Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Offers Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours on Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral

Published on July 23, 2024

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has introduced an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour across its trio of smaller vessels: Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral.

This innovative tour allows guests to explore the inner mechanics of the ships, including a visit to the Galley where they can observe chefs at work crafting delectable dishes. Participants will also get an inside look at the logistics involved in managing the stores and laundry facilities, as well as gain access to the Engine Control Room and the Bridge, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the operational heart of the ships.

James Moss, Itinerary Product Manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer our guests these brand-new tours which will help them uncover the secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship.

“They’ll be able to discover the volume of food needed to feed both guests and crew as well as meet and speak to our dedicated crew members who are at the heart of what makes sailing with us so special, while gaining an insight into life on board.

“We have limited the spaces on the tours to just 12 guests to ensure it is an enjoyable, immersive experience and they really get to know what it’s like running a cruise ship day-to-day.”

The tours are designed to enrich Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Signature Experience, “The Ship and Sea,” offering guests a deeper understanding of the company’s 175-year maritime legacy.

Priced at £49 per person, the behind-the-scenes tours also include a commemorative lanyard and a professional photograph.

Upcoming cruise highlights, departing from Southampton, Dover, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Rosyth, feature:

Balmoral’s 15-night “Portugal’s Islands in Search of the Meteor Shower” cruise, departing from Rosyth on August 7, 2024, with prices starting at £1,499 per person.

• Explore the natural beauty of the Azores
• Team up with ORCA to spot marine life from Balmoral
• Witness the Perseid Meteor Shower and the blooming hydrangeas

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Praia da Vitoria, Azores – Horta, Azores – Ponta Delgada, Azores – Vila Franca Islet, Azores – Cruise past the Mouth of the River Tagus, Belem Tower, and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruise by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Leixões, Portugal – Rosyth, Scotland

Borealis’ eight-night “Summertime Norwegian Fjords” cruise, departing from Dover on August 14, 2024, with prices starting at £1,099 per person. Enjoy an additional £50 per person of onboard spending credit.

• Explore the Hardangervidda mountain plateau from Eidfjord
• In Flåm, embark on a boat tour along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
• Ride the funicular railway to the summit of Mount Fløyen for a hike

Itinerary: Dover, UK – Cruising Maurangerfjord and Furebergsfossen, Norway – Cruising Hardangerfjord, Norway – Eidfjord, Norway – Bergen, Norway – Flåm, Norway – Cruising Nærøyfjord, Norway – Olden, Norway – Cruising Nordfjord and Innvikfjord, Norway – Dover, UK

Bolette’s nine-night “Scenic Autumnal Norwegian Fjords” cruise, departing from Liverpool on September 21, 2024. Prices start at £1,099 per person, including £50 per person of onboard spending credit.

Experience the stunning autumn scenery aboard Bolette
Embark on a tour to Godoy from Ålesund to witness breathtaking nature
Sail through the picturesque Nordfjord and the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Cruising past Nordfjord and Innvikfjord, Norway – Olden, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Molde, Norway – Hellesylt, Norway – Cruising past Seven Sisters Waterfall, Norway – Cruising Geirangerfjord, Norway – Cruising Storfjorden, Norway – Cruising by Strandafjellet Mountain, Norway – Liverpool, UK

Borealis’ 14-night “Cultures and Cuisines of the Mediterranean” cruise, departing from Southampton on October 29, 2024, with prices starting at £1,599 per person. Includes £100 per person of onboard spending credit.

• Discover Barcelona and admire the Sagrada Familia
• Savor Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon and paella in Valencia
• Learn flamenco dancing from a local bailaora in Cadiz

Itinerary: Southampton, UK – Cadiz, Spain – Valencia, Spain – Tarragona, Spain – Cruising Cartagena Bay, Spain – Cartagena, Spain – Malaga, Spain – Leixões, Portugal – Southampton, UK

Borealis’ 14-night “Winter Warmth in the Canaries” cruise, departing from Portsmouth on November 23, 2024, with prices starting at £1,399 per person. Includes £100 per person of onboard spending credit.

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest in Madeira
• Tour a botanical garden with insights from a local orchid expert
• Discover the stunning beauty of La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park

Itinerary: Portsmouth, UK – Funchal, Madeira – Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands – San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands – Arrecife, Canary Islands – Lisbon, Portugal – Cruising past the Mouth of the River Tagus, Belem Tower, and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruising by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal – Portsmouth, UK

Embark on Balmoral’s 10-night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on October 10, 2024. Prices start at £1,199 per person.

• Embark on a quest to see the Northern Lights during an extended stay in Alta.
• Enjoy a picturesque cruise along the Seven Sisters mountain range.
• Spend time with a Sami community to immerse yourself in their local traditions.

Itinerary: Newcastle, UK – Molde, Norway – Arctic Circle crossing, Norway – Tjeldsundet Strait cruise, Norway – Alta, Norway (overnight stay) – Tromsø, Norway – Tjeldsundet Strait cruise, Norway – Seven Sisters Mountain Range cruise, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Newcastle, UK