Sister ship to Bolette and look almost identical, even the clock tower is similar. Colours & Tastes aswell as Vasco's are not to be missed although prices are now £10 prior to boarding and £15 once on ship, still excellent value. Yes, staff are fabulous and even I was remembered on second cruise on Bolette. Lovely lovely ships. Btw, Bolette still has a second pool aft on deck.
Excellent tour, Matthew! I have MANY fond memories of my first Fred Olsen cruise aboard the elegant 'Black Watch,' and look forward to sailing on 'Borealis' soon.
Oh my gosh! I really enjoyed this. I cruised this ship when she was the Rotterdam back in 2009. It was the first cruise of the season from her home port in Rotterdam. All the locals were on the shore or on their apartment balconies waving us off as we went to sea. It was very special. So happy to see this vessel is still in service. I did notice this ship had kind of an unsettling list whilst in the North Sea. Some other passengers commented on this so I don't think it was my imagination.
@@johnburns4017 It's been 13 years and several cruises ago since I was on the Rotterdam so my memory is a little fuzzy. The two story dining room and gym look familiar but the furnishings and decor look vastly different. Had Matthew opened the video without mentioning the ships heritage I might not have picked up that it was the Rotterdam I cruised to Scandinavia on back in 2009.
My girlfriend and I are going on a Fred Olsen cruise from Liverpool in december nice to get a feel of the ship we are on it looks fine. It's our first Freddie cruise previously we've been on a Mirella trip and enjoyed it very much. .well organised I thought. Especially when it's from our home port Newcastle . Liverpool this time but a short train ride from Durham is ok . It sure beats driving /parking and all the hassle that comes with it .. I'm sure a nice little cruese before christmas will help us cope with it
Lovely video Matthew and so pleasing to hear you mention your partner with pride. Glad you both enjoyed your time on Borealis. Looking forward to your next vlog.
Brilliant video, thank you. I'm looking at a cruise to Iceland in June with this ship, also from Liverpool. I think it's particularly impressive that you took a winter cruise to Spain, the ship looks just as appealing to me in slightly choppier seas ;)
Good review, and of course I saw you both a few times as I was on the same cruise. As I was traveling alone I didn't try the optional restaurants but the food looked delicious. I also didn't go to the theatre as shows aren't my thing but it looks a nice space. I've no plans to cruise with Fred Olsen again as I think they're quite expensive compared to others, and although Borealis is branded as a "new" ship to them she is 24 years old which was noticeable in some areas, but if the right cruise at the right price comes up I wouldn't say no.
It was lovely to meet you and I'm glad you liked the video! I I'm definitely glad I tried them and I'll definitely keep an eye on their cruises in the future!
Matthew, my mini-cruise on Borealis last month was cancelled. I was on her identical twin, Bolette to the south coast last Aug. I’ve rebooked Balmoral to Cornwall for May next year. I look forward to Borealis and Braemar one day if they sail minis. June of London
Great tour Matthew! Looks like a beautiful ship, hoping to find the perfect Northern Lights itinerary on either Borealis or Bolette sometime next year. Thanks for posting :)
Great review, thank you. Very much looking forward to our 15 night cruise in August. For a five night stay you had a lot of complimentary items m, was this because you made staff aware of your review ?
Excellent video, really informative. However there should be a "rider" stating that this video would appear to be very much "sponsored" by Fred Olsen as there were many references to "being gifted" extras for which a "normal" guest would have to pay.
Hey there thank you so much! Sponsorship refers to getting paid by them to talk about their product which didn't happen in my case - therefore the sponsorship flag doesnt apply so I didn't put that on the video :) however, like you said I've mentioned the extras as they were indeed Gifted so people are aware those are extra charge :) I hope that helps!
Question Matthew did you feel that a smaller ship like Borealis suffered more from heavy seas. I tried a really small ship and felt seasick much more than on larger ships. Delighted that your partner enjoyed his first cruise, the first of many perhaps?
Yes I feel its certainly the first of many! Borealis did move a fair bit but we were in a winter storm with 6m waves at one point so I imagine you'd feel it on any ship!
Great video Matthew, entertaining and informative.......... BUT......... pleeeze pause longer at the end of your sentences to avoid gabble ! Enjoy your gay lifestyle, it can sometimes be rewarding !!!!
