MS Borealis of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has officially restarted revenue operations following a two-week drydocking at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, which commenced on October 21st, 2025.
The 1353-passenger ship underwent both interior and exterior upgrades. Public areas such as The Observatory and The View were refreshed, the Atlantis Spa received new salon equipment, a new pedicure chair and renewed jacuzzi facilities, and selected guest corridors had fresh-water piping systems replaced.
The vessel’s entertainment spaces were also enhanced. The Neptune Lounge was upgraded in preparation for the operator’s forthcoming production-partnership with RWS Global, with new stage technology, lighting and acoustics, and the addition of aerial silks. Meanwhile, the specialty restaurant Colours & Tastes received upgraded interiors and will introduce a rotating themed menu in 2026.
An entirely new venue, Fresco, was installed on Deck 8 aft—an open-air lounge with panoramic views, a pediluvio foot-spa experience and a spotlight stage for intimate live performances; Mediterranean-inspired light bites will be introduced in February 2026.
Operational upgrades were carried out across the ship: new RFID cabin doors and key-cards, a new phone system, energy-efficient galley equipment, and laundry-facility modernisation. Below the waterline, the ship underwent hull cleaning, grit-blasting, and inspection of keel, stabilisers and propellers—fuel-performance-optimising propellers were installed as part of the sustainability enhancements. British classification and flag-state certification were confirmed post-refit.
The refit was completed with the support of over 920 workers and positions Borealis to continue operating with improved guest experience and technical/green credentials.