Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Sample a taste of the Fred. Olsen cruise experience on this five-night sailing over the summer Bank Holiday weekend, visiting destinations chosen for their scenic landscapes, island life and local produce. The benefits of the Isles of Scillys' sub-tropical microclimate can be enjoyed as you wander at Tresco Abbey Gardens, while a visit to Honfleur is perfect for sampling local camembert and calvados. The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles under German control during World War II, so having a stop in picturesque St. Peter Port will offer guests the chance to uncover Guernsey's fascinating history. Afterwards, Borealis will take you on a Scenic Discovery among the Channel Islands, rounding off your break in style.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Scenic Southern UK Islands
The southern isles of the UK offer a diverse range of natural beauty and intriguing history. Lying just off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of small islands with their own subtropical microclimate, where the surrounding waters are a haven for a rich diversity of wildlife. Join us on a tour to discover Castle Cornet in Guernsey, which overlooks the island and stands as a symbol of resilience and heritage; or explore Fort Brecqhou, whose imposing structure is set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs. The dramatic cliffs and azure blue seas around Sark offer tranquil vistas, while Alderney has untouched landscapes and a quaint charm, with hidden coves and winding pathways.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Scenic Discoveries
Discover the island way of life
On this Borealis cruise, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the way of life on the islands south of the UK. Characterised by close-knit communities, residents have a great affection for the nature here, including the serene beaches and lush gardens such as Tresco Abbey Gardens, where a wide variety of exotic blooms in vibrant colours are cultivated. The cuisine in these islands is mainly based around freshly caught shellfish, island reared beef and duck, and local ice cream in Guernsey, made from the world-famous cow's milk produced here.
Defending Britain's Shores
Nowadays, the Isles of Scilly are a subtropical paradise, with many of the islands covered in beautiful flowers, and a haven of natural beauty. However, during World War II, the islands were used as an outpost for defending Britain’s shores, with St. Mary’s located the farthest southwest. Large numbers of servicemen were stationed here as the Garrison was used as an important signal station, and its walls stood as bulwarks against maritime threats. During World War II's Norman invasion, the perpetual struggle for dominance over the English Channel shaped Britain's defensive strategies, reflecting the nation's commitment to protecting its shores. You will be joined on this cruise by historian Julie Ackroyd, who will speak about the histories of the defence of the British Isles.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insight
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.
Tresco Abbey Gardens
Explore the sub-tropical botanical paradise of Tresco Abbey Garden home to an impressive collection of 20,000 plant species, some heralding from as far as New Zealand. As you explore this ‘Perennial Kew’, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting about in amongst the trees.
££££
St. Mary's
Wildlife Sea Safari Trip
Embark on a wildlife cruise around the Scilly Isles, exploring the rugged edges of the Eastern Isles, home to Atlantic grey seals and seabirds like gannets and puffins. Cruise past Annet and the Western Rocks, spotting shipwrecks and seals, and sail past Norrard Rocks and Men-A-Vaur, abundant with seabirds and seals.
££££
St. Mary's
Delightful St. Mary's Garrison Walk
Embark on a walk around the Garrison, admiring Elizabethan defences and the Star Castle Hotel. Enjoy stunning views of the outer islands and Bishop Rock Lighthouse. Explore Hugh Town, learning about its rich history and impressive coastal defence system, as well as gaining insight into local wildlife and island life.
££££
St. Mary's
Coastal Kayak
Explore coastal inlets and caves, and marvel at the local wildlife. Travel past cliffs and well-known landmarks, keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, and a wide variety of seabirds.
££££
St. Peter Port
Scenic Island Drive
Journey to the south coast of the island, passing the cliffs at Pleinmont Point and Rocquaine Bay, home to the Martello Tower of Fort Grey, Vazon Bay, and Cobo Bay, whilst listening to stories about the island's history.
££££
St. Peter Port
Guernsey Coast Cycle Tour
Cycle from Perelle through the Catioroc folklore area, passing Trepied Dolmen. Continue through Shingle Banks, Lihou Island, and Colin Best Nature Reserve to L’Eree Bay's beaches. Enjoy views of Hanois Lighthouse and Fort Grey before returning via 'Ruette tranquilles'.
££££
St. Peter Port
British D-Day History
Explore the historical significance of D-Day on this tour, starting with the D-Day Museum in Arromanches. Discover the Allied forces' monumental efforts and sacrifices during World War II and photograph the remains of the floating harbor. Visit the replica of Pegasus Bridge at Benouville and conclude at the British Cemetery of Ranville, honoring over 2,500 graves, including 2,152 British soldiers.
££££
Honfleur
Visit a Calvados Distillery & Cheese Tasting
Begin your tour with a scenic drive to the charming village of Cormeilles, located in the heart of Pays d’Auge. Here, you will visit a Calvados distillery situated in the Busnel Estate. Explore the flourishing orchards, distillation room and cellar before enjoying a Calvados tasting accompanied by a selection of cheeses and locally made bread. Afterwards, your tour will conclude with the scenic journey back to your awaiting ship.
££££
Honfleur
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
As we explore France and the Channel Islands together, Historian Dr. Julie Ackroyd will be joining us on board to discuss the Scilly Isles’ history of being the country's southern defence and the Norman conquest in Honfleur.
Peter Gray
Peter has been a regular visitor to the Isles of Scilly, and will be delivering an insightful talk drawing on personal experiences, covering many aspects of the islands, both as a visitor and from the perspective of an islander.
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 07:00 02/05/2024, 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 07:00 02/05/2024, 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 £1,899 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,199 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,998.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,418.10 |
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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 £2,098.50 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,898.10 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 |
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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 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.