Fred. Olsen’s Borealis heads to Portsmouth for winter season

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis returned to Portsmouth this month. From there, the vessel will operate seven cruises in November, December and January, offering passengers the chance to observe the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, see in the New Year with a fireworks extravaganza in Madeira and encounter marine wildlife in the Caribbean.

An ‘ideal’ location

Martin Lister, head of product innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, remarked, ‘Having first set sail from Portsmouth back in 2009, we are thrilled to have returned to the port for another busy cruising schedule from November through to February 2025.

‘Portsmouth’s location on the south coast provides the ideal departure port for those guests wanting to seek out some winter warmth in destinations such as the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco…. Opportunities in our hand-crafted itineraries include the chance to learn to flamenco dance in its birthplace of Cadiz, discover volcanic vistas in the Canary Islands and spend time with local Sami people to learn about their way of life in Norway.’ 

Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at Portsmouth International Port, described 2024 as Portsmouth’s ‘busiest year yet for cruise,’ adding, ‘we will be rounding it off in style with sailings from Fred. Olsen taking us into the new year…’ 

Winter 2025

Borealis will return to Portsmouth again in November 2025 for a further five sailings, including a five-night ‘Mystery Cruise’ setting sail on November 7, and for another two cruises in 2026.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said, ‘...The port team has worked hard to secure regular sailings from a major brand and this arrangement with Fred. Olsen will improve our boutique cruise offer, giving customers the best possible start to their holiday. As a council, we are proud to own our international port, with profits going directly back into vital services for our residents.’