Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines plans to commission a new open-air venue named Fresco aboard Borealis, unveiling it this November as part of the ship’s post‑dry dock upgrades. Situated aft on Deck 8, the Mediterranean-themed space will serve light bites during daylight hours and convert into a relaxed lounge under the stars in the evenings, offering a new way to dine at sea following Borealis’s October overhaul.
Cooked‑to‑order dining at Fresco is designed to blend laid‑back deck ambience with flavours inspired by warm Mediterranean shores, while preserving the option of evening ambience beneath open skies.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the cruise line has signalled major enhancements across its fleet, beginning with Colours & Tastes, the signature specialty restaurant. From that year, its menu will expand to include rotating Culinary themes such as a Gourmet Grill and a Traditional Italian offering, while continuing to feature its renowned Asian‑fusion selections. In tandem, Fred. Olsen will debut a new Chef’s Table experience, a curated multi‑course dinner priced from GBP 100 per person and paired with premium wines, delivered in an intimate setting by the line’s sommeliers and culinary team.
Doug Glenwright, Director of Guest Experience, remarked that Fresco’s launch would bring fresh flavours and experiences to guests once installed on Borealis, and that the forthcoming refinements to Colours & Tastes along with the Chef’s Table would further elevate the onboard culinary landscape by offering a distinct, multi‑course dining occasion that would make guests’ time at sea even more memorable.
Fred. Olsen’s fleet of three smaller ships—Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral—never carries more than 1,400 guests, a scale that has allowed the line to curate intimate dining and leisure experiences across its onboard venues. With the introduction of Fresco and the 2026 culinary enhancements, the operator is poised to strengthen its reputation for refined, food‑centric cruising that complements its traditionally relaxed seaside atmosphere.