Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise to showcase charming old towns in France, including Honfleur’s picturesque Vieux-Bassin, surrounded by colourful buildings, and – reached via Pauillac – Bordeaux’s elegant architecture, neoclassical facades and spacious squares in its historic centre. Embrace the French lifestyle by visiting Bordeaux’s vineyards, tasting renowned wines, and exploring the pretty village of Saint-Émilion. In Honfleur, indulge in Normandy treats like calvados and camembert amidst an abundant art culture inspired by artists like Claude Monet. Each of your destinations offers medieval history, from Bordeaux’s city walls and gates to Honfleur’s medieval churches and timber-framed houses.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Charming French Towns
On this cruise, you will be perfectly placed to explore charming French cities. From Pauillac, the historic city of Bordeaux awaits. Situated on the banks of the Garonne River, the city is home to elegant architecture, winding streets, picturesque riverfronts and bustling squares. From here, you can also reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint-Émilion. This picturesque city is located in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region and is renowned for its rich history, exquisite vineyards and exceptional wines. The charming port town of Honfleur is situated on the scenic shores of the Normandy coastline, where the town boasts a rich maritime heritage that is reflected in its colourful waterfront buildings and bustling harbour. Quaint cafés, art galleries and seafood restaurants line the cobbled streets of the Vieux Bassin, the historic heart of Honfleur, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the French Culture
Our Journey Planners have hand selected destinations for this itinerary to allow you to fully immerse yourself in the French way of life. From Pauillac, you can delve into the heart of the Bordeaux region, exploring local vineyards to taste renowned wines and observe the wine-making process up close. In Honfleur, you will have the opportunity to savour the flavours and customs of Normandy's culinary heritage, indulging in locally crafted Calvados and Camembert cheese, whilst also exploring the town’s vibrant and rich art culture. This picturesque town has inspired many artists over the years, including renowned Impressionist artists Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, thanks to its coastal scenes, changing light and quaint harbour. Many galleries line the traditional streets of the old town, showcasing contemporary works by local and international artists, as well as traditional paintings inspired by the town’s maritime heritage.
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 £1,649 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,349 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 £899 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 £749 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 £1,249 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,598.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,558.10 |
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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 £1,548.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,385.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,249 |
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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.