Touring Scenic Ireland in 5 Nights
*Applicable to new bookings made from 16/03/2022 on 2022/23 cruises sailing from the UK, of 7 to 9 nights in duration, see terms & conditions.
Exploring the ‘Emerald Isle’, taking in scenic and city highlights along the way, makes for a memorable discovery of Ireland’s beauty, history and culture, and a wonderfully rewarding bank holiday break. Sailing away from the main coastal routes, smaller ship Borealis takes you to uncover scenes found off the beaten track; see quintessentially Irish vistas of rolling valleys and craggy mountains within Lough Swilly, and the rugged, Atlantic Ocean-carved landscapes of Clare Island, the Inishkea Islands and Tory Island – the most remote, inhabited land in Ireland. What's more, with the help and guidance of ORCA conservationists who'll join on board for your adventure, you'll get to look out for marine life living in its natural habitat, learn about them and play a part in assisting with their conservation.[ReadMore]
During your time ashore, enjoy time to seek out the highlights of three fascinating cities. Cobh is famed for its brightly coloured harbour and impressive cathedral, and for its links to the infamous, ill-fated ocean liner, RMS Titanic, while a visit to Belfast is a chance to explore the connection between Titanic and Northern Ireland’s capital – a city entrenched in centuries of maritime history – too. On tour you could visit UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway from Belfast, and study this wonder's remarkable basalt columns up-close, and from Cobh head to Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Meanwhile charming Galway will provide a day of delights to enjoy, from delicious seafood to medieval history and dramatic west coast scenery.
Your Itinerary
Liverpool, England
Aug 24 | Depart - early evening
Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Cobh, Ireland
Aug 25 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - late afternoon
The charming town of Cobh is situated on Great Island in Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world. The harbour at Cobh, which is pronounced ‘cove’, is one of the most important industrial areas in Ireland, and its history is entwined with the many great ships and majestic liners that have dropped anchor here. Cobh has always maintained a strong maritime tradition and the old buildings of the port have been carefully preserved, including the offices of the White Star and Cunard Lines.
Between 1848 and 1950, over six million Irish people emigrated to North America, many from Cobh. It was also the final port of call for the RMS Titanic as she set out across the Atlantic on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. The disaster has never been forgotten here as the town itself lost 123 locals. During World War I, RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat off the Old Head of Kinsale on May 7th, 1915. The survivors were brought to the town of Cobh, and over 100 victims were laid to rest in the Old Church Cemetery about a mile north of the town. The town’s architecture and streetscape are distinctly Victorian, with St. Colman’s Cathedral dominating the town, its 49-bell Carillon is the only one in Ireland and is the largest in the British isles. The families of departing emigrants would climb the cathedral steps for one last sight of their departing loved ones.
Galway, Ireland
Aug 26 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Rich in medieval heritage, yet oozing with contemporary style, Galway – Ireland’s fifth largest city – is one of the Emerald Isle’s most engaging destinations.
The city’s vibrant centre is hub of culture, visitors and locals – many of which continue to speak age-old Irish dialects – alike flock here to be part of various festivals and events that take place throughout the year; visit the interesting museums and galleries, such as Galway City Museum; and sample the famous ‘craic’ at traditional Irish pubs. Intertwined with the delights of modern Galway are remnants of medieval walls and centuries-old structures such as the Spanish Arch and St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church – the oldest medieval church still in use in Ireland – offering an insight into the city’s fascinating past.
Situated on the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is also a gateway to Western Ireland’s spectacular coastal scenes. Within easy reach of the city is the picturesque seaside suburb of Salthill, well-worth visiting to stroll the long promenade and admire views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, and sample locally-caught seafood, such as the area’s famous oysters, at your pick of the fantastic restaurants. Further afield, it’s possible to uncover the treasures of County Galway on day trips; the beautiful Connemara National Park and charming villages such as Spiddal and Roundstone are among the highlights.
Cruising Clare Island, Ireland
Aug 27 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early morning
Situated 6 Kilometres off the rugged west coast of Ireland, Clare Island, the 'Gem of the Western Isles', is a sight to behold as you sail by in the comfort of your Fred. Olsen ship.
You'll be taken as close to the island as possible, slicing through the surrounding Atlantic Ocean waters, for unspoilt views of its nature-carved coastline and landscape, which is overlooked by the 465-metre-high peak of mighty Croaghmore Mountain. Amongst the scenes of verdant valleys, rolling hills and imposing cliffs, look out for the seabirds and other fauna that inhabit them, as well rare arctic-alpine flora, through your binoculars.
Cruising by Inishkea islands, Ireland
Aug 27 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - late morning
The islands of Inishkea, situated off the coast of Ireland’s Mullet Peninsula along Wild Atlantic Way, are a collection of low-lying, golden-beach-framed desolate lands, named after the barnacle geese that migrate to the archipelago each winter.
Uninhabited since the 1930s, though some visitors still have holiday homes on the main islands, the only residents of Inishkea are their geese, other species of sea birds and large colonies of grey seals. As you sail by, have your binoculars to hand to look-out for the native wildlife, living freely amongst the islands’ beautiful scenery.
Cruising by Arranmore, Ireland
Aug 27 | Arrive - late afternoon | Depart - late afternoon
As you sail along the coast of Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, beautiful Arranmore Island – situated off the rugged coast of County Donegal – comes into view and is a sight to behold.
Wild and somewhat untamed, with only small, charming towns and villages hinting at any sign of human inhabitation here, Arranmore boasts gorgeous countryside landscapes and mile-upon-mile of golden sand beaches and towering cliffs along its coastline, creating postcard-perfect scenes and an ideal habitat for marine and bird life.
Delight in the natural beauty and charm of the island as you glide past the island, and watch the cliff tops to hopefully spot fulmars, shags and much more, all from the comfort of your smaller-sized ship.
Cruising by Tory Island, Ireland
Aug 27 | Arrive - late afternoon | Depart - late afternoon
A scenic cruise by Tory Island is a scenic cruise past Ireland’s most northerly inhabited land, a picturesque gem situated nine miles off Wild Atlantic Way on the northwest coast of County Donegal. As you sail by, you’ll not only be enamoured by the beauty of Tory Island, with its rugged sheer cliffs and vast grasslands, but also get a feel for just how remote the island is, and how detached the inhabitants are from mainland Ireland as they go about their day-to-day lives.
Cruising Lough Swilly, Ireland
Aug 27 | Arrive - early evening | Depart - late evening
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is renowned for the beauty of its rugged coast, spectacular cliffs and natural wonders, so to say Lough Swilly is one of the region’s greatest scenic attractions gives you some idea of just how special this 45 kilometre-long waterway really is.
Slicing between the peninsulas of Inishowen and Fanad in County Donegal, Lough Swilly is Ireland at its quintessential best, a wonderland of shimmering blue waters flanked by diverse countryside scenes of lush-green rolling valleys, craggy coastline, imposing cliffs and secluded pools, beaches and bays. A sight that will captivate, inspire and create lasting memories as your smaller ship takes you closer to it all.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Aug 28 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
Belfast is the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland. Located on the banks of the River Lagan, it has a strong maritime connection – it was once home to the biggest shipyard in the world, the infamous Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the iconic RMS Titanic was built. The city is also home to the prestigious Queen’s University and the Ulster Museum, which celebrates Northern Irish history. In addition, Belfast is a great starting point for visiting the impressive Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim.
Liverpool, England
Aug 29 | Arrive - early morning
Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Pricing & cabins
* Prices correct as of 14:00 02/07/2022, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.
Suite
From £2,199 per person
BJ - Balcony Junior Suite
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites are a welcoming, comfortable space. Guests will find ample room to relax, and all the amenities they need during their stay, plus a private balcony for soaking up sunshine and scenery outside.
- Deck(s): Bridge Deck 7 & Highland Deck 6
- Size: 244 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted to one queen-sized bed)
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and shower (unless indicated as shower only)
- Private balcony
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
BJD - Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted
Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites are a welcoming, comfortable space. Guests will find ample room to relax, and all the amenities they need during their stay, plus a private balcony for soaking up sunshine and scenery outside.
- Deck(s): Bridge Deck 7 & Highland Deck 6
- Size: 244-283 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted to one queen-sized bed)
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with roll-in shower
- Private balcony
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Please call for latest prices
360° View
BS - Balcony Suite
The Balcony Suites on Borealis feature all the amenities and comforts guests need during their stay, and provide ample space in which to relax, both indoors and outside on a private balcony.
- Deck(s): Bridge Deck 7 & Highland Deck 6
- Size: 283 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted to one queen-sized bed)
- Separate sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and shower (unless indicated as shower only)
- Private balcony
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
OW - Olsen Suite
As the largest of Borealis’ suites and cabins, the elegantly appointed Olsen Suite offers the most space and amenities of all the guest accommodation on board.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 7
- Size: 1,181 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with king-size bed
- Separate sitting, dining and dressing areas
- Bathroom with oversize bath and separate shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to pantry, mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
PS - Premier Suite
At approximately 568 to 644 square feet in size, Borealis' Premier Suites are spacious and stylish, and feature all the amenities guests need for a comfortable, restful stay, as well as a few extra touches that help make for a even more special experience.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 7
- Size: 568-644 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with king-size bed
- Separate sitting and dressing areas
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
PSD - Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted
At approximately 568 to 644 square feet in size, Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and feature all the amenities guests need for a comfortable, restful stay, as well as a few extra touches that help make for a even more special experience.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 7
- Size: 658-644 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with king-size bed (single side approach to bed)
- Separate sitting and dressing areas
- Bathroom with bath and roll-in shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Please call for latest prices
360° ViewBalcony
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Ocean
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Interior
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* Prices correct as of 14:00 02/07/2022, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.
Suite
From £3,298.50
BJ - Balcony Junior Suite
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites are a welcoming, comfortable space. Guests will find ample room to relax, and all the amenities they need during their stay, plus a private balcony for soaking up sunshine and scenery outside.
- Deck(s): Bridge Deck 7 & Highland Deck 6
- Size: 244 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted to one queen-sized bed)
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and shower (unless indicated as shower only)
- Private balcony
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
BJD - Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted
Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites are a welcoming, comfortable space. Guests will find ample room to relax, and all the amenities they need during their stay, plus a private balcony for soaking up sunshine and scenery outside.
- Deck(s): Bridge Deck 7 & Highland Deck 6
- Size: 244-283 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted to one queen-sized bed)
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with roll-in shower
- Private balcony
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Please call for latest prices
360° View
BS - Balcony Suite
The Balcony Suites on Borealis feature all the amenities and comforts guests need during their stay, and provide ample space in which to relax, both indoors and outside on a private balcony.
- Deck(s): Bridge Deck 7 & Highland Deck 6
- Size: 283 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted to one queen-sized bed)
- Separate sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and shower (unless indicated as shower only)
- Private balcony
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
OW - Olsen Suite
As the largest of Borealis’ suites and cabins, the elegantly appointed Olsen Suite offers the most space and amenities of all the guest accommodation on board.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 7
- Size: 1,181 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with king-size bed
- Separate sitting, dining and dressing areas
- Bathroom with oversize bath and separate shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to pantry, mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
PS - Premier Suite
At approximately 568 to 644 square feet in size, Borealis' Premier Suites are spacious and stylish, and feature all the amenities guests need for a comfortable, restful stay, as well as a few extra touches that help make for a even more special experience.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 7
- Size: 568-644 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with king-size bed
- Separate sitting and dressing areas
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
PSD - Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted
At approximately 568 to 644 square feet in size, Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and feature all the amenities guests need for a comfortable, restful stay, as well as a few extra touches that help make for a even more special experience.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 7
- Size: 658-644 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with king-size bed (single side approach to bed)
- Separate sitting and dressing areas
- Bathroom with bath and roll-in shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Please call for latest prices
360° ViewBalcony
Please Call
Ocean
Please Call
Interior
Please Call
Single
Please Call
What's Included?
In addition to what's included in the cost of your cruise, we also offer chargeable extras that have been designed to help you get even more from your cruise experience, aboard and ashore.
Enjoy a Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea perhaps, join our expert Sommeliers for Drink Tasting Sessions, or treat yourself to sumptuous Speciality Dining. Create the perfect workout routine with a Personal Trainer, or simply indluge yourself with a treatment or two at the Spa.
Please note: Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Prices shown may vary – please contact our Reservations team for further details.
Entertainment & Enrichment
More acts to be confirmed once on board.
The Olsen Way
In recent years, we have seen a new era emerging in cruising.
There is a trend for everything to get bigger and busier, and for a cruise to be seen as an alternative to a large luxury resort, with a limitless flurry of activity. But this is not for us. Find out more
We are free to do things a different way because we are family-run. Of course some people enjoy the bigger, busier cruises, but it is not for everyone, and it is not for us. We prefer to do things, 'The Olsen Way'.
We have fewer guests, so the atmosphere on board our ships is always warm and civilised. Our smaller ships allow us to visit the more interesting places that the world has to offer.
We pride ourselves on putting our all into the Fred. Olsen cruise experience. Our itineraries are created from scratch every year, our service is genuinely personal and each and every area of our ships is designed by hand.
About Your Ship
Borealis, like her sister ship Bolette, has capacity for less than 1,400 guests but is larger in overall size than the other vessels in the Fred. Olsen fleet. This means when you come on board for a memorable cruise holiday, to relax and enjoy a premium level of comfort – as well as our renowned personal service – in the elegant public areas, lounges, bars and dining venues, you have even more space in which to do so.
With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Borealis is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.
FAQs
- Is there WiFi on board?
- What's included in the All Inclusive Drinks Upgrade?
- What is the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
- When can I view and book my Shore Tours?
- What do I pack for a cruise?
- What do I wear on formal night?
- How much do drinks cost?
- Can I upgrade my cabin?
- What is your procedure for tipping?
- What time should I expect to debark?
Reviews
Interested in booking one of our cruises? Why not have a look at our latest Feefo trusted reviews for cruises on Borealis and see what other guests have said about their experience.