Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise for you to visit Northern Norway around the time of the March equinox, which is said to be when the Northern Lights are at their most active. After crossing the Arctic Circle, you’ll have the chance to witness this natural phenomenon illuminating the night sky while ashore on an extended stay in Tromsø and from the comfort of the decks on board Borealis. Your visit to Tromsø will also present the opportunity to learn about life in the Arctic, where you can spend time with the local Sámi people on a reindeer experience through snow-covered landscapes, and step inside a lavvu tent to learn about their culture and daily life in the harsh winters of Northern Norway. In Ålesund, climb the steps to the summit of Mount Aksla for outstanding views across the archipelago and the Sunnmøre Alps.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Seek out the elusive Northern Lights
Your cruise aboard Borealis has been planned to take you to Northern Norway at the ideal time for you to witness the elusive Northern Lights. An overnight stay in Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle, offers a unique opportunity to witness nature's stunning light show, with ribbons of green, pink, and purple flickering across the sky, as local guides will be on hand to take you to areas of minimal light pollution for the very best chance of seeing them. The Vesterålen archipelago, located beneath the Aurora Oval, offers fantastic views of the Northern Lights illuminating the skies above it's capital, Sortland's 'Blue Town', bathing it in an ethereal light. Join us on the decks of Borealis for unspoiled views of the Aurora, with a warming cup of hot chocolate, as you turn your eyes to the skies above.
Experience friluftsliv in wintertime
Throughout your Northern Lights cruise, you will have a number of opportunities to immerse yourself in the Arctic way of life. Meet with an indigenous Sámi community in Tromsø and learn about their unique culture as you gather around a fire in a traditional Sámi tent known as a lavvu to hear stories of their age-old traditions and daily life as reindeer herders in the harsh Arctic climate, and enjoy a performance of joik, their beautiful and haunting form of folk music. There are also opportunities to experience an exhilarating dog sledding journey across snow-covered terrain or try snowshoeing across the Arctic countryside.
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 to 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
Enjoy a rewarding hike up Mount Aksla, offering breathtaking views of Ålesund’s town center, the archipelago, and the Sunnmøre Alps. Start from the quayside, traverse the town, and ascend to the Rundskue Lookout Tower and Fjellstua Viewpoint.
££££
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
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.
Arild Nydegger Øvre-Eide
Norwegian local, Arild will be joining us from Molde to Ålesund throughout your cruise to provide an insight into the Norwegian way of life.
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 Dr Fred Stevenson & Dr Sheila Kanani on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
Wil Cheung
International published photographer, Wil Cheung will be joining us on this sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by, including the possibility of capturing the mesmerising Northern Lights.
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 08:00 25/12/2024, 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 08:00 25/12/2024, 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 £3,299 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 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 £1,849 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 £1,499 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 £2,599 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,048.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,498.10 |
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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 £2,948.50 |
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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 £2,838.10 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 |
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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.