Borealis Returns to Service After Rotterdam Refit Adds Fresco

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis has returned to service after a scheduled two-week drydock at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, with the 1997-built ship rejoining operations from Portsmouth on Nov. 7, 2025.

A two-week Rotterdam drydock focused on maintenance and guest areas

Borealis arrived at the Dutch yard on Oct. 21, 2025, for a program that combined routine mechanical work with refurbishments across public spaces. Fred. Olsen said the ship’s time in drydock also allowed teams to access areas that are normally out of reach while the vessel is operating, including equipment below the waterline.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, tied the work to the company’s long-term plans for the ship. “We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Borealis following her successful dry dock period,” Stimpson said.

“The dry dock program allowed us to carry out essential technical and mechanical maintenance,” she said, adding that the project also included energy-efficient upgrades.

New and refreshed dining venues, led by the debut of Fresco

The most visible new addition is Fresco, an open-air venue on Deck 8 aft designed around relaxation, panoramic views and a casual atmosphere. The space includes a pediluvio-style foot spa feature and a small stage intended for live performances.

Fred. Olsen has described Fresco as rolling out in phases, with early sailings introducing the new venue before Mediterranean-inspired light bites are added from February 2026.

Elsewhere, the speciality restaurant Colours & Tastes was refreshed during the yard stay with interior changes that included updated lighting and new wall finishes, with the company also highlighting the venue’s art collection as part of its redesigned look.

From 2026, Colours & Tastes is set to shift to a rotating themed concept. Fred. Olsen said the lineup will include Gourmet Grill, Traditional Italian and Asian-fusion dishes, and the venue will also add a Chef’s Table experience alongside its existing Asian-fusion offering.

Updates across lounges, spa and other passenger spaces

Fred. Olsen said several high-traffic guest areas were updated as part of the wider package, including refreshed, brighter refurbishments in The Observatory and The View lounges.

The Atlantis Spa also received upgrades, including a new jacuzzi for the Thermal Suite, refreshed tiling in changing-room areas, a new pedicure chair and updated salon equipment. The Fitness Center had new window frames fitted, and the ship’s Owner Suites underwent maintenance and upkeep during the yard period.

Neptune Lounge changes ahead of RWS Global programming

The Neptune Lounge was updated with improved lighting, upgraded acoustics and changes to stage technology, and Borealis also added new aerial silks. Fred. Olsen linked the work to its entertainment partnership with RWS Global, which is scheduled to debut on Borealis in April 2026.

Safety systems, ship systems and exterior work completed in drydock

Alongside guest-facing changes, the ship completed a range of behind-the-scenes projects that required time out of service.

• Safety equipment: Lifeboat equipment was serviced, including replacement work involving lifeboat winches and related lifting mechanisms.
• Stabilizer access and maintenance: The ship’s port stabilizer was removed for maintenance, a project that required cutting openings in the ship’s side for access and hull modifications.
• Systems renewals: New freshwater piping was installed in selected guest-corridor areas.
• Operational upgrades: Borealis received new cabin doors and keys, along with a new phone system.
• Back-of-house equipment: New laundry machinery was brought onboard through a hull opening during the yard stay.
• Exterior maintenance: The hull was repainted before the ship returned to service.

Fred. Olsen has also said additional behind-the-scenes work took place during the drydock period, with further details to be shared later.

First sailing back and upcoming itineraries from Portsmouth

Borealis resumed operations on Nov. 7 with a five-night Mystery Cruise from Portsmouth, with the itinerary set to be disclosed to guests once onboard.

From Portsmouth, the ship’s post-drydock schedule continues through the end of 2025 with itineraries across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Morocco. Later in December, Borealis is also scheduled to operate a 13-night Canary Islands and Iberia sailing that includes New Year’s Eve in Lisbon, Portugal.

Into 2026, Fred. Olsen plans for Borealis to continue cruising from Portsmouth with a mix of longer voyages and shorter getaways, alongside the staged rollout of Fresco’s food offering from February 2026 and new entertainment programming from April 2026.

Ship background

Borealis was built in Italy at the Fincantieri shipyard and originally entered service for Holland America Line as Rotterdam, before joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in July 2021. Fred. Olsen communications have described Borealis as both a 1,320-guest and a 1,353-guest vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Borealis enter and leave drydock in Rotterdam?

The ship arrived at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam on Oct. 21, 2025, and returned to guest service on Nov. 7, 2025, after a two-week scheduled yard period.

What is the Borealis Mystery Cruise departing Nov. 7, 2025?

It is a five-night sailing from Portsmouth where the itinerary is revealed to guests after they have boarded the ship.

When will Fresco start serving Mediterranean-inspired light bites?

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has scheduled Mediterranean-inspired light bites at Fresco to begin from February 2026.

What were the key upgrades made to Borealis during the drydock?

Work included the debut of the new open-air Deck 8 aft venue Fresco; an interior refresh for Colours & Tastes ahead of a rotating themed dining concept in 2026; upgrades to the Neptune Lounge’s lighting, acoustics and stage technology; updates to The Observatory, The View and the Atlantis Spa; and behind-the-scenes projects such as lifeboat winch replacement work, port stabilizer maintenance access, selected freshwater piping renewals, new laundry machinery, new cabin doors and keys, a new phone system, and a full hull repaint.