On July 11, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis made its inaugural turnaround call at the Port of Dover, England, according to a press release.

The ship was welcomed with a water cannon salute as it passed the White Cliffs, and a commemorative plaque exchange was held onboard to mark the occasion.

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 seasons. 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.”

The Borealis kicked off its program out of Dover on the same day, departing on an 11-night Whales and Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland voyage, visiting Akureyri, Isafjord and Reykjavik in Iceland and  Heimaey, Westman Islands and Lerwick, Shetland Isles.

Upon the ship’s return to Dover on July 22, an exclusive event for local media will take place, with tours, presentations and the chance to meet the Dover Cruise and Fred. Olsen teams.