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- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , New to cruise , On-board facilities
Our experience on-board Fred.Olsen Borealis!
by - 10 Aug 2022
Experience the Whales, Waterfalls and Geysers of Iceland with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines!
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines offers traditional cruising on-board small ships, and Borealis is no exception to this. As one of two new additions to the fleet and having undergone a refit in 2015, she offers guests everything they expect from Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, mirroring her sister and their flagship, Bolette.
With a capacity of 1,360 guests, she boasts a 2:1 guest-to-staff ratio, offering guests ample space on-board. Our cruise concierge Kevin was lucky enough to experience this beautiful ship first-hand on a 10-night trip to Iceland. Here, he shares his experience and highlights of what guests can expect to enjoy on-board.
Pre-departure requirements
Arriving in Liverpool ready to embark to Iceland, Fred.Olsen Cruise Line’s protocols were simple to understand and navigate. Passengers are required to take out COVID travel insurance, show proof of vaccination status and are allocated embarkation times. “We dropped bags off at a van outside the convention centre where we needed to take our pre-embarkation lateral flow test and were guided in into a main hall where we were given a coloured sticker and handed a test. Someone watched us take the test, then we were guided to a seat and given a bottle of water whilst we waited for results”.
Once the results are in, guests are guided to a waiting coach and transferred to the cruise terminal, where they are checked in, provide credit card details, have their passports scanned and are issued trace safe bands. This innovative device allows all passengers to be easily traced on-board.
For more information on cruise line pre-departure requirements, visit the Cruise118 Hub .
First Impressions
Once on-board, guests can take in the simple touches throughout the ship that reflect Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ history and ethos, with all the art on-board the vessel handpicked by Mrs Olsen and varied in style; some were bright and colourful, some abstract, and there was even a painting of Great Grandmother Bolete Olsen. They had replicas of the Terracotta Army Warriors, a little nod to the home port of Liverpool as the real Terracotta Army was on display there recently. Some of the statement furniture in the public areas was grand and opulent, giving a natural 5-Star feel.
With Covid restrictions relaxing Fred.Olsen no longer required face masks on-board. All passengers must be vaccinated and wear Trace Safe Bands the whole journey, ensuring passengers can relax knowing that protocols are in place. Guests will find the process and protocols easy to follow, becoming second nature. Hand sanitisers are conveniently placed around the ship, and crew members will politely remind passengers to wash their hands when needed. Those looking to socialise on-board will still get the chance as Fred.Olsen no longer requires social distancing, making it pleasant to share the bars and entertainment spaces with friends and other passengers.
Accommodation on-board Borealis
Borealis hosts a wide range of accommodation options for different needs. Our cruising expert stayed in a BS grade Balcony suite, which was spacious and opulent, creating a great room to relax in after a busy day exploring. The Olsen suite and Premier suites were a step above, truly capturing that ‘suite’ feel. All suites came with The Suite Dreams Package, meaning guests receive £10 credit for laundry, pressing, canapés delivered to the cabin before evening meals, slippers, binoculars and more!
Cruise Expert Top Tip: Junior suites were an excellent option for those looking for more space at a lower price point!
Other cabins on the ship felt spacious, including the solo cabins still carrying two beds. All cabins have a full shower or a shower over a small bath. Cabins come with an elegant light wood finish with large mirrors to give the illusion of even more space. Sockets in each room have both UK and European plug sockets alongside 2 USB sockets.
Dining on-board Borealis
Our concierge had the to chance to visit all the eateries on-board, including the View Buffet and the poolside grill, where they had most items on the menu! Our colleague felt that the excellent food quality across the ship made it an enjoyable experince no matter where you dined. Although a smaller ship, Borealis hosts a range of dining and drinks options:
- Main Dining Room
- The View (buffet)
- The Poolside
- Vasco ( extra fee)
- Colours and Tastes (extra fee)
- The Observatory
- The View Bar
- Oriental Room
- Morning Light Lounge
- Bookmark Café
Speciality restaurant reservations can be made in person or over the phone from your room, making it easy to organise a special night for a small reservation fee of £10 or £15. Passengers who prefer a quieter dining experience can order room service between 7am-10pm each day.
Fred.Olsens Borealis stand-out point is the service when dining on-board. By day two, servers and staff greet passengers by name. They remember passengers’ go-to drinks and customisation requests of dishes were happily accommodated, making the experience feel like “Nothing was too much for them”. The captain waiter would make an appearance at every table, every sitting, to ensure everything was okay, making it feel very personable.
Cruise Expert Top Tip: “ Dine at the Observatory during the day; there are fantastic views cruising across the bow, and at night time, it’s a relaxed party atmosphere with friendly, attentive crew and waiters.”
Entertainment on-board Borealis
Entertainment on-board Borealis does not disappoint, with a large variety of options catered to all personalities. Our cruise concierge’s go-to spot was the Neptune’s Theatre (Deck 4 & 5), where they enjoyed a range of shows, including a Beatles tribute, Ballroom Blitz, and Hits From The Flicks. Alongside this, the theatre hosts comedians and magicians for all to enjoy. For the more health-conscious cruiser, the fitness centre hosts various classes included within the cruise fare. Fitness classes on-board ranging from Yoga to ‘Exercise with Music.’ “The instructors were very welcoming and were sure to adjust the classes to meet all skill levels.”
Over at the Lido Pool and Bar, enjoy fun activities such as a ‘killer darts’ tournament or experiment in a cocktail-making class. “A gallery team member created a spectacular ice carving making the cocktail class feel genuinely luxurious!”
One activity that surprised our experts was the dessert-making and decorating class within The Auditorium; “the crew on-board made this a fun learning experience that I belly laughed at the whole time!” Overall, the entertainment on-board pushes passengers to tap into their creative side from cocktails, desserts, and arts and crafts or relax and have fun with friends and other passengers at the bars or on movie nights!
Fred.Olsens’ Borealis exceeded our cruise expert’s expectations; the level of service was high across the whole ship, and the staff made your time on-board very personable by remembering names and orders. Borealis hosts a classy and elegant look and feel, alongside ample opportunity for entertainment.
The ship had many places to eat in terms of restaurants and smaller eateries, alongside the bars on-board offering speciality cocktails and other familiar favourites. Whilst on-board, we recommend passengers book a speciality restaurant for a special night out but try as many of the dining options as you can as there is a great variety across the whole ship.
Experience Borealis first-hand with a range of sailings to choose from. Find your itinerary online or call our expert cruise concierge today at 0808 278 3940.
- Our day on-board Jewel of the...
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One Response to “Our experience on-board Fred.Olsen Borealis!”
My wife and have both Covid jabs and the booster,we both have evudence of this is that all we need to board
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I Never Have The Wrong Adapters For a Cruise – Here’s How!
If you are taking a cruise, you might be wondering what plug adapters you need. Most cruise ships have American and/or European sockets in the cabins but keeping up with how many of each there are can be confusing.
I did spend a couple of weeks putting together a searchable table which you can find here, but there is an easier way: Complete Cruise Ship Plug Socket Guide: Search by Ship
What I Used to Do – Requires Effort
What I used to do when taking a cruise was to see which sockets were on a ship, I’d have a look at past cabin reviews and videos, trying to pause at the right moment to work see the plugs.
I’d see which sockets were onboard and buy matching plugs.
I’d only ever buy the cheap plugs from Poundland or somewhere similar. These were just 1 to 1 sockets and didn’t have any USB C’s or A’s.
If I wanted USB’s I’d have to bring another plug to put on top that had these.
Some ships do have UK plug sockets although this is rare. The below picture was taken on the Ambassador Ambience and they did have one.
I always had the sockets I needed but sometimes I’d find bonus ones that I hadn’t accounted for and couldn’t use because I only had certain adapters.
For example, I’d bring US adapters and find a European socket.
This approach did work, but it was annoying and there was always a risk I’d get it wrong.
What I Do Now – No Effort Required!
Instead of buying adapters to suit each situation what I do now is I have a couple of universal adapters that can go from American, European, Australian or UK to any of those.
This means that all I do is pack one thing and I don’t have to think about the sockets. Whatever I find on the ship, these will fit!
International Power Plug Adapter with 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A Ports, All-in-One Worldwide Wall Charger for USA EU UK AUS
The one that I use has a regular plug and also 3 USB C’s and 2 USB A’s meaning in theory I can charge 6 things at a time. I usually have 2 or 3 and it’s worked well for that.
Universal adapters are more expensive than regular adapters of course, but for me, the piece of mind is well worth it.
If you are from somewhere like the US and you find a surprise UK plug socket in the cabin, it’s unlikely you’ll have bought an adapter for that but with one like the above, you can make use of it.
Some cabins only have a couple of sockets so it’s important not to waste them.
If you do forget to bring adapters on a cruise ship they’ll often have some for sale, but they’ll be very expensive.
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- Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
Cabin plug sockets on Boudicca
By STEPHEN LARKIN , June 11, 2009 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
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STEPHEN LARKIN
Hi Guys , Does anyone know what type of plug sockets and how many there are in each cabin on the main deck of Boudicca ?
Thanks ...:cool:
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Hi Stephen ,continental 2 pin and about 2 plugs .:)
Make sure you take an adaptor or two - we could only find one when we were packing & asked at recpetion if we could borrow one. They normally keep a stock for loan to passengers, but they were down to two on the preceding cruise which had not been returned despite deposits. Also, the on board shop doesn't sell them.
Berkshire Lass
Just returned from Budicca Baltic Cruise today. Our cabin had US/Continental and 1 British plug socket. Would imagine all cabins would be the same in this respect. She is a lovely little ship with some cute little quirks. If you have Capt. Jan Thomassen as master when you go don't miss his jazz sessions.
[email protected]
We had one UK plug in our cabin on Bridge deck. It might not be the same in all cabins as the cabins were added at different times. Odldly the socket was upside down. Lovely ship.
Best wishes, Stephen.
Same as for Berkshire Lass , two continental and one uk plug, which we hadn't expected. Really enjoyed the Baltic Cruise on Boudicca - my husband played the drums on the jazz sessions with the captain. Boudicca is a lovely ship.
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- Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
sockets on balmoral
By the english lady , September 24, 2008 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
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the english lady
hi could someone let me know what sockets are in the cabins on Balmoral. Are they normal 3 pin 240v sockets. thank you
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looked at the website and realised it's a 2 pin. by the way if you look at the guarentee price for a suite on the 7.10 round uk cruise, when i last checked was £88k +. i think it is a computer glich.
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LauraS · Started Yesterday at 02:09 PM
LauraS · Started Wednesday at 11:07 AM
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
All of our cruise ships feature 2-pin (round pin) Continental style plug (220 volt-60 Hz) and Bolette will also feature UK plug sockets. Bolette and Borealis also feature the American-style 110 volt plug. We recommend you bring adaptors on board, but if you forget, these can be borrowed from the Guest Services desk when on board, or purchased ...
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter. $25.99 $19.99. International Power Plug Adapter with 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A Ports, All-in-One Worldwide Wall Charger for USA EU UK AUS. Buy Now. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 02/23/2024 11:01 am GMT. The below table is based on inside cabins, higher-grade cabins may have ...
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ; Electrical sockets in Bolette cabins Electrical sockets in Bolette cabins. By Coravel, October 18, 2021 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ... so he always fills me in with details of that. As long as I can plug in a hairdryer, I am a happy bunny, Barbara Edited February 17, 2022 by tring. 1 Link to comment Share on other ...
That's certainly the case on Balmoral. The distance would be 1 to 2 metres maximum, European 220v socket. In which case, so long as the voltage is OK then at worse you lose one bedside lamp, or a multi-socket adapter would have the CPAP and lights working. CPAPs are much more common in the USA, in Europe the medical economics are different ...
All our cruise ships also have two qualified nurses on board. The Medical Centres operate outside of British and European health services and charges are levied for consultations, investigations, prescriptions and room visits. A scale of charges is displayed in each Medical Centre, and charges incurred will be billed to your on board account.
In Bolette's balcony suite cabins, there are no plug sockets by the bed. This is not unusual on older-style ships. There were plenty of plug sockets by the desk to plug in my phone and other bits and pieces. In total we had 1 UK socket, 1 EU Socket, 2 USBs and 1 extra USB in the table lamp. Other cabin grades may have more, or fewer sockets.
Wirral, England. #6. Posted February 17 (edited) On 2/17/2022 at 5:54 AM, LandHo18 said: Shaver socket in bathroom too. Ahhh, DH would not have noticed that, since he has not shaved for forty years. He is the person who uses and charges most electrical stuff, so he always fills me in with details of that.
Cruise lines vary in their plug sockets on-board, making it hard to find out if your cabin has British plug sockets, a US two-pin or if you'll need a European adaptor. Avoid getting stuck on-board with low battery with this handy guide on the plug sockets you can find on-board the top cruise lines and their fleet.
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines offers traditional cruising on-board small ships, and Borealis is no exception to this. As one of two new additions to the fleet and having undergone a refit in 2015, she offers guests everything they expect from Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, ... Sockets in each room have both UK and European plug sockets alongside 2 USB ...
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ; Electrical sockets on Braemar Electrical sockets on Braemar. By WeeCountyMan, April 14, 2017 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line. Share More sharing options... Followers 0. Recommended Posts. WeeCountyMan. Posted April 14, 2017. WeeCountyMan. Members; 2.7k August 2, 2010; Scotland
30. March 4, 2023. west Wales. #4. Posted April 10. On 4/8/2024 at 5:04 AM, Hadrianswall said: I've been on the Balmoral a few years ago but I can't remember if the sockets are three pin or two pin. And I know it sounds silly but I like a face flannel and can't remember if they are included in the cabin or not.
Fred Olsen prides itself on being a "family-run" cruise line. Bolette is named after the great-great-grandmother of the company Chairman, Fred Olsen Jnr. She was one of Four R-Class ships (Or Rotterdam class ships) built between 1997 and 2000 specifically for the Holland America cruise line. These ships all carry roughly 1,400 passengers.
Cruise Ship Plug Types. Created on October 11, 2023. Last updated on January 23, 2024. There is nothing worse than boarding your cruise ship, enjoying the sailaway party and making yourself comfortable in your cabin before dinner, only to realise that all the gadgets you've packed feature a different plug to the sockets in your stateroom.
Continental European socket. Featured on: Cunard Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Fred Olsen Line, Holland America Line. As well as the UK plug sockets, Cunard Line features the Continental two-pin socket in its rooms too. The other cruise lines listed here don't feature UK plug sockets, so it might be wise to bring adapters along with ...
Newer ships may also have USB sockets in the cabins but older ships are unlikely to. Cruise ship plug socket varieties: UK 2 pin plug. American 2 pin plug (flat), 110v. European 2 pin plug (round) 220v. Please see below a summary of popular cruise lines' plug socket types. For any lines not listed here, please see the individual cruise line ...
Hi Guys , Does anyone know what type of plug sockets and how many there are in each cabin on the main deck of Boudicca ? Thanks ...:cool: Jump to content. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Find a Cruise; Deals; Reviews; News; Cruise Tips; ... Cruise Lines "A - O" Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ...
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter. $25.99 $19.99. International Power Plug Adapter with 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A Ports, All-in-One Worldwide Wall Charger for USA EU UK AUS. Buy Now. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 02/23/2024 11:01 am GMT. The one that I use has a regular plug and also 3 USB C's and 2 USB A ...
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ; Cabin plug sockets on Boudicca Please Read: COVID-related Discussion. Cabin plug sockets on Boudicca. By STEPHEN LARKIN, June 11, 2009 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
I have to use a CPAP machine when I sleep (sleep apnoea) I see in the inside/;outside cabin there isn't a plug next to the bed. So I'd have to take an extension lead and hope for the best as the electrical sockets are on the back of the desk. It would be helpful if anyone uses this machine and ho...
337. March 2, 2010. Merseyside. U.K. #1. Posted June 1. We are taking our first cruise with Fred Olsen on Borealis on Friday, can anyone tell me if there are USB sockets in cabins. Also does the Buffet restaurant stay open later on embarkation day, we have a checkin time of 1:15. Any other info would be gratefully received.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ; Cabin plug sockets on Boudicca See Cruise Critic 2023 Editors' Picks Awards!! Cabin plug sockets on Boudicca ...
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ; First time on Balmoral (28th May 8 nights) First time on Balmoral (28th May 8 nights) By July morning, April 7 ... Official Fred information above. The plug sockets are few and far between so you may want to pack both an adapter and a buzz bar. We also had our own USB sockets as well (some of the refurbished rooms may ...
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ; sockets on balmoral sockets on balmoral. By the english lady, September 24, 2008 in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line. Recommended Posts. the english lady. Posted September 24, 2008. the english lady. Members; 3.3k February 11, 2005 #1 Share;