Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have designed this voyage aboard Borealis to showcase some of Scotland and Ireland’s most scenic landscapes, including the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the bonnet-shaped island of Bac Mòr. Borealis will also take you along picturesque Loch Hourn and past the extraordinary basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave and the rugged cliffs of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, which offer a sanctuary for wildlife. You’ll have the chance to embrace local traditions such as Gaelic dancing and folkloric tales, and sample local cheeses and fudge during your visit to Kirkwall. Enrich your journey even further by delving into legendary Neolithic history at sites like Skara Brae, Callanish and the Ring of Brodgar.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Iconic Cliffs & Scenic Isles
This cruise aboard Borealis showcases some of Scotland and Ireland's most scenic islands and spectacular cliffs. Join us on deck for an abundance of scenic cruising accompanied by commentary from our experts, where you'll witness the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising out of the Atlantic, and once you have departed from Kirkwall, you will pass the red sandstone sea stacks of The Needle and the Old Man of Hoy, intriguingly shaped needles of rock that stand as high as the cliffs alongside them. You will also see the diverse landscapes of the Small Isles; the dramatic rock formations of Fingal’s Cave basalt columns on the uninhabited Island of Staffa and bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr, also known as Dutchman’s Cap. Borealis will divert into the fjord-like Loch Hourn, offering unforgettable sights of steep mountains, bays and beaches that break the untamed water’s edge.
Celtic-influences on the local way of life
Immerse yourself in traditional Scottish and Irish island life by discovering more about the Gaelic culture that lingers in this magical area. Spend time with charming miniature Shetland ponies, tour a Shetland croft and learn about the daily life of the crofter and his sheepdogs or try a drop of the local dram at a Highland Park Distillery, and continue this experience with a tasting of local Scottish whisky on board Borealis. 'City of the Tribes', Galway, is a hub of traditional Irish music, with Eyre Square as a focal point for gatherings, so do make time to explore here on your visit.
Tales of Legendary Landmarks
This Scottish and Irish Isles cruise will take you to an abundance of iconic sites with intriguing stories and histories. The mythical giant Finn McCool constructed Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa when he bridged the Giant's Causeway between Ireland and Scotland to vanquish his adversary Benandonner. At the well-preserved town of Skara Brae, you can explore Neolithic history and learn about the way of life of the 5,000-year-old residents of the Ness of Brodgar complex. From Galway, you will have the chance to be captivated by tales of the city's past when exploring the Town Walls, Lynch’s Castle and Spanish Arch, and the 14th century Saint Nicholas Church.
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
Julie will be joining us to deliver a series of captivating talks on the history of the destinations we will be visiting, including the fascinating site of Skara Brae.
Jon Malits
Jon is a professional photographer with worldwide experience, he will be on hand throughout the cruise ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
Michelle Macleod
Michelle, a Professor of Gaelic at the University of Aberdeen, is an expert in the endangered Gaelic language and culture, having spoken extensively on the subject worldwide. Join Michelle to hear about the history of Gaelic in Scotland and learn about its rich culture.
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 £3,499 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 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 £1,999 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 £1,699 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 £2,799 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,698.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
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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 £3,448.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,148.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,799 |
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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.