Fred. Olsen’s Borealis Makes First Call to Curaçao
Borealis’ inaugural visit underscores Curaçao’s push to attract longer, experience-led voyages from Europe, widening the island’s cruise mix beyond weeklong Caribbean circuits.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis made its first-ever call to Curaçao on March 30, 2026, docking at the Port of Willemstad during a 76-night itinerary spanning South America, Antarctica and the Caribbean. The Curaçao Ports Authority marked the maiden visit with an onboard plaque exchange ceremony.
Maiden call marked at the Port of Willemstad
The Curaçao call came as Borealis entered the later portion of a two-and-a-half-month cruise that began from Southampton in late January 2026. The Port of Willemstad visit was positioned within the itinerary’s Caribbean segment, following the ship’s time in South America and scenic cruising in Antarctic waters.
The Curaçao Ports Authority said the plaque exchange was held onboard the ship to commemorate the inaugural call and to recognize cooperation between the vessel, its operator and the destination. No direct quotes from officials or company executives were included in the available information about the event.
Curaçao government officials and port representatives attended
Attendees included Charles Cooper, Curaçao’s Minister of Traffic, Transportation & Urban Planning, and Roderick Middelhof, Minister of Economic Development, alongside representatives from the Curaçao Ports Authority and ship officers. Maduro Shipping, the vessel’s local agent, was also represented at the ceremony.
Itinerary scope: South America, Antarctic scenic cruising and the Caribbean
Borealis is sailing a 76-night program described as an “Exploration of South America and the Antarctic,” which is scheduled to end back in Southampton on April 14, 2026. The itinerary includes calls in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, before transitioning into the Caribbean and a transatlantic return to Europe.
Rio Carnival timing and Antarctic viewing
Among the voyage’s featured stops was a three-day visit to Rio de Janeiro timed to coincide with Carnival in mid-February. The cruise also includes scenic cruising in Antarctica, a highlight typically focused on viewing rather than port-intensive touring due to operating restrictions and environmental requirements, with the itinerary described as offering polar scenery without making landfall.
Caribbean destinations on the later stages
After the South American and Antarctic portions, the ship continued into the Caribbean. Ports cited as part of the later stages of the program include:
- Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
- St. John’s, Antigua
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten
- Willemstad, Curaçao
Ship background and pre-voyage refurbishment
Borealis joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet in late 2020 after being built for Holland America Line and sailing previously as Rotterdam. The ship entered service alongside a sister vessel that formerly operated as Amsterdam and now sails as Bolette, described as Fred. Olsen’s flagship.
In Fred. Olsen service, Borealis operates as an adults-only ship, aligning with the company’s adult-focused offering. Ahead of the 76-night sailing, the ship underwent a refurbishment project in the United Kingdom, timed immediately before its late-January 2026 departure from Southampton.
After the Curaçao call, Borealis is scheduled to call at Ponta Delgada in the Azores before returning to Southampton on April 14, 2026, completing the 76-night voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Borealis make its first call to Curaçao?
Borealis arrived at the Port of Willemstad on March 30, 2026, marking the ship’s maiden call to Curaçao.
How long is Borealis’ current cruise and where does it begin and end?
The itinerary is 76 nights, sailing from Southampton in late January 2026 and scheduled to return to Southampton on April 14, 2026.
Which officials attended the maiden call ceremony in Willemstad?
Attendees included Curaçao ministers Charles Cooper (Minister of Traffic, Transportation & Urban Planning) and Roderick Middelhof (Minister of Economic Development), along with representatives from the Curaçao Ports Authority, ship officers and staff from local agent Maduro Shipping.
What is the Borealis passenger capacity?
Fred. Olsen’s Borealis accommodates approximately 1,404 passengers.
What refurbishment took place before the current itinerary?
Before the 76-night sailing, Borealis underwent a refurbishment project in the United Kingdom that included updates to public spaces, cabin interiors and dining facilities, with the aim of enhancing onboard amenities while maintaining the ship’s classical design elements.
