Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has timed this early autumn sailing to coincide with the renowned fruit harvest in the Hardanger region, often referred to as ‘The Orchard of Norway, as you see orchards lining the edges of the fjords, bursting with ripe apples, pears, and cherries, and sample locally produced apple juice, cider and freshly picked fruits. Elsewhere, you can witness the remarkable scenery of Briksdal Glacier, from the picturesque town of Olden and the waterfalls of Langfoss and the Seven Sisters. In Ulvik, you are perfectly placed to embrace the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv by enjoying activities such as hiking through the fjordland or kayaking on tranquil fjord waters. Borealis will make a special diversion along Lysefjord which is only accessible to smaller ships, home to the renowned Pulpit Rock (Preikstolen).
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Fjord Landscapes in Autumn
With vibrant foliage painting the fjord cliffsides in hues of red, orange, and gold, contrasting against the deep blue of the waters below, the Norwegian Fjords are a delight to experience in autumn. From Ulvik, embark upon an exhilarating RIB boat ride to explore the breathtaking Hardangerfjord with its cascading waterfalls and hillside farms, or visit the spectacular Voringfossen Waterfall, one of Norway's most iconic natural wonders. As you sail along Lysefjord, be sure to cast your eyes upwards to the towering Pulpit Rock (Preikstolen) and Kjeragbolten, with its giant rock wedged between a crevice on Mount Kjerag. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the mighty glaciers of Briksdal and Kjenndal from Olden, whose icy blue hues stand out perfectly against the lush greenery of the surrounding landscapes.
The Fruit Harvest of the Fjords
As summer turns to autumn, the orchards lining the fjords of Norway are bursting with ripe apples, plums, pears, and berries. The cool Norwegian climate and fertile soil produce flavoursome fruits, which locals pick using a blend of traditional and modern farming methods to preserve their cultural heritage, and festivals and markets offer freshly picked, homemade delights. Join us on a tour of a fruit farm, from Ulvik, to experience how the farm is run and sample its produce of apple juice, cider, dried meats and some of the deliciously ripe fruit too. With the backdrop of steep mountains and the tranquil waters of the fjords, the harvest season in Hardangerfjord exemplifies the beauty and abundance of nature in Norway.
Embrace outdoor living like a Norwegian
Norwegians live by the concept of friluftsliv, embracing spending time outdoors, participating in activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking. This cruise aboard Borealis will provide you with plenty of opportunities to experience friluftsliv and to connect with nature. In Ulvik, hike with a qualified survival instructor to a viewpoint offering spectacular views across Osafjord, or enjoy kayaking on the Hardangerfjord for a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes. Meanwhile, in Alesund, enjoy a birdwatching tour at Runde Island to go in search of the many species of birds that call the region home, or climb to the peak of Mount Aksla for views across the surrounding mountains. You'll be joined on this cruise by Anthony Babb, who is married to a Norwegian and has fully embraced the Norwegian way of life, culture and friluftsliv.
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.
Hjørundfjord Cruise
The Hjørundfjord cuts through some of the wildest mountain ranges in Norway, known as the Sunnmøre Alps. From the comfort of a vintage boat, admire views of mountains and fjords at their most spectacular.
££££
Ålesund
Hike to Mount Aksla
Embark on a hike to Mount Aksla for stunning views of Ålesund's archipelago, town center, and the Sunnmøre Alps. Start from the quayside, passing through town to reach the hiking path. Pause at the Rundskue Lookout Tower, then rest at Fjellstua Viewpoint, admiring Ålesund's Art Nouveau architecture before descending.
££££
Ålesund
Kayak on the Nordfjord
Experience the magnificent water on the Nordfjord, surrounded by steep mountains, cascading waterfalls and
fascinating glaciers on this kayaking adventure. As you glide across the pristine waters, your guide will share stories of the Vikings and teach you all about the valley’s dramatic history and the life of those who lived here.
££££
Olden
Catch Your Own Crayfish
After speeding across the beautiful Nordfjord on a RIB ride to the crayfish pots, help your skipper draw them in before cooking them ashore and enjoying them with bread and wine.
££££
Olden
Briksdal Glacier Hike With a Local Expert
This special tour affords you the opportunity to accompany a local expert graduate in geomorphology, who has worked as a glacier guide at the site, on a visit to view this famous glacier arm.
££££
Olden
Åkrafjorden
Begin your journey with a picturesque drive through majestic mountains and verdant landscapes to Åkrafjorden. Glide along the fjord on a scenic boat cruise to a quaint restaurant for a delectable lunch of local delicacies. Then, marvel at Langfossen, listed by CNN among the world's top ten waterfalls, before concluding your tour at Haraldshaugen, Norway’s National Monument, honoring the Battle of Hafrsfjord.
££££
Haugesund
Homeland of the Viking King
Embark on a historical journey at Avaldsnes, once the realm of King Harald Hårfagre. Begin at the Nordvegen History Centre for an immersive tale of Avaldsnes' royal origins narrated by Harald himself. Then, visit Olavskirken, constructed in 1250 AD during Norway's zenith, housing the iconic Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle monument.
££££
Haugesund
Syse Fruit Farm
Visit Syse Gard, a traditional family-run farm situated beside the Hardangerford. Gain an insight into the daily life and history on the farm, explore the orchard and sample produce such as apple juice, cider, and dried meats.
££££
Ulvik
Nature Hike
Embark on a scenic hike joined by a qualified survival instructor who will share survival tips and teach you about the surrounding nature. As you traverse the fjordlands, you will also gain an insight into the history and culture of Ulvik and the Hardangerfjord. Afterwards, conclude with a visit to Syse Gård Fruit Farm, to taste the local dried fruit before hiking back to the pier.
££££
Ulvik
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.
Anthony Babb
Anthony served in the Royal Navy for 23 years and now splits his time between the UK and Norway with his Norwegian wife. Anthony will be joining us on board to deliver insightful talks on Norway’s local culture and Viking history.
Dr. Anjana Khatwa
Anjana has over 25 years experience working within the natural conservation sector and holds an international reputation for excellence in geoscience and communciation. She will be delivering a series of talks about the Norwegian Fjords.
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 02:00 25/04/2024, 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 02:00 25/04/2024, 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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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 pp |
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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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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
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360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,648.50 |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,128.10 |
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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 £2,698.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,448.25 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 |
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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.