17 July 2024
Borealis sailed to Dover for her first ever turnaround call at the Port on 11th July. She was greeted by a water cannon fanfare as she sailed past the stunning White Cliffs, with a celebratory plaque exchange also taking place onboard.
It marks another chapter in the inspiring story of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Dover, which began nearly 30 years ago with the arrival of the Black Prince. Since then, six members of the Fred. Olsen fleet have called in Dover, with Borealis becoming the seventh, and many other commemorative events have taken place along the way.
Borealis’ arrival comes days after Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was lead sponsor of the Dover Regatta 2024, the Port’s biggest annual fundraising event. The partnership showcases a shared mission to support the local community and provide world class travel experiences in Dover.
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “It was a pleasure to give the wonderful Borealis a special welcome as she sailed in for her first full turnaround day here. We have a fantastic relationship with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and are delighted to have their newest vessel based here for ten calls throughout the 2024 and 2025 season. We really enjoy working together to present the best of Kent, both as a destination and an excellent embarkation hub.”
Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with the Port of Dover and for Borealis to be the seventh of our ships to homeport in the town in that time. We have a busy cruising schedule for both 2024 and 2025 with wonderful destinations including the Dalmatian coast, Norway, Iceland and the Azores. We look forward to many more years of delivering exceptional cruise experiences for guests embarking in Dover.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ cruising programme from Dover has been carefully curated to ensure guests are visiting destinations at the very best time of year with opportunities to explore the volcanic Azores, see puffins before they migrate from Iceland and enjoy the Norwegian Fjords in summertime, with guests being treated to free parking this year.
An exclusive event for local media will take place on 22nd July with tours, presentations and the chance to meet the Dover Cruise and Fred. Olsen teams.