Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Join us on this springtime exploration of charming French cities, including La Rochelle and Bordeaux, reached via La Pallice and Pauillac, respectively. You’ll have plenty of chances to savour traditional French treats. Bordeaux is renowned for its wines, and a tour of the vineyards and the picturesque village of Saint-Émilion is a great way to immerse yourself in the wine culture. Elsewhere, you can indulge in local delicacies such as Cognac, Cancale oysters, calvados and crepes. An abundance of medieval sites await your discovery, too, from Cherbourg’s castle and Bordeaux’s bell tower to the architecture in La Rochelle’s old port area and the walled city of St Malo – the gateway to Mont. St Michel.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Charming French Cities
Our Journey Planners have hand-crafted this itinerary to allow you the chance to discover charming French cities. From Pauillac, you are perfectly placed to explore Bordeaux. Nestled in the heart of France’s winemaking region on the banks of the Garonne River, this historic city is home to 18th-century architecture, a UNESCO-listed historic centre, bustling squares and winding, cobblestone streets. The quintessential French city of Saint-Émilion, located among the vineyards of Bordeaux, also awaits exploration. Meanwhile, La Pallice is your gateway to La Rochelle, a picturesque city home to narrow streets, medieval timber-framed houses and elegant Renaissance architecture.
Discover the French Way of Life
This Borealis cruise has been designed to include ports of call which will allow you to immerse yourself in the French way of life. From Pauillac you can journey into the heart of the Bordeaux region, visiting local vineyards to sample world-renowned wines and witness the wine-making process firsthand. From La Pallice, the Cognac region beckons. Lying on the banks of the Charente River, the area is home to some of the world’s most prestigious Cognac houses such as Hennessy and Rémy Martin, offering the opportunity to sample the locally produced Brandy. During our visit to Honfleur, you will have the chance to experience the flavours and traditions of Normandy’s culinary heritage, enjoying locally produced Calvados and Camembert.
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. Julie Ackroyd FHEA
As we explore France together, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Dr. Julie Ackroyd FHEA will be hosting a series of talks on the medieval history of the destinations we will be visiting.
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 19:00 24/12/2024, 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 19:00 24/12/2024, 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 £2,519 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,019 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 £1,219 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 £1,069 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 £1,819 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,888.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,828.10 |
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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 £2,238.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,938.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,819 |
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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.