Dutch Waterways & Works of Art

Providing alternative entertainment to the shows, lectures and talks enjoyed in the main Neptune Lounge, the spacious, stylish and comfortable Auditorium offers a unique and memorable experience.

The venue has been specially-designed to host a range of exciting, educational and interactive events and occasions, from cooking demonstrations and guest appearances, to presentations and cinema evenings. 

Featuring plenty of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Bolette Card Room provides guests with a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply a bit of fun, perhaps with a delicious coffee or tea from the nearby Bookmark Café.

Bridge is always a popular pursuit on board, so you're sure to find players up for a challenge. On some cruises, Bridge tuition is on offer to help you develop your skills.

The shops on board Borealis offer everything you may want or need during your time on board, whether you're treating yourself or a loved on to a holiday gift or simply need some basic essentials.

Visit the Boutique Shop for designer handbags, perfumes and much more at fantastic Duty Free prices, or perhaps to pick from the range of casual clothing and evening wear if you need a new outfit; and bring home something special from the Jewellery Shop. At the Port Shop, you'll find everything from sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste to books and tasty snacks too. 

Add a touch of floral colour and fragrance to your cabin, or perhaps treat someone special, with a delightful bouquet from the Flower Shop, available on Borealis.

With a choice of both stunning year-round and seasonal flowers, create a personalised bouquet to suit your style, or simply select from the beautifully crafted ready-made arrangements. You also have the opportunity to select single stems to provide the finishing touch to your Formal Night.

Throughout your time on board, our expert photographers will be on hand to capture some of the most magical and memorable experiences enjoyed during your cruise holiday.

At the Photo Gallery, our friendly team will be ready to help you view your photos and purchase your favourites - whether you choose to take home individual shots or a photo package. 

When the lights go down at the Neptune Lounge and you settle in for the evening at Borealis' elegant, two-tiered entertainment venue, you're in for an entertainment extravaganza of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire comedy and much more.

There is plenty of comfortable seating in this spacious venue, with unspolit views of the grand stage to be enjoyed from every vantage point - including the upper-tier Neptune Balcony - with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand.

The lounge is also used for daytime lectures and events, as well as Captain's Welcome and Farewell parties.

The Neptune Balcony is the upper level of the two-tiered Neptune Lounge, providing a wonderful vantage point from which to sit back, relax and enjoy the fantastic entertainment offered in Borealis' main theatre.

There is plenty of inviting, comfortable seating, and no matter where you sit you get to experience unspolit views overlooking the grand stage where musicians, comedians, singers and more perform every evening.  

(Lounge Deck 5, midship). During a cruise, and especially during time at sea, there are not many better ways to relax and enjoy your time on board than to simply sit back and listen to the restful sounds of music played by a talented pianist.

At the Piano Bar, you can do exactly that. Perhaps take a seat before dinner and settle into your evening with a cocktail, or visit this stylish, spacious venue after the evening show to wind down.

(Lounge Deck 5, midship). Elegant and opulent, with its exotic décor and stylish furnishings, and offering a menu of finest quality teas and herbal infusions, The Oriental Tea Room provides guests with an authentic Far Eastern experience.

Enjoy a selection of oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, as well as a few favourite blends from back home, such as Earl Grey and English Chamomile. Or for something cold and refreshing, the choice of tea cocktails and delicious bottled beer, including Tiger and Tsingtao, are sure to tempt too.

(Lounge Deck 5, midship). Relax and enjoy your choice of speciality tea or coffee in The Bookmark Café. You can also treat yourself to a wonderful selection of handmade chocolates and some freshly baked cakes and treats.

(Lounge Deck 5, forward). The inviting, spacious and sociable Ocean Bar is situated close to the Neptune Balcony on Lounge Deck 5, and so is the perfect place in which to enjoy a drink or two before taking in the evening show.

It is a great post-show venue too; the Ocean Bar really comes to life in late evening when the resident band or DJ provides the music, and invites you to the floor to dance into night.

(Sports Deck 9, forward). The tranquil atmosphere and elegance of The Observatory makes it the perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails and evening drinks, accompanied by our resident Pianist. With panoramic windows, this is also the perfect spot for scenic cruising when the weather is not being kind.

(Lounge Deck 5, midship). Named after a four masted ship which the Olsen family bought back in 1892, this space has been designed to make you feel comfortable and relaxed while you enjoy your cruise. You will find live music and an extensive range of drinks and cocktails.

The Olsen Art Studio on board Borealis is a peaceful, light and airy space filled with arts and crafts materials for guests to use on a variety of projects - and really bringing to life the Olsen family's appreciation of art.

It's a place for those guests who love to paint or draw at home and would like to refine their skills whilst at sea. And it's a place for those guests who perhaps used to enjoy art many years ago, and have been looking for the opportunity to take it up again.

The studio will host classes and activities guided by different instructors, and also providing an open space for guests to visit and work on their personal arts and craft projects.

We're often joined on board our ships by port experts and guest speakers to talk our guests through a range of subjects and topics, such as history, geography, aviation, wine tasting and foods of the world.

On all cruises our informative Port Talks will be available for our guests to enjoy in preparation for arrival into each port. Our knowledgable lecturers share information to help guests make the most of their time ashore, while on some sailings, there are lectures that delve deeper into specific destinations on the itinerary too.

On board Bolette and Borealis, our expert chefs and teams from the Galley host cooking demonstrations to showcase their culinary craft and provide a taste of the skill and passion that goes into every meal served at our dining venues.

Guests can take a seat at the spacious Auditorium to watch, listen and learn how to make some of their favourite Fred. Olsen dishes, as the chefs take them through each step of their creation, from preparation to plate.

For many of our guests, the time spent on the dance-floor is one of the highlights of their days on board our smaller ships. So its no wonder that our Dance Classes – hosted by our wonderful Entertainment teams – always prove popular.Show less

Our instructors teach a variety of dancing styles, from line dancing to ballroom and sequence dancing, helping guests to learn and perfect their steps and moves before they head for their ship's lounges in the evening to dance the night away. 

Hosted by our Sommeliers, Tasting Sessions* on board our smaller ships offer a fascinating insight into the production processes, scents and flavours of some of the world's finest tipples.Show less

The Tasting Sessions on your cruise could include opportunities to sample everything from delicious wines and Champagne to whiskey and a range of spirits, while occasionally our experts will also teach you the art of pairing food and drink to create combinations that perfectly blend the nuances of their flavour.

*To join our Tasting Sessions, there is an additional charge and this can vary on the type tastings on offer, full details can be found in your Daily Times once on board. 

Unlike other cruise companies who sail the same routes year after year, we are constantly researching and hand-crafting new itineraries. On every cruise we run a programme designed to inspire travel, where you can find out about the development of our new itineraries. Don't worry, these are not sales talks or "exit through the gift shop" ruses - just an opportunity for travel enthusiasts to daydream about what is yet to come.

With ample time and space to relax, many of our Guests make the most of the opportunity to get stuck in to a good book during your cruise holiday. This is why to enhance reading enrichment further, we have introduced the Fred. Olsen Book Club on selected sailings, a chance to talk all things ‘bookish’ with like-minded people. Hosted by the Entertainment Managers and their Team, the Book Club provides a welcoming, social space in which you can openly and informally discuss thoughts and views on bestselling lighter reads, crime-thrillers and traditional or contemporary classics.

With ample time and space to relax, many of our Guests make the most of the opportunity to get stuck in to a good book during a cruise holiday on board one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller, friendlier ships. This is why to enhance reading enrichment further, we have introduced the Fred. Olsen Book Club on selected sailings, a chance to talk all things ‘bookish’ with like-minded people.

Hosted by the Entertainment Managers and their Team, the Book Club provides a welcoming, social space in which you can openly and informally discuss thoughts and views on bestselling lighter reads, crime-thrillers and traditional or contemporary classics. Specific categories and titles to discuss at the Book Club on each cruise are chosen in advance and listed below, allowing you time to purchase and read the books before you set sail. These books will also be available from your ship’s Port Shop, should you wish to wait until you’re on board to join in the fun.

So, if you love a good book while discovering the world with Fred. Olsen, what better way to indulge your passion than joining your friends and fellow guests at the Book Club?

We look forward to welcoming you!

Found on both sister ships, The Earth Room is a dedicated space for those who are inspired by our incredible planet. Located just along from The Bookmark Café, The Earth Room features a unique collection of rare and specialist books personally curated by Fred. Olsen, along with digital literature to read and videos to watch. The space is perfect for small group meetings, gatherings and topical discussions, whether you are a climate enthusiast or just keen to learn more.