A foodies guide to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Dining with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is an experience to savour. Across the fleet, every meal is thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented and served with the warmth and care the cruise line is loved for. 

Here, we dig into the delectable food options available with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: 

☑️ Included

Tucked away on Deck 5 of Borealis is the Arctic Room. It’s a calm space, dressed in soft blues and greys that echo the stillness of the north. The walls are lined with striking pieces from artist Keith Grant’s collection. It’s the sort of place you might wander into for a more intimate dinner or find yourself enjoying a relaxed breakfast while listening to one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s guest speakers. 

☑️ Included

The heart of dining on Borealis, the Aurora Restaurant on Deck 5, is where every mealtime feels like an occasion. The elegant, two-tiered space is tastefully decorated and filled with natural light, creating the perfect setting to linger over a five-course á la carte dinner. Menus change daily, showcasing perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, freshly made soups, pastas and crisp salads - all prepared by a team of talented chefs and served with genuine warmth by attentive waiters. 

☑️ Included

Linking to the main Terrace Restaurant, the Australia Room is one of Bolette’s hidden spaces. Inspired by the natural beauty of Australia, its auburn tones echo the warmth of Uluru at sunset. The walls are adorned with pieces from Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s hand-selected art collection adding character and colour to the space. The Australia Room is ideal for intimate dinners, small gatherings or hosted tastings. 

☑️ Included

Perched high on Deck 10 of Balmoral, the Avon Restaurant makes the most of its sweeping sea views, with large windows that flood the room with natural light. Here, guests can enjoy the same five-course á la carte menus served in the main Ballindalloch Restaurant. Think freshly baked breads, rich soups, perfectly cooked steaks, pasta dishes and indulgent desserts. Be sure to try the Treats of the Region dishes, which reflect the destinations visited during your cruise. 

☑️ Included

The Ballindalloch Restaurant sits right at the heart of Balmoral and captures everything guests love about dining with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. It’s elegant without ever feeling stuffy, the kind of place where the service feels personal and the atmosphere is always warm. The five-course á la carte menu changes each evening, bringing a mix of familiar favourites and new discoveries. 

☑️ Included

As the main option on Bolette, the Bloomsbury Restaurant sets the stage for elegant dining at sea. Its classic design, soft lighting and attentive service make every meal feel a little special. Here, guests can enjoy a varied five-course á la carte menu that changes daily, from beautifully cooked meats and fresh seafood to handmade soups and indulgent desserts - all prepared by chefs who take real pride in their craft. 

☑️ Included

The Borealis Restaurant is the focal point of dining on board Borealis - a grand, two-tiered space where the atmosphere feels both elegant and welcoming. Tastefully decorated and beautifully lit, it’s the kind of restaurant that invites you to linger a little longer over each course. Don’t miss the bread, baked overnight in the ship’s own bakery, or the Treats of the Region dishes, inspired by the flavours of destinations sailed to. 

☑️ Included

Tucked away on Deck 5, the Indian Ocean Room on Borealis offers an intimate dining experience that feels a little more exclusive. As a private section of the main restaurant, it shares the same five-course á la carte menu as the larger dining rooms - beautifully presented dishes prepared by Borealis’ talented chefs and served with the care and attention Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is known for. 

☑️ Included

Connected to the main Terrace Restaurant, the Orchid Room is one of Bolette’s hidden spaces. Designed for smaller gatherings and private dining, it offers a quiet retreat from the ship’s livelier venues. True to its name, the room has a soft, refined charm - light, floral tones and carefully chosen artwork create a sense of calm. Whether used for intimate dinners, hosted events or special occasions, the Orchid Room offers a unique dining experience. 

☑️ Included

Perched on Deck 10 of Balmoral, the Spey Restaurant offers some of the most breathtaking views on Balmoral. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with light by day and frame ever-changing sea vistas by night - a beautiful backdrop to every meal. Guests can enjoy the same menu served in the main Ballindalloch Restaurant, with dishes ranging from freshly baked breads and homemade soups to tender steaks, rich pasta and irresistible desserts. 

☑️ Included

The Terrace Restaurant is one of Bolette’s two elegant, two-tiered main dining rooms and the perfect place to linger over a long, leisurely meal. Each day brings a new menu, freshly prepared by the ship’s talented team of chefs. A few classic favourites are always available for those who prefer something familiar. 

☑️ Included

For something a little more relaxed, the Poolside Café is the place to be. Found beside the pool on both Borealis and Bolette, this casual spot is all about easy, al fresco dining with a view. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a fresh salad, or something straight from the grill, there’s always something tempting on offer. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly - perfect for enjoying a long lunch in the sunshine or a quick bite between dips in the pool. 

☑️ Included

Casual dining doesn’t get much easier or more inviting than at the Thistle Buffet Restaurant. Located on Deck 7, this bright and airy venue is ideal for those moments when you want plenty of choice and a more relaxed pace. The buffet features an ever-changing selection of freshly prepared dishes - from light salads and hearty meals to indulgent desserts - all made with the same care and attention you’ll find throughout Balmoral’s dining venues. 

☑️ Included

The View Buffet Restaurant is a come-and-go-as-you-please style of dining that’s perfect for sea days or casual evenings. Found on Deck 8 aboard both Bolette and Borealis, this bright and welcoming space lives up to its name, with large windows framing ever-changing ocean views. The buffet selection changes throughout the day, featuring freshly prepared hot and cold dishes, crisp salads, hearty roasts and tempting desserts. 

💷 Additional Cost

Full of flavour, the Colours & Tastes Restaurant brings a touch of the exotic to life at sea. Found on all three ships, this speciality venue serves a tempting menu of Asian-fusion dishes inspired by the bold, aromatic flavours of the Far East. Expect perfectly balanced combinations of spice, texture and freshness - from fragrant curries and stir-fried noodles to delicately prepared seafood and colourful sharing plates. 

💷 Additional Cost

Named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the Vasco Restaurant celebrates the rich, vibrant flavours of Goan and Indian cuisine. Found on Deck 8 aboard both Bolette and Borealis, the restaurant offers an inviting mix of colour, spice and warmth. The menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of Goa, with dishes that are both authentic and creative. Expect aromatic curries, perfectly spiced seafood and melt-in-the-mouth meats.