New Fred Olsen Cruises Lines ship Borealis makes its debut today from Liverpool as the company resumes sailing after almost a year and a half of the cruise industry being at a standstill due to the pandemic.
It will be the first time that the 1,360-passenger ex-Holland America Line vessel will sail with the company and marks the start of a ‘Welcome Back’ programme of UK summer sailings.
The ship will initially operate at 50% capacity.
Borealis will sail from Liverpool this year and will debut with scenic-only sailings around the UK before introducing ports of call later into July and August.
The vessel will introduce a number of new venues and facilities to the fleet, including a two-tier theatre and main restaurant, an all-weather swimming pool with retractable roof, a large spa and thermal suite and a new venue offering culinary demonstrations.
Borealis was purchased by Fred Olsen last summer along with sister ship Bolette, as the line looked to “strengthen and evolve” for its return to cruising.
Discounts of up to £300 are being offered on selected ex-UK 2021 sailings and up to £200 per person to spend on board, plus up to £200 per person to spend on board on a selection of 2022 ex-UK cruises.
Managing director Peter Deer said: “Today is a truly momentous day for us, as not only are we setting sail again after 16 months, but we are doing so with the first of two wonderful new ships.
“Our crew on board have been working incredibly hard to get Borealis ready to sail, and our guests can enjoy many brand new venues including The Crow’s Nest and the Piano Bar, and those familiar Fred Olsen touches, such as the Morning Light Pub, and our famous ‘doodle’ carpet, designed to be bright and cheerful.
“I must extend my personal thanks to each and every member of our wonderful crew, our shoreside team and our trade partners for their hard work, dedication, passion and commitment, and to our guests, both new and returning, for the support, patience and loyalty they showed as we prepared for our return.
“This voyage setting sail today is the beginning of a bright new future for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines with two remarkable new ships among the fleet. Here’s to many, many years of happy sailing ahead.”
Captain Rommel Pineda, who will be at the helm for the maiden voyage, added: “Being captain on a new ship is a great honour in its own right, but today represents so much more than that.
“My team on board have put their all into adding our own ‘Fred Olsen touches’ and to see the pride on their faces as they prepare to welcome our first guests on board is testament to just how much we have all missed being at sea.
“Today we set sail on a new era, with many cruising adventures ahead.”