Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On this two week cruise to Northern Norway, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal lights of the Aurora Borealis illuminating the night sky while cruising in the Arctic Ocean and ashore during extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Sail past Torghatten, the mountain with a hole through its centre, and enjoy an overnight stay in the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, Tromsø, where you can spend time with a local Sámi community and learn about their daily lives in Northern Norway's harsh winters, before heading to Alta, ideal for joining husky sledding tours through wintry landscapes or going on an exhilarating snowmobile ride. Elsewhere, you will have the chance to explore the rugged Vesterålen archipelago and the hanseatic city of Bergen. Wrap up warm and join astronomers from Go Stargazing, who will enjoy taking you through the many different planets in the night sky, and showing you constellations on a laser-guided session from the decks of Borealis.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Experience the awe-inspiring Northern Lights
On your Northern Lights cruise, you will be perfectly placed to witness the ethereal Aurora Borealis from both the decks of Balmoral and on extended stays in Tromsø and Alta. Journey into the countryside, where light pollution is minimal, with knowledgeable guides who will know where and how to best spot the ribbons of green and pink as they flutter across the skies above you. Located beneath the Aurora Oval, Sortland's chaming fishing villages are in the ideal location for you to have the wonderful chance of seeing the Northern Lights illuminating the skies above the Vesterålen archipelago.
Friluftsliv in winter
The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv means to spend time outdoors, connecting with nature in all seasons. In Alta and Tromsø, discover Norway's wintry terrain by experiencing an exhilarating husky ride through snow-covered landscapes, and then spend time with the dogs to learn about their daily lives; or enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling through the countryside to an inland plateau with the absence of light pollution, to witness the Aurora Borealis. Visit a lavvu tent to spend time with local Sámi communities and hear their stories about their lives as reindeer herders, and immerse yourself in reindeer herding, where you may be able to help feed the animals.
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.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Hiking Aksla
Embark on a scenic hike to Mount Aksla, starting from the quayside through Alesund’s town center to the trailhead. Reach Rundskue lookout at 195 meters for breathtaking views, then continue to Fjellstua viewpoint for a glimpse of the Sunnmøre Alps.
££££
Ålesund
Rauma Railway & Troll Mountains
Journey through the Romsdalen Valley on the Rauma Railway, admiring towering mountains, plummeting waterfalls and sights such as the Kylingbru Bridge, Trollveggen Cliff and the emerald green Rauma River.
££££
Ålesund
Hjørundfjord Cruise
The Hjørundfjord cuts through some of the wildest mountain ranges in Norway, known as the Sunnmøre Alps. From the comfort of a vintage boat, admire views of mountains and fjords at their most spectacular.
££££
Ålesund
Tromsø Dog Sledding
Head to the Aurora Alps where you will embark on a relaxing sled ride while one of the experienced mushers drives you through the spectacular Arctic landscape.
££££
Tromsø
Tromsø City & Cable Car
Begin with a tour of the city centre and visit the Arctic Cathedral before heading to the Fjellheisen cable car. Enjoy a ride to the Storsteinen viewpoint, 1,377ft above sea level, and take in the spectacular views of Tromsø and the surrounding landscape.
££££
Tromsø
Ice Fishing with a Local
Head into the wilderness to a frozen lake where you will enjoy a spot of ice fishing with a local, surrounded by the spectacular Arctic landscape.
££££
Tromsø
Maze Sámi Experience
Experience the rich culture of the indigenous people of Norway, the Sámi. Travelling to Maze, you will meet a local Sámi family to hear tales of their customs and traditions inside a lavvo.
££££
Alta
Aurora Photo Safari
As you seek out the elusive Northern Lights, your experienced local guides will explain the history and science behind the Aurora, helping you to capture photographs of them should they make an appearance.
££££
Alta
Northern Lights Camp - An Evening at Pæskatun
Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights at Pæskatun, under a star-filled sky. Enjoy an informative presentation, view stunning photos and films, relax in warm slate cottages with hot drinks and cakes, gather around a campfire in a traditional Sámi lavvu, and explore the history of local slate mining through a workshop.
££££
Alta
Sámi Experience
Visit a Sámi family at Inga Sámi Siida and learn about the reindeer herders’ way of life. Join your host inside the reindeer enclosure and experience these unique animals at close range.
££££
Sortland
Introduction to Bergen & Mount Fløyen
Embark on a scenic drive through Bergen, passing King Håkon’s Hall, Rosenkratz Tower, and Bryggen Wharf to the lower funicular station of Mount Fløyen. Board your carriage that ascends to the summit, 400m above sea level in just eight minutes.
££££
Bergen
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.
David Blunt
David splits his time between Norway and the UK, having been involved with Norway for more than 40 years. He will be on board to provide an insight into Norwegian culture.
Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. Join Jo & Pete Richardson on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
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 05:00 08/05/2024, 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 05:00 08/05/2024, 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 £4,799 pp |
|---|
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,899 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 pp |
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360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,348.50 |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,408.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,348.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,935.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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 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.