Borealis Life on Board

On a cruise holiday, we know that your on board experience is just as important to you as the time you spend ashore. That's why we are dedicated to ensuring our entertainment programme is packed with activities and memorable performances that help to create inspirational days and unforgettable nights.

You'll find that there's plenty to keep you entertained during the day on board Borealis, whether you prefer to while away the hours relaxing or engaging your body and mind. The ship's facilities include two swimming pools, two jacuzzis and an impressive spa with a Thermal Spa, Aroma Room, Hydro Pool, two saunas and nine treatment rooms, while there are tennis and basketball courts and a Demonstration Theatre – which hosts fantastic cookery classes and demonstrations – too.

When the lights go down and you settle into your evening, we'll treat you to a selection of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire stand-up comedy, all enjoyed in the space and comfort of our stylish lounges and theatres. And, of course, throughout the ship you can sit, relax and enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple accompanied by the gentle sounds of live acoustic music.

Borealis features eleven stylish, spacious and comfortable bars and lounges, providing plenty of choice and variety.

While each Fred. Olsen ship has its own distinctive personality, across the fleet you’ll find a consistent approach to bar and lounge themes which help to create the familiar, home-from-home feel that our guests know and love to enjoy time and time again. Every public area has plenty of space in which to relax and make the most of your time on board – this is the case for both Borealis and her sister ship, Bolette.

Ocean Bar

It's cocktails and dancing nightly in the luxurious Ocean Bar. The dance band plays the Great America songbook, so relax and make new friends.

Crow's Nest

This panoramic place to enjoy the sunset transforms into a fun dance club after dark as the DJ spins the tunes.

Lido Bar

Enjoy a refreshing beverage poolside in shaded seating around the bar or delivered to your sunny chaise lounge.

Sports Bar

Enjoy a drink and cheer with friends as you watch your favourite teams.

Explorer's Lounge

Coffees, drinks and liqueurs are served to the classical sounds of the Adagio Strings.

Dancing with the Stars: At Sea

On selected cruises, guests will have the opportunity to participate in complimentary dance classes based on dance routines from the ABC smash hit show “Dancing with the Stars.” This is a chance to learn the basics or new steps.

They will also have the chance to compete in the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea competition. Following an early elimination process, finalists will have the opportunity to take to the main stage with the ship’s dance professionals. One Cruise Champion will emerge, based on the highest combined point total from our panel of three judges, as well as audience participation.

Select cruises will also feature dance pros and celebrities from ABC's “Dancing with the Stars”. Guests will enjoy a chance to take photos, get autographs and ask questions. A special fashion show features the glamorous costumes from the show and a dazzling evening production will star the dance professionals and celebrities.

Show Lounge

After dinner, take your seat in the ship's magnificent show lounge for a dazzling show. Enjoy dynamic concerts and exciting musical productions featuring Broadway veterans, talented illusionists, as well comedians and musicians.

Casino

Whether you are an experienced gambler or rolling dice for the first time, the Casino offers games for all levels as well as complimentary lessons from friendly dealers and tournaments for veteran players.

The games offered include:

  • Table Games - Play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps (select ships), Three Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and more.
  • Slots - From penny to five-dollar machines and multi-denomination games, plus video poker, there's a game for you. You’ll find slot favourites such as Wolf Run, Wheel of Fortune, Super Jackpot Party and more! And the Megacash jackpot, the biggest progressive jackpot at sea, is linked to over 50 cruise ships worldwide.
  • Cruise Lottery - Guests can play the cruise lottery for a chance to win a 7-day cruise.
  • Tournaments - Join in the fun of a Slot or Blackjack tournament for that extra chance to win big.
  • Gaming Lessons - Learn how to play a new casino game with free gaming lessons onboard.

At the Movies

Watch movies with free popcorn in the ship's movie theatre, or on the giant LED screen on deck. Ship Flicks, a catalogue of over 1,000 DVD titles is also available for stateroom delivery and viewing.

Explorations Café

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, offers a comfortable coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favourite espresso drink provided by Torrefazione Italia.

Internet stations featuring news and email, with free access to The New York Times online edition (wireless hot spots also available for those traveling with laptops) are also available, as well as destinations-related content and travel-related crossword puzzles provided by The New York Times. For those looking for another kind of relaxing activity, there are also large jigsaw puzzle tables.

Art Tours

Holland America Line is known for the extensive art collections onboard each of its ships. Now, fine art goes high tech. The line invites you to enjoy the self-guided walking tour for each ship which highlights the art onboard an eclectic collection that is valued at tens of millions of dollars.

Narrated by well-known radio hosts Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman, the 30-40 minute tours include walking directions, interviews with artists, background music and thumbnails of some of the artwork. Download the ship-specific art tour onto your personal iPod, MP3 or portable media player before you embark on your Holland America Line cruise. Pre-loaded art tours are also available on board.

Art Gallery

As a guest onboard Holland America Line, you are invited to indulge your inner art connoisseur by immersing yourself in the ship’s exclusive onboard gallery and fine art experience. Through exciting live auctions, dazzling gallery exhibitions, enriching educational programs and intimate champagne-sipping enthusiast events, you are destined for a memorable artistic encounter that will ignite your passion for fine art.

Representatives from Park West Gallery bring their expertise to Holland America Line and afford the art novice to seasoned aficionado access to an extensive array of paintings, prints, drawings, watercolours, mixed-media, sports memorabilia and animation art. Park West engages guests in a way that is sure to surprise and delight every level of collector.

Vibrant works of art by world-renowned contemporary artist Peter Max, quiet cottage scenes by Thomas Kinkade and collectable sports memorabilia from favourite athletes are but glimpses of the broad range of exquisite items offered by Park West Gallery to guests on board Holland America Line. Be sure to visit the gallery on embarkation day to pre-register for the art activities and ensure a space in one of the educational programs and champagne events. Gallery event guests also have the opportunity to take home a complimentary gift of art and enter raffle drawings for special art prizes.

Founded in 1969, Park West Gallery has brought fine works of art to more than 1.3 million clients worldwide through events at sea, at its gallery locations in Michigan and Florida, and by select auctions in major metropolitan areas. Every purchase from Park West Gallery comes with a certificate of authenticity, assuring that each is subjected to the highest level of artistic and critical scrutiny. The gallery also offers convenient shipping and framing services so you may easily enjoy your new work of art at home.

Photo Gallery

It all begins with a great photo taken at embarkation -- the first of many photo opportunities. Your onboard photographers, called "Image Creators" will be with you throughout the cruise, ready to capture that special moment at the Bon Voyage Party, Formal Night, Scenic Cruising and more.

The Photo Gallery on board offers print and digital photos, photo packages and DVDs of your cruise itinerary and voyage. Be sure to take home memories of your voyage that will last a lifetime.

Black Label Photography- Whether the look he captures on film is thoughtful, irreverent or joyous, Joe Craig believes a successful photograph reveals the soul of its subject. He has spent his life perfecting his craft and teaching it to others. See what his approach can show you.

Joe Craig Black Label creates images that blend innocence and sophistication. It’s a great opportunity for you and your friends, family or special someone to capture the memory of your voyage in interpretive photography.

All Black Label artists on board are personally trained by Joe, and studio sessions are complimentary, with no obligation to buy and no sitting fee.

The Signature Shops

Discover a world-class shopping experience only steps away. The Signature Shops onboard offer a great selection of fine jewellery, watches, fragrances, premium liquor, exclusive Holland America Line souvenirs and more all at tax and duty free savings. You’ll find many famous brands with designer names specially selected with you in mind. Knowledgeable specialists will gladly answer all your questions and are dedicated to providing you with excellent service, helping to make your cruise vacation, relaxing and enjoyable.

Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Centre

The Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Centre is on the Promenade Deck of the ship, and as well as hosting cookery demonstrations, it is also used as the ship's cinema.

Mix

The Mix on the Upper Promenade Deck is a room divided into three sections serving a variety of drinks and bar snacks, with different themes as follows:-

  • Champagne Bar - Ideal for celebrations
  • Martini's - serving cocktails and martini's
  • Spirits and Ales - serving microbrews, single malts and with screens airing sports updates.

Entertainment is provided by live piano tunes to listen and sing along to.

Greenhouse Spa and Salon

Of all the fascinating places you can visit on a Holland America cruise ship, none rejuvenates and relaxes like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Choose the blissful pampering of a facial therapy or let the trained fingers of a massage therapist soothe your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in herbs, all the while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying the indulgences that are a signature feature of luxurious Holland America Line cruises.

Relaxing treatment rooms also offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include:

• A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic seawater. (Available on select ships only.)

• Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath [except ms Prinsendam.]

• Private treatment rooms, including couple's massage rooms.

• Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures — from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage.

• The latest exotic skin, body, hair and nail treatments.

• Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience.

Because the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is such a popular destination, you are encouraged to book spa appointments in advance from your My Account page. After you sign in to your account, click "My Reservations," then "View My Itinerary" to browse available spa treatments and services. You can also book appointments once onboard.

Fitness Centre

Holland America Line makes it easy for you to stay fit and trim while on your journey with fully equipped fitness centres (minimum age for guests using the fitness centre is 16 years old) and sports courts. Fitness centres aboard each ship include exercise and weight training equipment, and sports courts may include tennis, volleyball or basketball. Their broad, generously proportioned teak decks are perfect for walkers and joggers, and when you are finished exercising, cool off in one of the pools. To maintain or achieve optimum health, work with one of the qualified personal trainers or take one of the fitness classes lead by knowledgeable instructors.

Fitness classes may include:

• Pathway to Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that offers a pathway to enlightenment through specific postures and breathing techniques. They offer a variety of Yoga styles in classes for students of all levels.

• Mat Pilates: Developed in the 1920s by the legendary personal trainer Joseph Pilates, the Pilates method is an exercise system that combines posture and controlled moves. This class is mat based and appropriate for students of all levels.

• Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit Training: A great combination of Chi-releasing moves including boxercise, kickboxing and aerobic conditioning. They place emphasis on technique and help push you to your cardiovascular limit.

• Aquarobics: This program features a low-impact water workout. You will effortlessly strengthen tone and energise mind and body.

• Pilates Reformer: The Pilates method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. The Pilates method is not just exercise; it is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by trained fitness directors.

Other recreation and fitness facilities include:

• Fully equipped Fitness Centre

• Classes in low-impact aerobics, yoga and Pilates

  • Basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, walk-a-mile, shuffleboard, Giant Chess Set

• Golf shore excursions in selected ports

Lido Pool and Retreat

The Lido pool, located on the Lido Deck midship, is protected from inclement weather by the ship's retractable glass roof.

It also has two whirlpools by it and is served by the Lido Bar and Terrace Grill.

The Retreat on the Lido Deck is the ship's second pool which features a large overhead screen airing various movies and videos, pivoting lounge chairs situated in shallow water and a wading area with tiled benches and a hot tub.

It is served by the Bar At The Retreat.

Show Lounge

Shown here is the ship's main evening show lounge, an impressive two-tiered venue designed to provide each guest the utmost comfort and unspoilt views of the stage during the live after-dinner shows each evening.

Atrium

More information coming soon.

Pool

More information coming soon.

Spa Thermal Suite

More information coming soon.