This was our first Fred Olsen cruise and we were looking forward to being on what was the third cruise on the new to Fred Olsen ship Borealis, previously Holland America Rotterdam, age around 25 years.

Originally scheduled to visit Scotland , itinerary was changed to the Scilly Isles and Portsmouth setting off from Liverpool. Embarkation was from the Liverpool ACC centre where Covid testing and document verification was done. Guests were then bussed the short distance to the ship.

Fred Olsen has had the ship in dry dock for upgrading, public areas have been renewed to a good standard with nice carpeting, seating and fitments. Our window room had new carpets, beds and bedding, room furniture remains as was from the last Holland America refit but was quite acceptable with good storage space. The shower was good and powerful however when on full power water seeped over the edge onto the floor. We decided not to book a balcony room as they were only terraced with a sliding door leading onto the promenade deck so there was no privacy, we also found the chairs on the prom deck quite uncomfortable. Read more