Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Uncover the lush, mountainous side to Spain as we sail along its northern shores. Delight in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cantabrian Mountains, the limestone cliffs and deep valleys of Urkiola Natural Park, and the pristine Gorbeia Natural Park. Immerse yourself in diverse Spanish lifestyles; Cantabria offers mountain hikes and the spirited Jota Montañesa dance, while the Basque Country is known for its Rioja, pintxos, bertsolaritza (improvised poetry), and the traditional Basque pelota ball game. We’ve also timed your cruise to coincide with the vibrant Aste Negusia Basque festival. Admire remarkable art and architecture created to rejuvenate the cultural landscape, such as Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover España Verde
Our journey planners have carefully planned this tour on board Borealis to allow you to explore the verdant landscapes and picturesque coastlines of "España Verde," or "Green Spain." From Santander, you can explore the Cantabrian Mountains, which span Asturias, Cantabria, Castile, León, and the Basque Country, and are known for their untamed terrain and expansive vistas; while Urkiola Natural Park, accessed from Getxo, is known for its diverse landscapes, limestone mountains, lush valleys and dense forests, offering a haven for flora and fauna.
The Cantabrian Way Of Life
Throughout your 2025 cruise to Northern Spain, there will be numerous opportunities for you to immerse youself in the rich Galician culture. Getxo is your gateway to the lush vineyards of the Basque Country, one of Spain's most well-known wine regions and the source of some of the best Rioja wine. You will also get to sample some of the region's speciality dishes, such as Cocido montañés - a hearty bean and meat stew, and Pintxos, which are tapas like nibbles. Listen to the region's traditional improvised poetry known as "Bertsolaritza", sung by a local bertsolaris, and join a "Jota Montañesa" dance of lively footwork and colourful costumes. You may wish to have a go at learning Euskara, a native dialect spoken in the Basque Country and thought to be the oldest language still in use in Europe, or the Cantabrian language of Montañés.
The culture of Northern Spain
Each destination on this Borealis cruise is intended to present some of Northern Spain's most impressive cultural highlights. Join us on a tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, well-known for its avant-garde architecture and diverse art collection and for transforming the city into a global cultural destination whilst driving tourism and urban renewal. Also in Bilbao is Azkuna Zentroa, a centre for culture and art, while the Iberdrola Tower is a symbol of the city's modernisation, and well worth a visit. In Santander, do make time to visit the cultural hubs of Centro Botín and Palacio de Festivales, used for celebrations of local artists and for hosting diverse performances and events; and Magdalena Palace, all of which display architecture that has rejuvenated the city's cultural landscape.
Life On Board
Introducing Borealis
Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Borealis
Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Dr. Thom Gorst
Architect, historian and teacher of art and architecture, Thom Gorst will be speaking about the art and achitecture of the Guggenheim and Santiago de Compostela.
Mike Eyley
Mike was raised bilingual in Spain and has built a diverse career, excelling in the leisure industry, education, and acquiring extensive knowledge in Spanish history, culture, food, and wine. He will be joining us on board to deliver a series of engaging talks about Spanish culture.
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 02:00 22/11/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 02:00 22/11/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £949 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on Marina, Coral & Promenade deck, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £799 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,848.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,848.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,648.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,485.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 |
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What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will be advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.