At the end of March, we set sail on a 10-night Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines adventure aboard Borealis, in search of the Northern Lights. Departing from the Port of Tyne, this scenic cruise took us deep into Arctic Norway, delivering unforgettable experiences, dramatic landscapes, and a few surprises along the way!

We’ll be releasing a full vlog series soon over on our YouTube channel, but here’s a taste of what we got up to on this magical journey.

Our Fred. Olsen “In Search of the Northern Lights” Cruise Aboard Borealis

First Impressions & Life Onboard

Boarding day was smooth and efficient, with our Balcony Junior Suite ready by early afternoon. First impressions? Borealis might be a smaller ship, but she packs a big punch with stylish lounges, fantastic dining, and that classic, friendly Fred. Olsen service.

From spa treatments and silent discos to afternoon teas and wine tastings, there was always something going on. We especially loved the thermal suite and Lido Bar for relaxation with a view.

Ports of Call & Scenic Highlights

Molde & The Atlantic Road

Our first stop was Molde, with a scenic drive along the iconic Atlantic Road. Misty views didn’t dampen the magic – this was something Gav really wanted to see, made better with a hot coffee and knowledgeable local guide.

Narvik Cable Car Adventure

Next came Narvik, where we opted for DIY trip to the Narvikfjellet cable car. Despite snowy weather and zero visibility at the top, it was a fun experience (and the beer at the mountaintop restaurant helped too!). Luke was so glad to finally experience real snow!

Tromsø: Arctic Circle Fun & Husky Dreams

Crossing the Arctic Circle came with a bit of ceremony – Gav braved the ice treatment (but skipped kissing the fish!). Tromsø was the big one: scenic fjord sailing, aquavit tastings, and a late-night walk around the city’s icy streets to a tiki bar. But the highlight? A bucket list husky sledging excursion! We even met a four week old puppy 

Ålesund & A Surprise Light Show

Ålesund wowed us with its Art Nouveau charm and panoramic viewpoints. After a relaxing city train tour and some local beer, a few hours after departing we were treated to what we’d come all this way to see – the Northern Lights! Pillars of green danced above the ship, a breathtaking experience we’ll never forget.

Food & Drink: Spoilt for Choice

Whether you’re into fine dining or casual meals, Borealis delivers. We dined in all the venues – the View buffet, the main dining room, and speciality restaurants like Colours & Tastes (Asian fusion) and Vasco (Goan cuisine). The food was consistently excellent.

Highlights included:

• The Food & Wine Pairing Experience (£79pp): A gourmet five-course lunch with expertly matched wines.
• Martini, Aquavit and Wine Tastings: Informal, fun, and surprisingly educational.
• Traditional Afternoon Tea: Delicate sandwiches, scones, and cake with string music – how very civilised.

Entertainment & Enrichment

From cooking demos and expert talks to the crew talent show, there was never a dull moment. We especially enjoyed the experiences like the aquavit cocktail class and the Captain’s Farewell Party.

While the main shows may not be our usual thing, they were well produced and clearly popular with other guests.

Chasing the Aurora Borealis

Let’s be honest – everyone books this itinerary to see the Northern Lights. While cloud cover teased us most nights, we finally caught a clear display in Ålesund. Standing on deck under a starry sky with green lights flickering above? Absolutely magical – and 100% worth the wait. his wasn’t to be the last sighting either!

Final Thoughts

This Fred. Olsen Northern Lights cruise was everything we hoped for and more: scenic ports, relaxing sea days, incredible excursions, and the ultimate light show to top it off. Borealis proved to be the perfect ship for this itinerary – intimate, well-run, and full of charm.

Vlogs coming soon to our YouTube channel – subscribe so you don’t miss a moment!

Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. Especially now we know the best places on deck for aurora spotting…

EXCLUSIVE – 5% Off 2025 Fred. Olsen Northern Lights Cruises

Feeling inspired to see the Northern Lights for yourself? You’re in luck! We’re thrilled to offer our readers an exclusive 5% discount on 2025 Fred. Olsen Northern Lights cruises.

Simply book directly at www.fredolsencruises.com and use the code MONKEYS5 at checkout to save (valid until 31st May 2025).

Don’t miss your chance to experience this magical journey for less – here are the cruises this offer is valid for:

S2528: Borealis, 10-night cruise from Southampton – View Cruise Details

T2526: Bolette, 14-night cruise from Liverpool – View Cruise Details

L2530: Balmoral, 14-night cruise from Southampton – View Cruise Details

L2534: Balmoral, 15-night Northern Lights at Christmas cruise from Southampton – View Cruise Details

Looking to book a different itinerary? Get in touch with the team for a quote today by completing our form here.

Finally, a huge thanks to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for inviting us aboard this bucket list cruise!