Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This cruise to Scotland has been created to take you on a journey of discovery across scenic Scottish isles, showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife of this region of the UK. Join us on deck as Borealis diverts off the normal cruising route to sail along picturesque Loch Hourn, past the intriguing symmetrical basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave and bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr. You can immerse yourself in the way of life in the Scottish Isles by sampling local foods such as Orkney fudge, cheeses, oatcakes, and whisky, visiting a local crofter to discover how this form of farming sustains livelihoods, or discovering the importance of preserving the Gaelic language. Cruising past the Small Isles and along Pentland Firth offers you opportunities to spot seabirds and whales from Borealis with the help of wildlife charity ORCA. Visits to the unspoilt isles of Orkney, Lewis, and Skye open up the possibility of seeing ancient settlements and exploring awe-inspiring landscapes.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore the scenic Isles of Scotland
The scenic islands of Scotland offer a magnificent tapestry of rugged beauty and natural wonders. As we sail past Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa, uncover tales of myth and legend hidden within its perfectly symmetrical basalt columns and marvel at the dramatic silhouette of Bac Mòr, also known as Dutchman's Cap. Loch Hourn, nestled amidst the awe-inspiring hills of the Highlands, offers remote and wild landscapes, while the Small Isles of Rum, Muck, Eigg, and Canna beckon with unspoiled scenery and rich biodiversity. Meanwhile, the pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr is best witnessed from the decks of Borealis, perched on the rugged cliffs of the Isle of Skye.
Scottish traditions of the Isles
With a deep connection to heritage and community, life in the Scottish Isles seeks to preserve ancient customs and cultures, including telling tales of folklore passed down through generations and ensuring the Gaelic language is preserved. Local gatherings in Stornoway are enlivened by energetic reels of Ceilidh dancing, fostering bonds between neighbours, while meeting with a crofter will give you an insight into how the land is worked. Meanwhile, the Isle of Harris Distillery offers chances to sample the wonderfully complex flavours of Hearach single malt whisky and uncover the fascinating history of Harris Tweed during a workshop to create your very own piece.
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.
Skara Brae & Skaill House
This exploration of Skara Brae village will shed light on prehistoric life as your tour guide leads you through the remains of eight dwellings built during the Stone Age and the manor of Skaill House
££££
Kirkwall
Bird Watching
Scotland’s remote islands are home to gulls, guillemots, kittiwakes, and white-tailed eagles. After a scenic drive through Orkney en route to an RSPB reserve, travel onwards to a clifftop where you can see cliff bird colonies, including gannets, guillemots, and possibly puffins.
££££
Kirkwall
Traditional Gaelic Songs & Stories
Experience life in the Outer Hebrides. Visit An Taigh Cèilidh to enjoy performances by local musicians before proceeding to Stornoway seafront to gain an insight into the town’s culture and history.
££££
Stornoway
Northern Scenic Drive
Head north from Portree along the Trotternish Peninsula, learning about Skye’s geography and crofting history. Stop at landmarks like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and Staffin, before visiting Flora MacDonald’s grave.
££££
Portree Isle of Skye
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.
Andy Gray
Photographer Andrew Gray will be joining us on your cruise to help you capture your own spectacular images of the destinations we will see on this special sailing.
Kara Ghobhainn Smith
Isle of Lewis local, Kara, will be joining us throughout your cruise to provide an insight into the local way of life.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Susan Cohen
Susan is an accomplished author, publisher, and broadcaster based in Edinburgh. She has a passion for travel, having lived oversees for many years. Despite her extensive travels, her heart remains in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, where she takes great joy in showcasing the beauty and heritage of her homeland. Susan will be joining us to share her knowledge about Neolithic Orkney and the ancient Norse influence present in Shetland.
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 13:00 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 13:00 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 £2,429 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,029 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 £1,329 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 £1,029 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 £1,829 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,758.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,848.10 |
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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 £2,258.50 |
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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 £1,948.10 |
|---|
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,829 |
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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.