Maiden Voyage Goes With A Bang

Fred Olsen’s newest ship – Borealis – was given a firework send off by the Liverpool Cruise Terminal as she set off on her Maiden Voyage.

During the three-day cruise, Borealis offered scenic sailing of northerly British Isles, including Fingal’s Cave, Dutchman’s Cap and the Sound of Mull.

Cruise Conservationists from marine wildlife charity ORCA were also on board, helping guests to spot whales and other marine mammals and conducting their own vital research into wildlife populations. In total the team, with help from guests, spotted more than 200 common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as minke whales, grey seals and harbour porpoises.

Thomas Rennesland, Hotel Operations Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, who was on board for the sailing, said: “We have received some fantastic feedback from our guests saying they loved Borealis as soon as they stepped on board, and they have really enjoyed exploring the ship for the first time.

Steve Jones, Head of Partnerships at ORCA and who has been leading the Cruise Conservationist Programme on board Borealis, said:

“British waters are great for wildlife spotting, especially at this time of year. When we were sailing by Fingal’s Cave we had a group of around 30 bottlenose dolphins, with calves, follow the ship for around 45 minutes. It’s so unusual to have an encounter with dolphins that long, it was a real privilege.

“Not only has this been great for guests to witness, but it has played an important role in our own research on whales and dolphins, which is invaluable to us.”

The Maiden Voyage will be followed by a series of cruises around the British Isles over the coming summer months.

Borealis was purchased by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in the summer of 2020, along with sister ship Bolette, as the line looked to strengthen and evolve for its return to cruising.

For further information on Borealis, visit fredolsencruises.com/our-ships/borealis.