As we get set for the festive period and the closing of 2025 approaches, The Bridge looks back on one of the highlights of the year – Borealis’ dry dock. In October, she made her way to Damen’s Wilton Harbour in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for an extensive programme of enhancement and maintenance. After a few busy weeks, she returned to the water refreshed and ready to welcome guests once again. We caught up with our Guest Experience Director, Doug Glenwright, to find out more about all the exciting updates that were made.
What were the main updates completed during Borealis’ dry dock?
The teams in Rotterdam carried out a wide range of updates to ensure Borealis continues to feel beautifully cared for. Alongside essential maintenance such as refreshed paintwork, carpets, tiling and Galley equipment, several major enhancements were completed.
- Deck 8 Aft now features the brand-new dining venue Fresco, along with soothing water features and atmospheric lighting.
- Colours & Tastes has been revitalised with a sophisticated new look, paving the way for its rotating menus and special dining experiences, including Chef’s Table
- Brand-new lifeboat winches were installed as part of continued safety enhancements.
- Owners Suites received a refresh to keep our best accommodation looking elegant and inviting.
- In the Fitness Centre, new window frames were fitted and finished, brightening the space.
- The Thermal Suite welcomed a new Jacuzzi.
- Atlantis Spa changing rooms were updated with beautiful new tiling.
What can guests expect from new venue, Fresco?
One of the most exciting additions to Borealis was Fresco, a Mediterranean-inspired bar and dining venue on Deck 8 Aft with open-air seating designed for relaxed, sun-soaked dining and far-reaching sea views. Here, guests can enjoy leisurely bites, including fresh pizzas and small plates, in a wonderfully laid-back setting that feels made for warm days at sea.
What other additions have been included on Deck 8 Aft?
Deck 8 Aft also welcomed a unique new wellness feature: a gently stimulating pediluvium foot spa experience accompanied by a refreshing mist ring. Guests can stroll across smooth pebbles of varying sizes, designed to softly massage the feet, while warm water jets spray at ankle height on one side and cool water on the other. At each circular end, the jets increase in height to create a calming and restorative sensation – perfect for sunny sea days.
As evening falls, the area transforms. Stunning colour-changing lighting casts a soft glow across the deck, creating a beautiful setting for sailaways, entertainment and unhurried evenings under the stars, whenever the weather allows.
Can you tell us more about the changes to Colours and Tastes?
One of the most striking transformations can be found in our speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes. Its new interior has been thoughtfully designed as a neutral canvas, reflecting our central idea of the art of cuisine and allowing each dish to take centre stage.
Art has long been an important part of life on board, with the Olsen family personally curating the pieces displayed throughout the fleet. With this in mind, we chose to showcase more of that collection in Colours & Tastes, adding colour, character and moments of reflection that naturally invite interest and conversation.
The space feels brighter, cleaner and wonderfully contemporary – a considered evolution that elevates every meal. Arriving in 2026, Colours & Tastes will also welcome a new rotating menu featuring Asian, Grill and Italian dishes, reflecting diverse flavours and culinary influences from around the world.
Additionally, the venue will play host to our new Chef’s Table experience – an elevated and intimate dining event where guests can savour an exclusive multicourse menu crafted by our expert chefs, accompanied by premium wines selected by our on-board Sommelier.
What has been the feedback from guests so far?
Since returning to sea, Borealis has been buzzing with enthusiasm. Guests have enjoyed watching the final touches come together, and many have already made the most of Deck 8’s new egg-shaped loungers, the pediluvium and the mist ring. The refreshed Colours & Tastes has been particularly popular, welcoming full tables most evenings and adding to the vibrant social atmosphere on board.