The cruise ship Borealis of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has officially returned to service after undergoing a two-week dry-dock programme at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, which commenced on October 21st, 2025.
The ship, accommodating around 1,353 guests, 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.