Departure Key:
Cruise From Portsmouth
Coach/Car From Portsmouth

Caribbean Christmas Island-Hopping

Borealis 31 Nights Departs 18 December 2026
Cruise Only
from: £3,879pp
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Itinerary

Your Itinerary

Day 1 Southampton
Southampton is a port city in the county of Hampshire, located on the south coast of England. Its historical and modern day importance is celebrated around the city through its museums, buildings, galleries, and other attractions and places of interest. This lively, multicultural city is home to a Premier League football club, two universities, and a wealth of places to eat, shop and entertain.
Day 6 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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Day 13 St Johns
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Day 15 Philipsburg
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Day 16 Basseterre
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Day 17 Castries
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Day 18 Port Elizabeth
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Day 19 Saint George's
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Day 20 Bridgetown
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Day 27 Funchal
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Day 32 Southampton
Southampton is a port city in the county of Hampshire, located on the south coast of England. Its historical and modern day importance is celebrated around the city through its museums, buildings, galleries, and other attractions and places of interest. This lively, multicultural city is home to a Premier League football club, two universities, and a wealth of places to eat, shop and entertain.

Ports On The Map

Cabins & Fares

Inside

Was £3,999 Now £3,879

Interior Cabin (I)

£3,879
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Interior Cabin (H)

£4,180
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Superior Interior (G)

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Single Interior (N)

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Single Superior (M)

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Ocean View Cabin (F)

£4,781
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Ocean View Cabin (E)

£5,082
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Sup Ocean Fully Obst (CO)

£5,383
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Ocean View Cabin (D)

£5,383
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Superior Ocean View (C)

£5,838
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Superior Ocean View (B)

£6,285
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Wheelchair Adapted (FD)

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Wheelchair Adapted (CD)

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Single Ocean View (K)

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Wheelchair Adapted (TCD)

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Terrace Cabin (TC)

£6,886
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Wheelchair Adapted (TCD)

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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

£7,788
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Balcony Suite (BS)

£8,089
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Premier Suite (PS)

£9,893
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Olsen Suite (OW)

£13,948
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Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

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Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

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Single Balcony Suite (JB)

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Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

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Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

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Ship Highlights

Overview

Sister ship of our flagship Bolette, Borealis joined us 2020, and is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.


Sister ship of our flagship Bolette, Borealis joined us 2020, and is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Redecorated and refurbished when she joined our fleet in order to meet the high standards of the Olsen family, Borealis features a wonderful series of lounges, bars, elegant restaurants and wide-open deck spaces, as well as 702 beautiful cabins and suites; perfectly suited to the Fred. Olsen style of cruising. From January 2026, Borealis will be excusively for adults, so you can relax in the company of other like-minded guests.

Enjoy Scenic Discoveries from the perfectly-appointed Observatory, where guests will be able to see outstanding natural scenery and iconic landmarks, accompanied by commentary from our on board teams; or sample delicious Treats of the Region in the Auditorium where our talented chefs will prepare dishes that are local to the exciting destinations you're visiting. Our friendly crew will be on hand throughout your cruise, providing the personal service they're known for. 


Dining is an important part of your cruise with us and there is always plenty of variety for you to enjoy: Delicious five-course dining in our main restaurants; speciality Asian dining at our signature restaurants, Vasco and Colours and Tastes; our casual, self-serve dining experience with table-service drinks; and, on Bolette and Borealis, there’s a menu of light bites at the poolside during the day.

All of our food is freshly prepared on board, including our mouth-wateringly delicious homemade bread.

Our restaurant teams take great pride in the food they prepare for you and they love nothing more than to chat and share their passion with you.

And, of course, our warm and attentive waiting team are always on-hand to assist you.

Our on board dining experience

Each of the main restaurants on our ships are beautifully decorated, where we know you’ll enjoy sampling outstanding food created by our talented chefs, who take great pride in making tasty meals using fresh ingredients, and for our Treats of the Region, they’ll source local ingredients to prepare dishes that are popular in the destinations you’re visiting.

We have two dinner sittings, first sitting is at 6.00pm and second sitting is at 8.00pm*, which you request when you make your booking, and our Maitre’D is more than happy to meet with you to discuss any special dietary requirements you may have.

*Please note second sitting dining time in the main restaurants on embarkation day and on formal evenings will be at 8.15pm.

Our main restaurants are:

  • Borealis | Borealis & Aurora Restaurants

Casual dining

Our casual, self-serve dining experience on Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral offer a feast of delicious dishes for each meal every day, making it incredibly difficult to know which appetising dish to choose! Select from a variety of salads or stir fries, catered to your request, or sample dishes at our Destination stations, where we'll feature meals related to the lovely ports of call you're visiting. They also provide a huge spread of complimentary afternoon tea options, including warm scones with jam and cream, tasty sandwiches and delectable cakes, all freshly baked on board.

Our casual dining restaurants are:

  • Borealis | The View

Aurora & Borealis Restaurants

Borealis’ tastefully decorated and spacious two-tiered main restaurants are the focal points of dining on board. Enjoy delicious five-course, á la carte menus of expertly created dishes, prepared and cooked by our team of talented chefs and served to you by our dedicated, attentive waiters. Menus include perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, freshly-made soups, pasta and salads. Plus, there are beautiful homemade breads, made overnight in our on board bakery, to enjoy too.

We highly recommend you try our featured Treats of the Region dishes, designed in line with some of the destinations you are visiting on your cruise.

The View

The View restaurant has a welcoming feel and beautiful views of the ocean provided by its large windows, and is the perfect venue for casual, self-serve dining with table-service drinks (from Janaury 2026) for those who feel they would prefer a more relaxed dining experience. Offering all kinds of delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options, plus a tasty selection of complimentary afternoon teas with sandwiches, scones and tempting cakes, all baked on board. Treats of the Region dishes are also available, which are local to the destinations you are visiting, so there’s plenty of opportunities to sample something new.

The Poolside

The Poolside Café provides you with the perfect al fresco dining experience to enjoy during your days on board. Enjoy a leisurely late breakfast or a selection of temptingly delicious light bites until 7pm. Depending on the weather conditions, our retractable roof will be open or closed, meaning you can dine there at any time of the year; or on selected sunny days on your cruise, lunch may be an appetising barbecue cooked by our chefs as you relax and enjoy the cocktail or mocktail of the day with friends at the Lido Bar.

Indian Ocean Room

For a more intimate dining experience, guests can book a table at Borealis' Indian Ocean Room and enjoy the same five-course á la carte menu of delicious dishes served in the ship's main, two-tiered restaurants, but in a smaller, Indian Ocean-themed venue.

This welcoming and cosy, yet spacious and comfortable venue is a wonderful place in which to indulge with sumptuous dinners, as well as tasty breakfasts and lunches, whilst enjoying ocean views through the large picture windows and the company of loved ones, friends or perhaps a few fellow guests. 

Colours and Tastes

Colours & Tastes restaurant offers a mesmerising blend of modern Asian Fusion dishes in our colourful yet intimate restaurant, where the food provides a stimulating set of new taste experiences. Our talented chefs prepare and cook a delicious selection of dishes from Japan, Thailand, China and the Phillipines, including delicately spiced grilled meats, seafood, dim sum and brightly coloured fresh stir fries; and our knowledgeable waiting team are on hand to assist with anything you may need.

Vasco

Vasco is our speciality Goan restaurant serving a deliciously fresh and modern take on Indian food. Named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama - the first European to reach India by sea; the menu has been inspired by our very own chefs from Goa and focuses on their unique culinary traditions, a place where the tastes of Europe first met the tropical warmth and spices of western India. The result is a style of food that centres on delicious sea food, spiced curries and grilled meats, all freshly cooked to authentic recipes, and served to you by our warm and attentive waiting staff.

The Arctic Room

Designed to mirror the Indian Ocean Room, the Arctic Room leads into the main Aurora Restaurant. Beautifully decorated with shades of blue and grey to reflect the nature of the Arctic, it’s adorned with Fred. Olsen’s hand-selected artwork collection by Keith Grant, and is the ideal room for intimate meals as well as hosted breakfasts and lunches with our specialist speakers.

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Each day, complimentary afternoon tea is served in the View Restaurant, with a delicious selection of freshly baked sandwiches, scones and cakes, along with fresh tea and coffee.

On selected days at sea, guests can book our Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea* experience, which you can enjoy alongside beautiful views from The Observatory's panoramic windows, with musical accompaniment from our on board pianist and the careful attention of our white-gloved waiting team.

Room Service

All of our suites and cabins have tea and coffee making facilities as standard, so you can enjoy a much-needed tea or coffee first thing or a relaxing drink at the end of the day. Continental breakfast can be ordered in advance for delivery at your preferred time, while snacks are available from 10am onwards.

For those times when you’d like to enjoy something more or prefer not to head to our restaurants, you can also order room service* meals up until 11pm every day, selecting mouthwatering dishes from our menu of freshly prepared pizzas delivered in a box, tempting burgers and hot dogs, club sandwiches, or perhaps sweet treats such as decadent chocolate fudge cake.

*Complimentary for those guests who are staying in suites or who are Oceans members.

Gratuities

We know from the wonderful feedback we receive that our crew are at the heart of the Fred. Olsen cruising experience.

Typically, gratuities are charged at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over. This amount is split equally between your stewardess and restaurant waiter, and will be automatically added to your on board account. While very much appreciated, these gratuities are voluntary, and therefore can be adjusted or removed completely at Guest Services on board the ship if you wish; and you are welcome to tip personally if you prefer.

For those guests sailing before our 2026 cruises, we are confident that you’ll wish to reward staff on board for the attention you receive, and while tipping is entirely at your discretion, we pride ourselves on the service offered to our guests.

For your convenience, you can also pre-pay gratuities before your cruise. We'll check with you at the time of booking if you’d like to pay prior to your cruise.

Pre-payment for cruises departing before 2026 can be made any time up to 5 days before departure by simply calling our Guest Services team on 0800 0355 145 or e-mail guest.services@fredolsen.co.uk

For those guests booked on a Freedom Fare, gratuities on all 2026 cruises will be included in your cruise price, ensuring our team and the service they provide you are a priority.

Our Guest Services team are available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

The Earth Room

New for 2023, Borealis’ Earth Room is a peaceful lounge, designed to inspire and ignite a passion to find out more about the world we live in and how we can lessen our impact on the environment.

Here, you will find a hand-selected range of around 350 rare books, by eminent writers – chosen by Fred. Olsen, along with podcasts and videos to watch on the iPads provided. These resources, and occasional guest speakers, are particularly focused on sharing ways that we can all make small changes in our lives to positively impact climate change. 

The Botanical Room

Along with the Earth Room, the Botanical Room has been brought to life in 2023. Designed with our green-fingered guests in mind, this comfortable lounge is decorated in lush shades of green and yellow. You’ll find a selection of magazines and books on topics such as gardening, flowers, plant care and flora species around the world. The lovely plants and fresh flowers bring a feeling of the outside, inside.

The Observatory

The tranquil atmosphere of The Observatory makes it the perfect spot from which to enjoy our Signature Experiences - Scenic Discoveries, where commentary supplied by our on board team will enhance your cruise journey; or our fantastic Ship and the Sea experience – learning to read navigational maps and charts with our officers. With panoramic windows and located directly above the Bridge, you'll have the same vantage point as the Captain, enjoying views of expansive oceans or coastlines we're sailing past. Later on, join our live bands for singing and dancing, accompanied by a selection of Champagne and sparkling cocktails or mocktails, designed to add an extra special touch to your cruise experience.

Morning Light Pub & Lounge

Named after one of the largest sailing ships owned by the Olsen family, the Morning Light Pub & Lounge has a welcoming atmosphere featuring plenty of comfortable seating and is designed to resemble a British pub. The well-stocked bar has a collection of beers and cider, including British and international classics, and a selection from independent breweries close to our office in Ipswich.

Each evening we feature our talented resident singers and guitarists, showcasing their talents; and the popular Fred. Olsen quiz is also held here, creating a cheerful atmosphere as friendly debates are held over the answers taking place each evening; or perhaps enjoy a congenial game of Shuffleboard with friends or family. 

The Bookmark Café and Lounge

The Bookmark Café is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your choice of speciality coffee or tea. Perhaps an Earl Grey or warming latte in the morning, or a delicious hot chocolate, topped with cream and chocolate after a busy day ashore; accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of handmade chocolates and freshly baked cakes and treats. Take advantage of our fantastic Bookmark Bestseller card, which you can either pre-order - and it will be added to your cabin account - or buy once on board. For just £25, you can choose from a selection of hot drinks, including coffees, teas from the Rare Tea Tasting company, or a luxury hot chocolate, accompanied by a bag of delicious truffles. Close to the library, there's an extensive range of both fiction and non-fiction books for you to select and enjoy with your daily coffee. 

The Oriental Tea Room

The Oriental Tea Room has been designed using exotic décor and stylish furnishings - including beautifully hand-painted murals adorning the walls - offering a menu of the finest quality teas and herbal infusions for guests in relaxing and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a selection of oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, as well as a few favourite blends, such as Earl Grey and English Chamomile. There’s also the opportunity to participate in one of our tea-tasting experiences, where you’ll learn more about their origins. Join us to discover our range of tea-inspired cocktails, including a Royal Tea or Mint Julep, and selection of deliciously cold Japanese, Sinagaporean and Thai beers. We also offer two non-alcoholic cocktails, based on Sri Lankan and Chinese teas.

The Lido Bar

Whether you're spending the day relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying a few dips in the pool, or getting stuck into a good book, the Lido Bar is the ideal place to enjoy a drink if you're in need of something to help you cool off. The bar is open throughout the day and is a bright, open space with comfortable furniture, perfect for enjoying a cold beer perhaps, a soft drink or even a fruity, exotic cocktail or mocktail which our waiting staff will be happy to arrange for you. This is also the perfect venue for our cocktail-making sessions, as the retractable roof over the bar and pool area ensure you're kept warm at all times. 

Piano Bar

The stylish Piano Bar is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy your time on board, particularly when Borealis is at sea - inspired by cocktail bars, folk and jazz music fills the air as our resident musicians take their seat at the piano. Take a seat here before dinner and settle into your evening with a cocktail or mocktail, expertly prepared by our trained bar team; or visit this spacious venue after your evening show to wind down with a drink on the rocks, and enjoy interesting conversation with your fellow guests. We even make our own brand of Aquavit on board, why not give it a try?

Ocean Bar

The inviting, spacious and sociable Ocean Bar is a great place to celebrate the joy of music and dance in the very best of company. Choose from a premium selection of gins and perfectly paired tonics, or a delicious martini cocktail at our Martini Experience evenings - shaken, not stirred of course! We have a wide selection of wine, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options too. After the evening show, the resident band or DJ will ensure you're having a great time on the dancefloor.

Neptune Lounge & Balcony

Take a seat in Borealis's elegant, two-tiered Neptune Lounge, and join our superb Show Company as they put on a show to remember. We'll also feature guest comedians, singers and magicians, who’ll delight and entertain you, and do join us for our Captain’s Welcome and Farewell parties. During the day, the Neptune Lounge is used for our Signature Experiences, where our guest speakers will share their vast knowledge delivering fascinating talks and activities, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the destinations you’ll be visiting. The Neptune Lounge is also the perfect place to attend our 'Audience with...'sessions, where you can learn about how much work goes into our Shows, or learn about life as a ship's Captain.

The Auditorium

Borealis's Auditorium is where guests can enjoy a host of exciting, educational and interactive events, as well as the entertainment and interesting talks held in the Neptune Lounge. Perfectly designed to host cooking demonstrations and presentations, this spacious venue has plenty of comfortable seating, carefully positioned to offer great views of the stage area, so that guests are able to experience events such as our Treats of the Region - ideal for watching our talented chefs create delicious dishes that you'll also be able to sample and learn to cook at home.

The Card Room

Featuring an abundance of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Card Room on board Borealis provides guests with a quiet space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply for a bit of fun, perhaps with a delicious coffee or tea from the nearby Bookmark Café. Bridge is a popular pursuit on board, so you'll be sure to find other guests who are up for a challenge. On some cruises, we'll have experts in Bridge tuition who are on hand to help you develop your skills.

Boutique Shopping

The shops on board Borealis offer all you may need during your time on board, for either basic essentials or for that occasion when you feel like treating yourself or a loved one to a holiday gift. Perhaps choose something special from the Jewellery Shop, or visit our Boutique Shop for perfumes and after shaves, or select from our great range of Fred. Olsen branded merchandise, such as gilets, jackets, and t-shirts, tote bags and rucksacks, water bottles and travel mugs, or lanyards to hold your cabin card. At our other shop, you'll find sun creams, shampoos and toothpaste, books and snacks too. 

The Flower Shop

Add a special touch of colour and fragrance to your cabin, or perhaps treat someone special, with a beautiful bouquet from the Flower Shop? With a choice of beautiful year-round and also seasonal flowers, create a personalised bouquet, or simply select from the delightfully crafted ready-made arrangements. You will also have the opportunity to select single stems to provide the finishing touch to your Formal Night.

Atlantis Spa

Our Atlantis Spa provides the perfect setting for our guests relaxation and enjoyment. Large picture windows are perfect for offering scenic cruising points or ocean views, so indulge in the ultimate relaxation for the mind, body and soul in our tranquil setting as our Spa team on board Borealis pamper you. With a wide range of luxurious treatments on offer, including massages, manicures, pedicures, relaxation treatments and hairdressing; you'll leave feeling completely energised and revitalised.

The Atlantis Spa can be pre booked 13 weeks in advance, via your My Cruises account. 

Thermal Suite

Our Thermal Suite is a relaxation centre with the ambience of a Turkish bath, and our steam rooms are filled with aromatherapy vapours which are the perfect way to unwind and de-stress; while our heated ceramic relaxation beds are designed to match the curvature of your spine and melt away muscle tension.

Our mineral bath is heated to body temperature, gently embracing you with warmth to alleviate sore joints and soothe away your aches, and so providing wonderful relief for tired muscles. This is the perfect experience for poor circulation and just right after a long day exploring ashore. 

Fitness Centre

If you enjoy working out, our fully equipped Fitness Centre has a wide selection of running machines, cross trainers, bikes and both free weights and weights machines available. On board Borealis and across our fleet of ships, we also run a variety of complimentary yoga, pilates or stretching classes in the Fitness Centre, which are suitable for everyone from beginners to regular gym-goers. Join us for an invigorating Walk a Mile session or a relaxing sunrise pilates or yoga class out on deck. We also have circuits fitball or legs, bums & tums sessions. Details of classes can be found in your Daily Times each day.

Or, treat yourself to Personal Training sessions with our fully qualified, friendly trainers, where you can receive a one-to-one programme tailored just to you.

Swimming Pool & Jacuzzis

Borealis' all-weather pool is perfect for taking a dip - no matter where you are in the world, either docked in a beautiful destination or on a day at sea, as the retractable roof will be open or closed, dependent on where you are cruising to. The pool is surrounded by open deck space and plenty of loungers, so is the ideal spot for soaking up the sunshine or losing yourself in a good book; and the al fresco Poolside Café and Lido Bar are close by when you’re after a bite to eat or something to drink. For blissful relaxation, head for the Jacuzzi and let the warm, bubbling water soak any cares away, while you chat with fellow guests.

Little Skippers Club

On Fred. Olsen’s peak holiday season cruises, it is our pleasure to welcome your ‘Little Skippers’ aboard Bolette, Balmoral and Borealis* and into our fun, friendly and engaging kids club.

Run by professional hosts, the Little Skippers Club is designed to ensure children aged between 5 and 11, and their parents or grandparents, get the most from their holiday. Leave your children with us and we’ll keep them entertained with a variety of creative and exciting activities and events, such as arts and crafts sessions, deck games, treasure hunts, quizzes, cookie and pizza making and much more.

All activities, plus timings for children-only pool sessions, are advertised in the Little Skippers Club’s ‘mini’ version of the Daily Times, which is provided in your cabin or available at Guest Services each day. So, you can plan your time relaxing by the pool, in your favourite bar or even the soothing Atlantis Spa, safe in the knowledge that your children are enjoying their time on board too.

*For 2025 only aboard Borealis.

Please note Little Skippers is run subject to numbers.

The 'Little Skippers Daily Times' will be available to collect from Guest Services each day and will detail a variety of fun activities for our Little Skippers! Exact activities will vary from cruise to cruise, but we've listed some example activities below:

  • Treasure hunts
  • Table Tennis
  • Bean Bag Toss
  • Dolphin Racing
  • Arts & crafts
  • Deck Quoits
  • Silent disco
  • Competitions
  • Games night/Movie nights
  • Cookie Baking & Decorating
  • Swimming

Parents/Guardians: Under 5’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is over 18. If there are no children within 30 minutes of a session’s start time the Little Skippers Club will not run for that session.

Sun Deck 10

  • Sun Deck

Sports Deck 9

  • Olsen Art Studio
  • Sports Courts
  • Retractable Roof
  • Observatory

Lido Deck 8

  • View Bar
  • View Buffet Restaurant
  • Tea & Coffee Stations
  • Vasco Restaurant
  • Lido Bar
  • Swimming Pool
  • Jacuzzis
  • Poolside Café
  • Atlantis Spa
  • Fitness Centre

Bridge Deck 7

  • Balcony Junior Suite (1 Accessible Suites)
  • Balcony Suite
  • Premier Suite (2 Accessible Suites)
  • Olsen Suite
  • Single Superior Interior Cabin

Highland Deck 6

  • Lookout (Observation area)
  • Balcony Junior Suite
  • Superior Interior Cabin
  • Balcony Suite
  • Single Balcony Suite
  • Superior Ocean View (1 Accessible Cabin)
  • Superior Interior Cabin

Lounge Deck 5

  • Aurora Restaurant
  • Indian Ocean Room
  • Arctic Room
  • Earth Room
  • Oriental Tea Room
  • Bookmark Café
  • Botanical Room
  • Card Room
  • Shop
  • Piano Bar
  • Morning Light Pub & Lounge
  • Boutiques
  • Floral Blooms Shop
  • Future Cruises Information
  • Ocean Bar
  • Sea Cove Shop
  • Neptune Balcony

Main Deck 4

  • Borealis Restaurant
  • Colours & Tastes Restaurant
  • Auditorium
  • Destination Services
  • Guest Services
  • Photo Gallery
  • Neptune Lounge
  • Forecastle (Observation Area)

Promenade Deck 3

  • Superior Ocean View 
  • Interior Cabin
  • Terrace Cabin
  • Superior Interior Cabin
  • Single Ocean View
  • Forecastle Access

Coral Deck 2

  • Ocean View
  • Superior Ocean View
  • Single Ocean View
  • Interior Cabin
  • Single Interior Cabin
  • Laundry Room

Marina Deck 1

  • Ocean View (2 Accessible Cabins)
  • Single Ocean View
  • Interior Cabin
  • Single Interior Cabin
  • Medical Centre

Bridgetown

Bridgetown originally called 'Indian Bridge' is the capital and commercial centre of Barbados with about 80 000 inhabitants. It is a busy port with a natural harbour inlet known as the Careenage and is well utilised by pleasure craft and fishing boats.Bridgetown has a long and colourful history as a British settlement from the 17th century. A bustling city with many attractions for travellers its mix of modern and historic buildings are interspersed with markets monuments and a number of lush gardens.The main street Broad Street is where one finds banks department stores and duty-free shops. At the top of Broad Street is the Parliament Building (the Barbados Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth dating from 1639) facing National Heroes Square. Bridgetown is home to a number of historical buildings that will interest visitors including the Garrison Historic Area which is a must-visit for military history buffs.Another attraction in Bridgetown is a massive Baobab tree (said to have been brought to the island from Guinea Africa around 1738). It takes 15 adults with outstretched arms to encircle the trunk.Tourists in Bridgetown will find much to see and do: cricket games at Kensington Oval which hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup; the Barbados Derby at the racetrack in the Garrison area; and many other events and activities. A range of duty-free shops near the harbour sell staples like Mount Gay Rum while more colourful shopping options include the Cheapside Market and the Swan Street pedestrian mall. Local restaurants in the Careenage serve up fresh lobster and fish with Caribbean flair.
More About Bridgetown

Basseterre

Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the West Indies. It is also the main port and commercial center for the island nation. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of European colonization.

The city was named by the French after Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. The city was then known as Basseterre de Guadeloupe, or Basseterre of Guadeloupe. It was one of the first European settlements in the Caribbean and quickly became an important trading port.

In the 17th century, the British took control of the island and renamed it Basseterre. The city remained an important port and commercial center under British rule.

Today, Basseterre is a busy and vibrant city with a population of around 13,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and lively nightlife.

More About Basseterre

Castries

The main reason for the existence of the town of Castries capital of St Lucia is as a port of call for hundreds of cruise ships that dock in the deep harbour every year disgorging thousands of day-trippers who shop till they drop in the market and duty-free shopping malls. Visitors who linger find the town has a certain charm surrounded by hills although little to offer in the way of sightseeing or architectural heritage. Most of the buildings are fairly new with Castries having been destroyed several times by fire during its history most recently in 1948. There is a very vibrant and colourful market on the go every day except Sunday some good waterfront restaurants and a few remains of the defences of the island's various occupiers to claim the attention. Castries also serves as a good base for island exploration whether it is by road or water.
More About Castries

Funchal

Funchal is the capital and largest city on the island of Madeira, off the coast of Portugal. Home to just over 100,000 people, the city was founded in 1424 and quickly became an important port of call for European ships.

Named for the abundant fennel trees in the area, Funchal has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Madeira Botanical Gardens, which offer a stunning view of the city as well as more than 2,000 species of plant life. This is also a stopping point for the Funchal Cable Car, which goes up the mountain to Monte. The Madeira Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Funchal, but also worth a visit are the Jardins Do Palheiro and the Monte Palace Hotel Gardens.

Funchal is home to lovely old buildings and cultural sites, including the 15th-century Santa Clara Convent, the São Lourenço Palace, the Colegio Church, and Sé Cathedral. However, even aimlessly wandering through the 'Old' city centre is a pleasant way to spend a day, with the port and promenade, and numerous shops, cafés and restaurants lining the winding streets.

The city is known for its excellent cuisine and local Madeira wine, and foodies will have no trouble finding treats like fresh seafood and baked goods to satisfy their appetites. To burn off those calories, there are plenty of active pursuits to enjoy in Funchal including golf, swimming, paragliding, boat trips, and the unforgettable Levada Walks.

More About Funchal

Madeira

Most people have heard of the Portuguese island of Madeira, but not many know exactly where it is. Located more than 600 miles (966km) southwest of Lisbon, and off the west coast of Morocco, it is a mere speck in the vast Atlantic Ocean. Madeira, along with its sister island of Porto Santo, is actually the summit of an undersea mountain. It rears up with craggy cliffs from the warm blue Gulf Stream waters in one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic.

It features one of the world's highest ocean cliffs, soaring 1,933ft (589m) above the sea, which presented a forbidding sight to the ancient Portuguese mariners who first discovered the island archipelago in the 15th century. In fact, Porto Santo and Madeira were the first 'new worlds' that were colonised by Henry the Navigator in his quest to explore the world.

Madeira is tiny, just 13 miles (21km) wide and 35 miles (56km) long, and has no beaches. But it does have an Eden-like beauty with its rich volcanic soil having turned it into a botanical wonderland and agricultural treasure trove. Most of the indigenous thick forest was destroyed in a fire created by the first Portuguese colonialists to clear it for farming. Today however, the island blooms with colourful masses of fragrant orchids, bougainvillea, frangipani, wisteria and geraniums. Fruit and herbs grow on the hillsides and in ravines, and the mountain slopes are terraced with orchards and vineyards. The island has been termed a 'floating garden'.

Madeira's most famous export is its fortified wine, and with nearly 14,000 plots, there is a big variety to try. Vineyards like Fajã dos Padres and Silva Vinhos offer tours and tastings, and the Funchal Wine Walk is a good way to get a taste of this historical delicacy without leaving town.

Madeira is accessible by air, mainly from Lisbon to the airport near the capital, Funchal. There is no regular passenger ferry to Madeira but cruise ships regularly dock here, bringing thousands of visitors to the island each year.

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Port Elizabeth

Stunningly beautiful and pleasantly laid-back, Port Elizabeth in St Vincent and the Grenadines is an unmissable Caribbean gem. This charming coastal town owes its beauty to the array of turquoise waters, golden beaches, verdant mountains, and brightly colored architecture. Nestled within the serene Bequia Island, the second-largest island in the Grenadines, it promises an enchanting experience to every discerning traveler.

As you step onto the sun-kissed shores, you're greeted with the sight of quaint waterfront eateries, local shops, and a bustling harbor filled with boats ranging from small fishing smacks to luxury yachts. The town's charm lies in its simplicity and small size; it carries an air of unspoiled authenticity which can be enjoyed leisurely on foot.

The Belmont Walkway is a beautiful seafront promenade in Port Elizabeth that stretches around much of the bay. It serves as a lovely path to explore the town at your own pace while soaking in the stunning vistas. The walkway is dotted with a medley of local restaurants and bars from where you can try out some of the best culinary delights that St Vincent and the Grenadines offers, including freshly-caught seafood paired with locally-grown vegetables and exotic fruits.

Whaleboner Bar and Restaurant, located at one end of Belmont Walkway, is worth a special mention. With its entrance fashioned from two whale jawbones and serving exceptional lobster pizza, it's certainly a unique feature of Port Elizabeth.

Beyond the limits of the town, one can enjoy spectacular views from the top of Mount Pleasant. Breathtaking scenes of beaches, reefs, and neighbouring islands like Mustique and Canouan are visible from here making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

For water-lovers, there is an array of activities to indulge in. From diving amongst vibrant coral reefs and exploring underwater caves to sailing across the sparkling blue waters and visiting nearby islands, it's a paradise for adventurers. The Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach are among the favourites, offering warm sand, clear waters, and tranquillity.

Port Elizabeth is not just about nature and beauty; it also hosts lively local events that showcase the rich culture of the region. The Bequia Music Fest held annually in January or February is a popular attraction that fills the air with music ranging from reggae and calypso to blues and rock.

Port Elizabeth's marketplace is another place where the town's pulse can be felt. Packed with stands selling fresh produce, local spices, artisan goods, and handmade crafts, it's a vibrant spot to experience local life. 

Visiting this charming town in St Vincent and the Grenadines blends the allure of pristine beaches, turquoise seas, fascinating local culture, and flavourful cuisine into an unforgettable Caribbean experience. The friendly residents put the cherry on top of your visit, greeting you with warm smiles and helpful advice to make your stay even more enjoyable. In all its simplicity and charm, Port Elizabeth exemplifies the essence of the Caribbean in a way few places do.


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Southampton

Southampton is a port city in the county of Hampshire, located on the south coast of England. Its historical and modern day importance is celebrated around the city through its museums, buildings, galleries, and other attractions and places of interest. This lively, multicultural city is home to a Premier League football club, two universities, and a wealth of places to eat, shop and entertain.
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St Johns

St. John’s is the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda, and one of the most alluring cities in the Caribbean. Situated on the island of Antigua, St. John’s is a bustling city that is both exciting and picturesque. From the Caribbean-infused cuisine, to the historical landmarks and lively attractions, St. John’s is a place that should be at the top of your travel itinerary.

The city is alive with activity, including plenty of colorful markets and shopping areas, and is known for its diverse population. As you explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by music, art and culture. Strolling through St. John's Old Town will give you a delightful glimpse into the past, as local craftsmen display their wares in British colonial-style buildings. From there, head to the lively Independence Square and take in the sights and sounds.

Catch a glimpse of local wildlife at the nearby Antigua Recreation Ground, or head to deep sea fishing for fun and adventure. St. John’s also plays host to a few annual festivals, like the April Carnival which features a mix of costume parades, stilt walkers, drum circles, floats and masquerade performers.

For those looking to relax in the sun, the city’s numerous beaches are ideal. The pristine sand and crystal-clear waters make them a prime destination for swimming, snorkeling, and more. If you’re looking for a peaceful time with friends and family, why not have a picnic on an isolated beach? Or try an island tour and explore the waters on a guided boat cruise.

With its combination of sun-soaked beaches, expansive parks and traditional buildings, St. John’s is a place that everyone can enjoy. Its friendly locals will welcome you with open arms, and its diverse selection of restaurants will satisfy any taste buds. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, St. John’s has it all waiting for you in Antigua.

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