Our Signature Experiences

Guests enjoying Kitchen Creations
Guests enjoying Kitchen Creations

We believe that a cruise is very different from a holiday. A cruise is about being out there on the ocean, exploring the world from the vantage point of the sea, enjoying the journey itself, not just the destinations. We like to focus on that feeling of boarding your ship for the first time, the excitement of visiting new places, and the warmth and conviviality of our on board teams, ensuring you are valued and well looked after - as we say in Norway, 'I det beste selskap' - in the best of company.

On board every cruise, and alongside all the lovely food, drink, entertainment and activities you'd expect, you can enjoy some of our Signature Experiences.

Balmoral Cruising by Furebergfossen waterfall, Norway

We prefer to take our guests on a more scenic route

Bolette sailing Eidfjord, Norway

Enjoy scenic sailing to spectacular destinations

Humpback whale

Humpback Whale seen from on board Borealis

Orca conservationist taking a picture of a sunset from deck

ORCA conservationist spotting marine life from Borealis

Humpback Whale breaching the water, as seen from on board

Learn more about marine life with ORCA or Ocean Wildlife Encounters

Scenic cruising, Alta

Discover the world from the wide open decks of our ships

Scenic cruising Stromboli, Italy

Take time to capture those special moments

 

Scenic Discoveries

Where other cruise lines tend to take the fastest route from A to B, we prefer to take our guests on the most fascinating routes possible. We take the time to ensure you see all the islands, ports, waterways, lochs, lakes, fjords and coastal landscapes possible and to help you understand more about them.

Either out on deck or from the comfort of our Observatory Lounges, our on-board teams provide commentary, point out places of interest, share stories of local people and culture and help you spot and identify marine and birdlife.

On some sailings, we travel with nature specialists from the whale and marine life charities, ORCA and Ocean Wildlife Encounters, who will help you identify whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Scenic Discoveries

Where other cruise lines tend to take the fastest route from A to B, we prefer to take our guests on the most fascinating routes possible. We take the time to ensure you see all the islands, ports, waterways, lochs, lakes, fjords and coastal landscapes possible and to help you understand more about them.

Either out on deck or from the comfort of our Observatory Lounges, our on-board teams provide commentary, point out places of interest, share stories of local people and culture and help you spot and identify marine and birdlife.

On some sailings, we travel with nature specialists from the whale and marine life charities, ORCA and Ocean Wildlife Encounters, who will help you identify whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Balmoral Cruising by Furebergfossen waterfall, Norway

We prefer to take our guests on a more scenic route

Bolette sailing Eidfjord, Norway

Enjoy scenic sailing to spectacular destinations

Humpback Whale breaching the water, as seen from on board

Learn more about marine life with ORCA or Ocean Wildlife Encounters

Orca conservationist taking a picture of a sunset from deck

ORCA conservationist spotting marine life from Borealis

Humpback whale

Humpback Whale seen from on board Borealis

Scenic cruising, Alta

Explore the world from our wide open decks

Scenic cruising Stromboli, Italy

Take time to capture those special moments

 

ITINERARY INSIGHTS

Our guest speakers are specially chosen to give our enthusiastic guests deeper understanding of the history, culture and people of the destinations we are visiting.

Our talks take place in our dedicated theatre space with plenty of opportunity for conversation and questions and answer sessions with the speakers.

We also host smaller lunches and social gatherings for those with a special interest in a particular subject.

Guests wildlife spotting with an ORCA Team Member

Join our team on deck to learn more about marine wildlife and nature

Guest Lecturer

Gain a deeper understanding of where you're visiting with our Guest Speakers

scenic sunset

Learn more about the nature and culture of each destination you visit

Guests enjoying a lunch forum in The Spey, Balmoral

Join us for immersive breakfast and lunch forums with our Guest Speakers

ITINERARY INSIGHTS

Our guest speakers are specially chosen to give our enthusiastic guests deeper understanding of the history, culture and people of the destinations we are visiting.

Our talks take place in our dedicated theatre space with plenty of opportunity for conversation and questions and answer sessions with the speakers.

We also host smaller lunches and social gatherings for those with a special interest in a particular subject.

Guests wildlife spotting with an ORCA Team Member

Join our team on deck to learn more about marine wildlife and nature

Guest Lecturer

Gain a deeper understanding of where you're visiting with our Guest Speakers

scenic sunset

Discover more about the nature and culture of each destination you visit

Guests enjoying a lunch forum in The Spey, Balmoral

Join us for immersive breakfast and lunch forums with our Guest Speakers

Guests watching a Treats of the region demonstration

Meet our talented chefs who bring regional dishes to life

Paella from our Treat of the Region

Enjoy discovering dishes from the regions you are visiting

Nanoimo bars, treats of the region dish

Nanoimo bars, Canadian Treats of the Region dish

Crew team member handing out dish from Treat of the Region

Enjoy a taste of delicious dishes in our Treats of Region sessions

Migas Con Chorizo

Migas Con Chorizo, Treats of the Region dish

Treats of the region cookery demonstration

Join us as our chefs conjure up beautifully prepared dishes

 

Treats of the Region

Is there a more delicious way to discover something of a country’s culture than through its food?

As well as the tempting regional dishes you will always find on our lunch and dinner menus in our main and buffet restaurants, our talented chefs also host special cookery demonstrations in our spacious Auditorium.

Here, local delicacies are prepared and everyone enjoys tastings and recipes to try for themselves when they return home.

Treats of the Region

Is there a more delicious way to discover something of a country’s culture than through its food?

As well as the tempting regional dishes you will always find on our lunch and dinner menus in our main and buffet restaurants, our talented chefs also host special cookery demonstrations in our spacious Auditorium.

Here, local delicacies are prepared and everyone enjoys tastings and recipes to try for themselves when they return home.

Guests watching a Treats of the region demonstration

Meet our talented chefs who bring regional dishes to life

Paella from our Treat of the Region

Enjoy sampling dishes from the regions you are visiting

Nanoimo bars, treats of the region dish

Nanoimo bars, Canadian Treats of the Region dish

Crew team member handing out dish from Treat of the Region

Enjoy tasting delicious dishes at our Treats of Region sessions

Migas Con Chorizo

Migas Con Chorizo, Treats of the Region dish

Treats of the region cookery demonstration

Join us as our chefs conjure up beautifully prepared dishes

 

The Sky at Sea

There is nothing quite like the invigorating experience of witnessing a beautiful sunrise at sea or of looking up at the beauty of a night sky from the deck of a ship.

To make your experience more special, on clear nights we host ‘Stargazing’ experiences where you can sit back on the open deck, wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate or hot toddy to warm you whilst listening to our experts as they bring the night sky to life and enhance your understanding of the stars above.

On selected itineraries, we sail to seek out the unique Northern Lights or the beauty of the midnight sun.

Sunset at sea

Enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets out on deck with fellow guests

Guests star gazing on deck

Join our star gazing events and discover more about other planets and stars

Guests enjoying hot chocolate whilst stargazing on board Borealis

Guests enjoying hot chocolate whilst stargazing on board

Northern lights over Borealis funnel

Marvel at natural phenomenons such as the Northern Lights from our wide open decks

Guests with the Aurora Borealis

Join fellow guests on deck to look for the Aurora Borealis

The Sky at Sea

There is nothing quite like the invigorating experience of witnessing a beautiful sunrise at sea or of looking up at the beauty of a night sky from the deck of a ship.

To make your experience more special, on clear nights we host ‘Stargazing’ experiences where you can sit back on the open deck, wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate or hot toddy to warm you whilst listening to our experts as they bring the night sky to life and enhance your understanding of the stars above.

On selected itineraries, we sail to seek out the unique Northern Lights or the beauty of the midnight sun.

Sunset at sea

Enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets out on deck with fellow guests

Guests star gazing on deck

Join our star gazing events and discover more about other planets and stars

Guests enjoying hot chocolate whilst stargazing on board Borealis

Guests enjoying hot chocolate whilst stargazing on board

Northern lights over Borealis funnel

Marvel at natural phenomenons such as the Northern Lights

Guests with the Aurora Borealis

Join fellow guests on deck to look for the Aurora Borealis

Chart Reading with a Navigational Officer

Learn about Chart Reading with a Navigational Officer

Navigational chart reading

Discover how we navigate the world's waterways and seas from our Officers

Audience with the Show Team

Join our Q&A sessions to find out what life at sea is like for our residents Show Teams

Captain Steffan Ravneng

Join our Ask the Captain sessions to find out more about how a cruise ship is run

 

The Ship and the Sea

Our history in shipping dates back 175 years to 1848 when three Olsen brothers bought their first ships and set about discovering the world.

Shipping and Maritime are truly in our DNA, and we love to share our passion for the sea with you.

You can join our Captain and Senior crew and take part in navigation and chart-reading sessions or, for a small charge, take a behind-the-scenes tour to witness the fascinating workings of your ship.

The Ship and the Sea

Our history in shipping dates back 175 years to 1848 when three Olsen brothers bought their first ships and set about discovering the world.

Shipping and Maritime are truly in our DNA, and we love to share our passion for the sea with you.

You can join our Captain and Senior crew and take part in navigation and chart-reading sessions or, for a small charge, take a behind-the-scenes tour to witness the fascinating workings of your ship.

Chart Reading with a Navigational Officer

Learn about Chart Reading with a Navigational Officer

Navigational chart reading

Learn how we navigate the world's waterways and seas from our Officers

Captain Steffan Ravneng

Join our Ask the Captain sessions to find out more about how a cruise ship is run

Audience with the Show Team

Join our Q&A sessions to find out what life at sea is like

 

Behind the Scenes Tours

In addition to our Signature Experiences, for just £49pp, you can discover the secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll have special access to areas that are normally off-limits to guests, providing a unique peek into the inner workings of our vessel. You can explore the Galley to see how our chefs prepare all of our delicious dishes, learn about managing the stores and laundry facilities, see the Engine Room and the Bridge, where one of the team will talk you through how your ship navigates the world's waterways.

We have limited this tour to only 12 spaces to offer the most immersive experience possible, and it can be booked via your My Cruises account approximately 13 weeks prior to departure.

Behind the Scenes Tours

In addition to our Signature Experiences, for just £49pp, you can discover the secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll have special access to areas that are normally off-limits to guests, providing a unique peek into the inner workings of our vessel. You can explore the Galley to see how our chefs prepare all of our delicious dishes, learn about managing the stores and laundry facilities, see the Engine Room and the Bridge, where one of the team will talk you through how your ship navigates the world's waterways.

We have limited this tour to only 12 spaces to offer the most immersive experience possible, and it can be booked via your My Cruises account approximately 13 weeks prior to departure.