Sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is entering 2026 with a spring in its step following the refurbishment of two of its vessels

You don’t manage stay in business for more than 175 years by resting on your laurels. Despite accumulating a strong pool of loyal customers over nearly two centuries, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is acutely aware that to stay relevant and front of mind, it has to adapt, develop and introduce something new to keep people coming back for more.

In the last five months, the line has relaunched two of its three vessels and partnered with RWS global to elevate its onboard entertainment offering.

Borealis

In November 2025, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomed guests back onboard a newly improved Borealis following an extensive dry dock investment.

The 1,353-guest ship underwent a comprehensive rejuvenation of both its interiors and exteriors, with the dry-dock investment focusing on technical upgrades and guest-centric enhancements to elevate the overall onboard experience.

Public areas such as The Observatory and The View were refreshed, bringing a brighter and more inviting feel to these popular spaces.

The onboard Atlantis Spa was also enhanced, with upgraded salon equipment, a new pedicure chair and a new jacuzzi in the Thermal Suite, creating an even more soothing and relaxing environment for guests.

The Neptune Lounge, meanwhile, has been upgraded to support Fred. Olsen’s new entertainment partnership with RWS Global, which will launch fully on Borealis from 30 April. Enhancements include changes to the stage technology, lighting and acoustics, along with the addition of new aerial silks.

One of the most notable transformations is in the speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes. Refreshed premium interiors now beautifully showcase the restaurant’s art collection, creating an elevated setting for dining. This year guests can also enjoy a new rotating themed menu featuring Gourmet Grill, Traditional Italian and the much-loved Asian-fusion cuisine, offering more variety to travellers during their cruise.

Those sailing on Borealis this year, following its dry-dock, will be among the first to discover Fresco – a brand-new open-air lounging venue located on Deck 8, set to be introduced as part of the ship’s enhancements.

Bolette

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines then welcomed guests back on board its flagship vessel, Bolette, following the completion of a 16‑day dry dock programme at APCL A&P Falmouth in February.

During the dry dock, interior refurbishments were carried out across guest spaces, including refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room, and revitalised guest corridors and stairwells. More than 50 guest cabin bathrooms were also renovated.

Bolette’s speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes, has undergone a complete interior transformation as part of the wider fleet refresh. The redesigned space now features refined textures and warm, neutral tones that highlight the restaurant’s curated artwork collection, to create a more elevated and intimate dining setting.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Bolette to enjoy her refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences following a successful dry dock period.”

Entertainment

The ship enhancements came following Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ partnership with global entertainment leaders RWS Global to elevate the onboard experience for guests even further.

By listening to guests’ feedback, Fred. Olsen is evolving its entertainment programme to better reflect what guests want and expect. This partnership is a result of that commitment to putting guests first and ensuring their voices shape the onboard experience.

Since February, guests sailing aboard Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral will be among the first to experience a refreshed and dynamic daytime entertainment programme. From September 2026, meanwhile, the full programme will be live across the fleet, blending brand-new theatre productions with a wide variety of live experiences.

The new programme will feature a mix of production shows spanning musical theatre, Latin, rock, pop, disco, country and more, alongside an engaging line-up of themed events, game shows, light entertainment and food and beverage experiences. All are designed to bring fresh, memorable moments to life at sea, while retaining the warmth, intimacy and charm that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is celebrated for.