Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Iberian Peninsula, with extended time for exploring the vibrant cities of Gibraltar, Cartagena, Cádiz and Lisbon. Cádiz is ideal for sampling authentic Andalusian culture. You can taste traditional tapas, including fiery Patatas Bravas; or head to Seville on a tour to watch a passionate flamenco performance; and sip on Jerez sherry. Lisbon’s trams are ideal for travelling around the city, as you seek out the famous pastéis de nata and Fado music. Along your journey you’ll encounter iconic sites, such as the Rock of Gibraltar, where tales of strategic significance unfold, along with Roman Cartagena, Moorish architecture in Seville and Lisbon’s Age of Discoveries Monument.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Iberian Nights
This cruise showcases overnight calls in four charming destinations in Spain and Portugal, allowing you plenty of time to explore them in detail. Gibraltar offers a subtropical climate, which makes it ideal for those wishing to explore the vistas, unique wildlife and sense of Britain abroad, and is home to the mischievous Barbary Apes. The Roman city of Cartagena is immersed in ancient history and the Roman Theatre here offers a fascinating insight into life centuries ago. Europe's oldest city, Cadiz, offers wide open squares and avenues with steeply turreted homes and winding lanes. Take some time to explore the town, dine al fresco, and soak up the sun on its beach. The Old Town of Lisbon, known as the Alfama district is one of the city's quaintest areas home to a maze of steep staircases and tight lanes that lead to breath-taking city views.
Experience the Iberian Way of Life
Throughout this Borealis cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local way of life and discover the rich culture of Iberia. Join us on a tour to feel the emotion of the passionate Flamenco dance as the Bailaora performers sing and dance in vibrant costumes, accompanied by traditional Spanish guitar music. In Andalusia, enjoy delicious tapas such as Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce) Gambas al Ajillo (garlic-infused prawns) and Tortillitas de Camarones (crispy fried shrimp fritters) along with the warming taste of Jerez sherry. In Lisbon, do make time to explore the city on one of the iconic trams as they wind through the city's narrow streets, and sample the buttery and flaky Pastéis de Nata or fresh sardines.
Maritime Legacy
Your cruise aboard Borealis will show how the Mediterranean has been a theatre of conquests and conflicts over the centuries, shaped by strategic locations and diverse cultures. Gibraltar Rock guards the shipping strait between Europe and Africa, and has witnessed numerous battles for dominance over trade routes and naval power, while in Cartagena, the Romans clashed with the Carthaginians in the Punic Wars. During the Middle Ages, Andalusia became a melting pot of conflict as Catholic kingdoms and the Moorish fought for supremacy in the Iberian Peninsula, culminating in the fall of Granada and marking the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Meanwhile, Lisbon emerged as a hub of the Age of Discoveries, as Portuguese explorers set sail to chart new trade routes and establish colonial empires, evidence of which can be seen in many of the city's landmarks, such as the Belém Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, built to commemorate Vasco de Gama's voyage to India.
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.
Captain Stephen Timms
Captain Stephen Timms OBE served in the Royal Navy during the Cold War and will be delivering engaging talks on a range of naval and maritime history themes, covering the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, including Henry the Navigator.
Go Stargazing
Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.
Susan Deakin
Susan has spent much of her life in Spain and has travelled extensively throughout the region in her role as Operations Director. She'll be joining us to share her insights into the Iberian way of life.
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 11:00 20/12/2024, 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 11:00 20/12/2024, 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 £3,799 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 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 £1,899 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 £1,599 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 £2,999 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,848.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,698.10 |
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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 £3,298.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,973.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
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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.