Fred Olsen Cruise Lines reveals new details on Borealis refit and refurbishment

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has shared new updates on the ongoing refit and refurbishment of Borealis, which is currently in dry dock at the Damen Shiprepair yard in Rotterdam. 

The 1,320-guest ship arrived at the facility in late October for scheduled maintenance and upgrades, following the plans outlined by the company last month.

“Our teams have been hard at work carrying out a wide range of upgrades and maintenance projects,” Fred. Olsen said in a social media update. The cruise line confirmed that work is progressing smoothly, with improvements spanning both technical systems and guest-facing spaces.

According to the company, Borealis has received new lifeboat winches as part of ongoing improvements to its safety systems. The ship’s Owner Suites have also undergone upkeep and maintenance, while the Fitness Centre has been fitted with new window frames.

Enhancements are also being made to the wellness areas, with the Atlantis Spa receiving refreshed tiling in its changing rooms and a new jacuzzi installed in the Thermal Suite. The Colours & Tastes specialty restaurant is “introducing a fresh new look, with updated lighting and new wallpaper,” Fred. Olsen said.

In addition, work continues on the addition of Fresco, a new open-air dining venue, along with a pediluvio feature on the aft pool deck. The company added that “there’s more work taking place behind the scenes, which will be shared at a later date.”

The dry dock follows a busy period for the 1997-built ship, which joined the Fred. Olsen fleet in 2021 after previously sailing for Holland America Line. Earlier stages of the project included more extensive technical maintenance, such as hull openings to install new equipment and the servicing of stabilisers.

Once the refit is complete, Borealis is scheduled to return to service on November 7th, 2025, sailing from Portsmouth on a five-night Mystery Cruise, with the itinerary to be revealed once guests are onboard. 

The voyage will mark the start of the ship’s winter programme from the UK port, offering itineraries to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the Iberian Peninsula through the end of the year.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Borealis is one of two former Holland America vessels now sailing for Fred. Olsen. The current refit underscores the line’s commitment to keeping its smaller, destination-focused ships updated, with a balance of technical reliability and refreshed amenities for guests.