22 Jul 2024
Dover
9 nights
Borealis
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has hand-crafted this cruise to showcase Scotland’s picturesque island landscapes. As well as calling into Orkney, Lewis and Skye, Borealis will take you past geological wonders such as Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and Dutchman’s Cap on Bac Mòr. In Portree, you’ll be well-placed to explore the iconic Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock’s dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in local culture with ceilidh dancing, storytelling, and whisky making, and look out for fascinating wildlife, including puffins and whales, with conservationists from wildlife charity ORCA on board to help you identify different species. You can also delve into wartime history with a tour of Orkney’s Scapa Flow and Skye’s impressive castles.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The scenic islands of Scotland
As Borealis approaches Fingal's Cave, you will be able to see its recognisable and symmetrical basalt columns soaring high out of the ocean. Legend says that this is the connecting stretch of road to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and the cave was built by the giant Finn McCool to shelter from his archnemisis, Benandonner. Borealis will divert away from the usual cruising route to pass the rugged Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, and Bac Mor, which is also referred to as Dutchman's Cap because of its unusual shape. There will also be chances for you to enjoy scenic cruising past the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, in Skye.
Scottish Traditions of the Isles
This cruise aboard Borealis offers you the opportunity to fully experience island living and their Gaelic customs as you sail around the Scottish Isles. You can take part in Ceilidh dancing in Kirkwall, listen to stories of local folklore, or sample some locally-produced Orkney fudge and cheese, as well as whisky from the distilleries in Scapa and Highland Park. You can also experience Ceilidh dancing and folkloric tales in Stornoway, as well as sing Gaelic songs and learn about the preservation of this anceint language in the Western Isles. There will also be the chance to join us on a tour to learn the process of spinning Harris Tweed and make a piece of your own.
Bird & Marine Life of the UK
On this Borealis cruise, a team of conservationists from wildlife charity ORCA will be on deck to help you identify various different species of cetacean and birdlife you can hope to spot on the islands and in the waters surrounding Scotland. Home to the harbour porpoise – the smallest cetacean found in Scottish waters, visiting bottle-nose and common dolphins, and occasionally whales, we have timed this cruise for when temperatures are seasonally amongst the warmest.
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.
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
Donegal's Atlantic Way
Experience the beauty of Donegal, renowned for its rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and picturesque lakes with a panoramic drive from Killybegs through Kilcar, Carrick and Malin Beg.
££££
Killybegs
The Wild Slieve League Cliffs
££££
Killybegs
The Harris Tweed Story
Learn about the history of Harris Tweed and how this iconic fabric has been a staple piece of the Outer Hebrides heritage. Discover the processes from wool to yarn and enjoy a workshop to create your own piece of Harris Tweed.
££££
Stornoway
Cultural Heritage of the Outer Hebrides
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
A Taste of Lewis
Visit the Clan MacQuarrie Community Centre to taste local produce cooked by a Niseach Chef who will demonstrate how to cook these delicacies and teach you about their significance to the island.
££££
Stornoway
Northern Scenic Drive
Journey to Kilt Rock, a 200ft-high cliff with a waterfall, before passing Staffin, en route to Kilmuir Settlement to explore the Skye Museum of Island Life, whilst listening to the myths and legends of Skye along the way.
££££
Portree Isle of Skye
The Croft - Island at the Edge
Visit a local croft where you can admire the sheep, listen to their breeding process and learn about the history of the croft. Try your hand at spinning wool wihlst learning about the wool process, before concluding with refreshmentst.
££££
Portree Isle of Skye
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
Scapa Distillery Experience with Royal Oak Gardens Walk
Visit Scapa Distillery to learn about the distilling processes and the history of Scapa Flow. Then, visit The Noust to sample whiskies whilst soaking in the surrounding views of Scapa Flow, and conclude with a stroll along the sandy bay of Scapa and visit the Royal Oak Gardens.
££££
Kirkwall
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.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Rod Macdonald
Rod is an internationally reowned shipwreck explorer and will be on hand to provide an insight into want happened in the WWI High Seas Fleet Wrecks of Scapa Flow.
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 10:00 16/04/2024, 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 10:00 16/04/2024, 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 £2,999 pp |
|---|
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 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 £1,199 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
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360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,498.50 |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,558.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,548.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,273.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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.