Fred. Olsen Returns to Portsmouth for Winter Cruise Season
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Returns to Portsmouth for an Exciting Winter Sailing Season
Borealis Returns To Portsmouth for Winter Season 2024/2025. Image: Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has returned to Portsmouth this month, launching a new season of exciting cruises to destinations including Norway, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. From November through January, the smaller-ship Borealis will set sail on seven remarkable cruises, offering guests the opportunity to chase the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, welcome the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display in Madeira, and explore the natural beauty and marine wildlife of the Caribbean.
A Warm Welcome Back
Martin Lister, Head of Product Innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, expressed his enthusiasm for the return:
“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 point for guests seeking winter sun in destinations such as the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Morocco.”
He added:
“Guests can look forward to hand-crafted itineraries, such as learning flamenco in Cadiz, discovering volcanic landscapes in the Canaries, and experiencing Sami culture in Norway. Borealis is the perfect vessel to offer these unforgettable experiences.”
Andrew Williamson, Head of Cruise and Ferry at Portsmouth International Port, highlighted Portsmouth’s growing prominence as a cruise hub:
“2024 has been our busiest year yet, and Fred. Olsen’s sailings will ensure we round it off in style. Passengers will now travel through our new carbon-neutral terminal, starting their holidays sustainably and comfortably.”
Highlights of the Borealis Cruises
Fred. Olsen’s winter programme from Portsmouth includes a range of immersive itineraries:
1. In Search of the Northern Lights (7th December 2024)
Duration: 14 nights
Price: From £799 per person, with £100 savings if booked by 2nd December 2024.
Highlights:
Witness the Northern Lights in Tromsø and Alta.
Learn about Sami culture.
Experience husky sledding through snowy landscapes.
2. Canary Islands Christmas & Funchal New Year (21st December 2024)
Duration: 14 nights
Price: From £2,299 per person.
Highlights:
Celebrate Christmas Day aboard Borealis.
Enjoy the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks in Madeira.
Explore sun-drenched Canary Islands.
3. Island-Hopping in the Caribbean (4th January 2025)
Duration: 28 nights
Price: From £2,999 per person.
Highlights:
Visit stunning Caribbean islands such as Barbados and St Lucia.
Encounter diverse marine life in Dominica and Grenada.
Immerse in Caribbean culture and cuisine.
4. In Search of the Northern Lights (1st February 2025)
Duration: 14 nights
Price: From £999 per person, with £300 savings if booked by 2nd December 2024.
Highlights:
Repeat of the December Northern Lights itinerary, featuring Arctic exploration and local culture.
5. Discovering Spain and Morocco (15th February 2025)
Duration: 12 nights
Price: From £1,149 per person.
Highlights:
Visit Casablanca and Lisbon’s iconic Belem Tower.
Learn to bake Pasteis de Nata with a local chef.
Enjoy flamenco and tapas in Cadiz.
6. Canaries and Carnivals (27th February 2025)
Duration: 14 nights
Price: From £1,099 per person, with £200 savings if booked by 2nd December 2024.
Highlights:
Join in Cadiz and Tenerife Carnivals.
Explore La Palma’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Discover Madeira’s fragrant botanical gardens.
Looking Ahead
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, noted the positive impact of Fred. Olsen’s sailings:
“This partnership enhances Portsmouth’s boutique cruise offerings while generating profits that go directly into vital local services.”
Beyond this winter season, Borealis will return in November 2025 for five more sailings, including a five-night Mystery Cruise on 7th November, and additional cruises in 2026.
Plan Your Voyage
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers bespoke itineraries for every type of traveller. To learn more about departures from Portsmouth, visit fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-portsmouth, call Reservations on 0800 0355 215, or contact your ABTA travel agent.
Make your winter one to remember with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.