Sister Ships: What They Are & Why They Matter for Your Next Cruise

If you’ve ever browsed cruise options, you might have come across the term “sister ship.” But what does it really mean, and why should it factor into your decision when booking your next cruise holiday?

Sister ships are more than just vessels that look alike, they offer a unique blend of familiarity and individuality that can enhance your cruising experience. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or embarking on your very first cruise, understanding the concept of sister ships can help you make a more informed and enjoyable choice.

So, let’s explore the world of sister ships and discover which of Fred. Olsen’s ships share this special connection!

A sister ship refers to a cruise ship that shares the same design, construction blueprint or class as another ship in a fleet. These ships are often built in the same shipyard, featuring similar layouts, dimensions, and technical specifications. However, while they may be alike in structure, they often have differences in décor, on-board experiences, and subtle layout variances.

Think of them like siblings in a family. They may not be identical, but they share the same foundation, many common traits, and a special connection.

For example, within Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Bolette and Borealis are sister ships, just as past favourites Black Watch and Boudicca were. Each pair shares many similarities, yet each ship has its own unique personality and charm.

Cruise lines build sister ships for a variety of reasons, including:

✅ Efficiency & Cost Savings – Designing and constructing a brand-new cruise ship is a huge investment. By using a successful blueprint, cruise lines can reduce costs and speed up construction.

✅ A Familiar & Seamless Experience – If you’ve sailed on one ship in a class, stepping onto its sister ship will feel instantly familiar. The layout, venues, and onboard experience will be easy to navigate, making your cruise even more enjoyable.

✅ Fleet Expansion & Reliability – Cruise lines can expand their fleets without reinventing the wheel. A proven ship design allows them to maintain a consistent level of quality and service while offering new itineraries to guests.

Yes! While sister ships share the same underlying blueprint, they often have their own unique features. Differences can include:

• Interior Design & Décor – Themed spaces, artwork, and colour schemes may vary between ships.
• Dining & Entertainment – Some sister ships introduce new restaurants, bars, or live shows that aren’t available on others in the same class.
• Itineraries & Home ports – Sister ships often sail to different destinations and operate out of different home ports.

For example, while Bolette and Borealis share the same layout, Fred. Olsen has given each ship its own distinctive personality. The colour palettes and decorative elements have been carefully tailored, providing subtle differences that make each ship feel unique. For instance, the Morning Light Pub areas on both ships retain similar design elements, but each has its own character and atmosphere.

These thoughtful adjustments ensure that, while guests enjoy a familiar experience, each cruise still feels special.

Understanding sister ships can help you make a more informed choice when selecting your next cruise.

If you loved your time on Bolette, chances are you’ll love Borealis too! Their similarities mean you can expect the same comfortable layout and personal service, but with a slightly different environment.

Small differences such as itineraries or dining venues could help you decide which one best suit your preferences, and if you’ve sailed on a sister ship before, you’ll already be familiar with its general layout, making it easier to navigate.

If you’re considering a Fred. Olsen cruise but aren’t sure whether to book Bolette or Borealis, knowing they are sister ships means you can expect a similar onboard experience, making your choice even easier!

If you’ve ever thought Bolette and Borealis resemble other cruise ships, this is because both ships were previously part of Holland America Line’s Rotterdam Class before being acquired and rebranded by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

The Rotterdam Class ships are known for their classic ocean liner design and elegant interiors (fondly known as their R-Class) with sister ships Volendam and Zaandam still sailing with Holland America today, showcasing similar structural features.

Holland America also introduced another ship class, the S-Class, which was slightly smaller than the R-Class. One of these ships, now sailing as Celestyal Journey, is currently operated by Celestyal Cruises, offering cruises around the Greek Islands.

The world of sister ships is a fascinating one, offering guests the best of both worlds with a familiar design and unique elements that make each ship special.

Whether you’re booking your first cruise or are a seasoned guest, knowing about sister ships can help you make the perfect choice. So, when you’re browsing for your next holiday, keep an eye out for sister ships as you might just find the perfect match for your next cruise.