapest cabin option.
Though Borealis originally launched in 1997 (she previously sailed as Rotterdam for Holland America Line), the cabin felt surprisingly fresh.
The decor had clearly been updated during Fred. Olsen’s 2020 refurbishment, and nothing felt worn or dated.
Best of all? The shower was enormous — easily double the size of a standard cruise ship shower.
And storage? I could’ve packed for the entire 80-day world cruise and still had space left in the army of wardrobes lining the wall. For a short two-night stay, it felt borderline luxurious.
Stress-Free Cruising, the Fred. Olsen Way
Fred. Olsen caters largely to a retired crowd, and everything about the cruise reflected that relaxed, thoughtful approach.
No apps, no frantic tech — just good old-fashioned paper guides and personal touches.
In my room, I found a printed dinner assignment — complete with the time, restaurant, table number, and even a map of where to sit.
That alone saved me the awkward “where do I go?” moment most cruisers have on night one.
There was also a thorough manual answering practically every guest question imaginable — a small touch that prevents people from queuing at guest services.
And in a nostalgic twist, the room came stocked with postcards, so I happily scribbled notes to my kids back home. No app notifications, no screen time — just peaceful, unplugged cruising. I genuinely loved it.
Lunch at the Buffet: Small Ship, Big Flavor
After settling in, I headed up to the buffet — curious to see what a smaller ship had to offer food-wise. Spoiler: it was fantastic.
I started with a fresh salad bar plate and followed it up with a fiery pasta dish from the live station (pro tip: go for the chillies if you’re into spice).
The buffet had way more variety than I expected, proving that smaller ships don’t skimp on culinary options.
I also treated myself to a glass of wine, and the prices were so reasonable that I didn’t even consider a drinks package.
If you’re debating one, I’d definitely suggest checking out reviews or doing the math — you might not need it.
Where Did the Pool Go?
After lunch, I explored the ship and stumbled upon a quirky surprise. On the aft deck, there’s an oddly shaped garden space where the Holland America pool once lived. When Fred.
Olsen refurbished the ship; they apparently removed the pool, but you can still kind of see the outline where it used to be.
Stranger still, a couple of the flower beds look suspiciously like they were once hot tubs, and in the middle, there’s a playful fake stream with koi fish painted on the bottom. Cute? Absolutely. Useful? Not really — but it added character.
A Surprisingly Spacious Ship
Everywhere I turned, Borealis felt open and unhurried. With so few passengers onboard, there was no competition for sun loungers or bar seats.
There’s also an indoor pool with a retractable roof and some lovely hot tubs, which I’d have happily lounged in for hours.
Add in a handful of cozy bars and lounges (with a decent cocktail menu), and it felt like the perfect escape.
My favorite find was the hidden observation lounge at the very front of the ship — barely signposted, yet offering panoramic views and peaceful seating.
I grabbed a strawberry daiquiri, watched the sunset, and let the day melt away.
Dinner in the Main Dining Room: Vegan-Friendly and Flavorful
At dinner, I was pleasantly surprised by the plant-based options. While the starter menu didn’t offer any vegan dishes, there were two vegan mains, so I tried both.
The celeriac steak was wonderfully seasoned, and the vegetable curry was full of flavor without being too spicy.
Dessert was supposed to be a simple sorbet, but my friendly waiter added a surprise poached pear to the mix, just because he thought I’d enjoy it. And he was right!
Evening Entertainment: Surprisingly Fun and Engaging
The after-dinner show took me by surprise. It was themed around world cultures, with energetic performances and beautiful costumes.
I’ve seen a lot of cruise entertainment, and honestly? This one held my attention the entire time — no zoning out or checking the time.
Afterward, I drifted into a lounge to enjoy some live music, then called it a night to rest up for my final day onboard.
Morning Breakfast & A Surprise Chocolate Bowl
Breakfast the next day was served in the main dining room, where I scored a window seat and some excellent waiter service.
I started with something from the “healthy options” menu — a mysterious “chocolate bowl” that turned out to be… a bit odd. Sweet, rich, and not really my thing. But hey, I gave it a shot.
I followed that with a delicious vegan cooked breakfast, and even got to inspect the packaging on the Flora Plant Butter, a vegan favorite. The staff really went out of their way to make sure everything was right.
They even invited me to preview the next meal’s menu in case I wanted to pre-order something special — an appreciated touch.
Crafting, Relaxing & a Lucky Bingo Win
Post-breakfast, I took a solo dip in the indoor pool and melted away in the hot tub — without another person in sight. It felt like my own private spa.
Later, I signed up for a craft class at the art studio and made two pairs of earrings for just £5. Not bad for a creative little souvenir!
Lunch was casual — a hearty bean stew, salad, and a few chips from the buffet. Then I stretched my legs on the promenade deck, which wraps around Deck 3.
It’s sheltered enough to use even in bad weather and perfect for a world cruise. Three and a half laps equals a mile, in case you’re counting.
I ended the afternoon with a relaxing stretch class in the gym, followed by a free smoothie (a fun little reward).
Then it was time for bingo — and I won! Granted, my prize only netted me £3 more than the ticket cost, but still — a win’s a win.
Final Night: Bond Vibes & Fine Dining
On my final evening, Borealis hosted a Masquerade & Whisky Tasting Night, which turned out to be an unexpectedly delightful combo.
I slipped into my best cocktail dress and picked a mysterious mask from the ship’s small boutique—it cost around £12, but it felt like a fun souvenir.
The lounge glittered under soft lighting, with passengers mingling in masks and sipping their welcome drinks.
Alongside the masquerade fun, Borealis featured a special whisky tasting: the spotlight drink of the night was Amplitude, a rare East Anglian malt that spent 103 nights at sea aging onboard, priced at £65 per bottle.
I joined a small tasting circle where the cruise host explained the whisky’s maritime hints of tropical fruit and warm spice. It was surprisingly smooth, rich yet not overpowering.
While I savored the whisky, a trio of musicians began playing smooth jazz covers in the background. It struck me as the perfect balance—just enough glamour without pretension.
The evening wrapped up perfectly when one of the crew offered freshly baked, miniature fruitcakes—zero tech, all atmosphere, and just the kind of unique memory solo travelers will appreciate.
Fred. Olsen Borealis – Cruise Experience Feature Comparison Table
| Category | Fred. Olsen Borealis Experience |
|---|---|
| Boarding & Embarkation | Lightning-fast check-in (under 5 minutes), personal greeting from the captain, 25% capacity — quiet and easy |
| Cabin Experience | Budget ocean-view room with large window, spacious layout, massive shower, and tons of storage |
| Cruise Atmosphere | Calm, traditional, unplugged experience for mature guests — no apps, paper guides, postcards in room |
| Buffet & Food | Surprisingly high food quality, live pasta station, generous salad bar, reasonable wine prices |
| Pool & Outdoor Areas | Outdoor pool removed; quirky garden area remains. Indoor pool and hot tubs are clean, relaxing, and crowd-free |
| Entertainment & Lounges | West End-style theater show, Bond night with martinis, stand-up comedy, live music, and cozy bars |
| Solo Travel Perks | Personalized service, staff remembered names/preferences, felt welcome and safe as a solo cruiser |
| Dining Experience | Vegan-friendly mains, waiters willing to customize dishes, thoughtful pre-ordering for dietary needs |
| Onboard Activities | Crafts (£5 earring class), stretch class with smoothie reward, bingo, promenade walking deck (3.5 laps = 1 mile) |
Final Thoughts: A Peaceful and Pleasant Surprise
From the moment I stepped onboard, one thing became incredibly clear: the service on Borealis was next-level. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was probably the best I’ve ever experienced at sea.
Every crew member I interacted with — from waiters to cabin stewards to front desk staff — was genuinely warm, attentive, and eager to help without hovering.
I’ve cruised in Queens Grill on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which is famously luxurious, but somehow the service on Borealis felt even more personal.
There was no stuffiness, no performative politeness — just sincere kindness and a noticeable pride in their work.
Need something? They’d anticipate it before you even asked. Have a random question? It was answered with a smile and often a helpful tip on top.
I never once felt like a request was too much trouble — and trust me, I’m someone who always forgets something or asks where the decaf tea is after midnight.
What struck me most was how genuinely happy the crew seemed. That kind of energy is infectious. It sets the tone for the entire cruise.
And as someone sailing solo, that warm, welcoming atmosphere made me feel completely at ease from the very beginning.
Fred. Olsen may be known for its classic charm and older crowd, but I think its true secret weapon is the crew.
Whether you’re cruising for the first time or you’ve been around the ship a few times (pun intended), I can almost guarantee you’ll walk away remembering the people on board just as much as the ports you visit.
