Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ ship Borealis returned to Liverpool (England UK) on Friday, July 9, at the end of her Maiden Voyage.
Borealis set sail on her first voyage with Fred Olsen on July 5, to a backdrop of fireworks by Liverpool Cruise Terminal. During the 3-day roundtrip, the boat offered scenic cruising of the northerly British Isles, such as Fingal’s Cave, Dutchman’s Cap, Mull's Sound.
Cruise Conservationists from ORCA (marine wildlife charity) were onboard, helping passengers to spot marine mammals as well as conducting their own research into wildlife populations. The team, with help from vacationers, spotted 200+ common and bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, grey seals, harbour porpoises.
Thomas Rennesland (Fred. Olsen's Hotel Operations Director) who was also onboard, said:
“The atmosphere on board has been wonderful. We have received some fantastic feedback from our guests saying they loved Borealis as soon as they stepped on board, and they have really enjoyed exploring the ship for the first time.
“Of course the biggest compliments have been for our crew, and being back together you realise it really is all about the people. Even behind face masks, our crew and returning guests have been able to recognise one another and it has been great to see everyone exchanging well wishes.
“It is a real pleasure to be back at sea, doing what we do best – sailing our own course and looking after our guests.”
The Maiden Voyage is followed by a series of British Isles voyages (some scenic-only, some with call ports, all roundtrips from homeport Liverpool) for the remainder of 2021.
Borealis (fka MS Rotterdam) was purchased by Fred Olsen from Holland America Line) in 2020, along with sistership Bolette (fka MS Amsterdam).