Fred Olsen Borealis deck plans

MS Borealis (1997-built as "MS Rotterdam VI", last refurbished in 2025 by Fred Olsen, and previously by HAL in 2017) is the first of the four R-class Holland America Line ships, along with ms Amsterdam (now Fred Olsen Bolette) (sistership), ms Volendam, and ms Zaandam. HAL Rotterdam (named after Rotterdam, Holland) was the sixth ship to bear this name in the company’s history. The vessel (as "MS Borealis") joined the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines fleet in September 2020.

The HAL Rotterdam / Fred Olsen Borealis deck plan shows a total of 690 staterooms for 1,360 passengers (maximum capacity 1,685), served by 615 crew. The ship has 10 passenger decks (5 with cabins), 11 lounges and bars, 6 restaurants, 2 swimming pools (one with a retractable glass roof), 5 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), and 12 elevators.

MS Rotterdam / Fred Olsen Borealis deck plan changes (refurbishment review)

During the October–November 2025 drydock, a new Mediterranean-themed open-air dining venue, Fresco, was added aft on Deck 8 in The Retreat area. It serves light snacks during the day and transforms into a lounge in the evening, offering drinks and cooked-to-order meals.

During the October 2017 drydock (at Freeport, Bahamas), Rotterdam received the following Suite upgrades:

• New furnishings (sofas, chairs, headboards), carpeting, wall coverings, privacy curtains, draperies, bed runners, bed skirts, make-up vanities (quartz stone tops with modern lighting), dressers, dressing tables, nightstands, LED reading lights, wardrobes with lighted closet rods
• New amenities and décor (espresso coffee machines, binoculars, complimentary mimosas with in-cabin breakfasts)
• USB outlets on headboards, additional power outlets, LED ceiling lights
• BOSE SoundDock iPod stations (in Pinnacle Suites only)
• Interactive HDTV system (new wall-mounted smart TVs with Internet access and free movies on demand)
• All Suite bathrooms fully renovated
• Standard cabins upgraded with new wall-mounted smart TVs

The 2017 refurbishment was part of Holland America Line’s USD 300 million fleetwide renovation program (2016–2018), which also enhanced entertainment, dining, and suite experiences across the fleet.

In 2016, Holland America introduced new programming on MS Rotterdam, replacing “Dancing With the Stars” with “BBC Earth” enrichment and entertainment content.

The theatre lounge began hosting daily expert lectures, presentations, a nature-themed game show with BBC Earth footage and commentary from the crews who filmed the series. Evening entertainment included a signature “Frozen Planet” concert, a multimedia show featuring live musicians and visuals of the polar regions.

The children’s Club HAL facilities were also updated, featuring an explorer trail, interactive workshops (including journalism and filming), educational fact shows (focused on animals and dinosaurs), and BBC Earth-themed activities. On select cruises, guests could meet the creators of the BBC Earth series, enjoy behind-the-scenes content, and children could participate in filming workshops.