Chasing the Northern Lights on the Borealis
In March, I had the pleasure of sailing on the marvellous Borealis, part of the Fred. Olsen fleet. Boarding in Newcastle for a Northern Lights Cruise couldn’t have been easier — the port’s parking facilities made embarkation stress-free from the very start.
The moment I stepped aboard, I was struck by the ship’s calm and relaxing atmosphere. The Borealis is a beautiful vessel, filled with cosy lounges and inviting bars that are perfect for unwinding with a book or enjoying a coffee (or two) from the delightful Bookmark Café.
I chose an Oceanview cabin on Promenade Deck 3, which gave me the perfect spot for my daily mile around the deck. On sea days, I loved spending time in the buffet, the Oriental Tea Room, and the onboard shops. I also whiled away a few happy hours in the well-stocked Games Room, puzzling over jigsaws and playing classic games.
Dining aboard the Borealis was a real treat. The food was consistently excellent, and the staff provided friendly, attentive service that made every meal a pleasure. One of the highlights was an engaging talk by a Northern Lights photography specialist — a fascinating insight into capturing this natural wonder.
For relaxation, I booked an hour in the private Thermal Suite, which was absolute bliss. The entertainment throughout the cruise was lively and varied, featuring music, song, and dance. Afternoon Tea in The Observatory was another standout — delicious treats paired with panoramic views of Norway’s stunning coastline as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Our itinerary included stops in Molde, Sortland, Tromsø, and Ålesund, each with its own fascinating excursions. I visited a centuries-old Norwegian church where we were treated to a performance of traditional folklore music, admired the uniquely shaped Atlantic Road, and strolled through the blue-painted town of Sortland. In Ålesund, I fell in love with its Art Nouveau charm, and in Tromsø, I took a thrilling cable-car ride up the mountain, followed by an unforgettable husky dog-sledding adventure.
The absolute highlight of the journey came on our eight night — witnessing the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.
Overall, it was a truly memorable cruise — full of incredible experiences and a refreshing change from the typical sun-soaked Mediterranean voyage. If you’re looking for something a little different, this Northern Lights adventure aboard the Borealis is one to add to your travel bucket list.
Should you wish to travel to this exciting part of the world please contact us on 01785 818202 or email info@regent-travel.co.uk
