Onboard the Fred Olsen Borealis Cruise Line departing from Liverpool

Borealis has had a refurbishment and is welcoming guests onboard from Liverpool

  • 17:42, 29 JUL 2021
  • Updated 11:16, 9 AUG 2021

borealis cruise liverpool

After a troubling year for cruise travel, Fred Olsen has resumed sailing with a new ship.

Borealis is sailing exclusively from Liverpool for 2021, with scenic-only sailings around the UK.

The ECHO was invited onboard the new ship as she docked at the city's cruise terminal, to take a look around the impressive liner.

READ MORE: 10 countries 'set to move from amber to green list' including Italy and Germany

The 1,360-guest ship is starting to welcome more travellers onboard as restrictions lift and capacity can continue to rise beyond 50%.

Despite spending more than a year at home, staff are keen to make Borealis a ‘home from home’ with their friendly serving and cosy decor.

Borealis brings a number of new venues and facilities to the fleet, including a grand, two-tier theatre and main restaurant, an all-weather pool with retractable roof, a large spa and thermal suite and new venue The Auditorium offering culinary demonstrations and more.

Guests will also have the chance to savour new flavours in Borealis’ new specialty dining restaurants.

Vasco, named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, who was the first European to reach India by sea, offers a fresh and modern take on Indian food.

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Meanwhile Colours and Tastes offers modern Asian Fusion dishes.

Peter Deer, Managing Director for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "Our crew on board have been working incredibly hard to get Borealis ready to sail, and our guests can enjoy many brand new venues including The Crow’s Nest and the Piano Bar, to those familiar Fred. Olsen touches, such as the Morning Light Pub, and our famous ‘doodle’ carpet, designed to be bright and cheerful.

"I must extend my personal thanks to each and every member of our wonderful crew, our shore-side team and our trade partners for their hard work, dedication, passion and commitment, and to our guests, both new and returning, for the support, patience and loyalty they showed as we prepared for our return."

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE ARE ALL OF THE DETAILS:

You could soon be sailing away from Liverpool on a wonderful cruise with one of Britain's best-loved cruise companies for a much-needed break.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' new ship Borealis will be heading to the beautiful Faroe Islands in June next year where guests will discover the sights, nature and wildlife of this photographic destination - and you plus a guest could be on board.

The memorable voyage will depart from the cruise terminal right next to the Liver Building, before sailing across to Belfast and then on to the remote, hard to reach islands of the Faroes.

You will enjoy some breathtaking scenic cruising as you pass the Cape Enniberg sea cliff, the dramatic Vestmanna cliffs and the island of Mykines. You will also see waterfalls and enjoy a call into the historic capital, Tórshavn which is renowned for its pretty red-painted buildings and turf-roofed homes.

Borealis is one of two new additions to join the Fred. Olsen fleet of smaller ships. Stylish, spacious and comfortable, with capacity for fewer than 1,400 guests, she epitomises the Fred. Olsen elegant style of cruising. Her cabins are all equipped with Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning.

You will be treated to a tempting choice of cuisine throughout the day at the six restaurants on board – or you can choose to drink and relax in any of the 8 bars and lounges. There is a full programme of evening entertainment and full use of swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym.

The Liverpool Echo and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a six-night cruise for two on this amazing Exploration of the Faroe Islands. All you have to do is collect 4 out of 7 tokens that are being printed in the Liverpool ECHO from Monday 9th August to Sunday 15th August 2021.

Once you have collected 4 tokens, fill in the form below and one winner will be selected at random. The entry form will close at midnight on Sunday 15th August.

Liverpool Echo - Cruise Competiton

If you cannot see the form please CLICK HERE .

Terms and Conditions

This prize is for Borealis ’ five-night S2228 ‘France & Belgium City Break’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 28th October 2022. The prize is for two people. The prize is on a cruise only basis and does not include transport to the port. The prize does not include any additional expenses such as parking at port. A gratuity of £5 per person, per day, will be added to the onboard account and must be settled at the end of the cruise. This cannot be removed. The prize does not include travel insurance. The winner will be responsible for sourcing their own cruise specific travel insurance, including cancellation or curtailment cover for Covid-19, plus cover for any medical, repatriation and expenses costs as a result of a Covid diagnosis or illness during the cruise, without which they will be unable to board. The winner must have a full and valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the last day of the cruise. This promotional competition is not for resale, is non-refundable and non-transferable and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. No cash/credit refunds can be given under any circumstances and this prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer. If Fred. Olsen is required to cancel this cruise for any reason, a suitable alternative cruise will be offered. The Winner will be solely responsible for any tax liability incurred as a result of this offer. Reach plc cannot be held responsible for anything to do with the winners and the cruise. The winners will be contacted on Monday 16th August via the details provided on the form above and we will then pass your details to the client who will then arrange everything else. No data from entering this competition will be shared with the client and it will only be used to contact the winner. To read our privacy notice click here .

For more information, visit fredolsencruises.com/our-ships/borealis. Book online, call reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

Onboard Fred Olsen cruise ship Borealis on the Liverpool waterfront

Onboard Fred Olsen cruise ship Borealis on the Liverpool waterfront

borealis cruise liverpool

First look around Borealis

borealis cruise liverpool

The theatre area

borealis cruise liverpool

Pool with sunroof

borealis cruise liverpool

Buffet dining area

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Stunning views of the waterfront from one of the bar areas

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On top deck

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Views of the Three Graces

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Gym on board

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Asian fusion restaurant

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Main dining room , that spans across two levels

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Inside the Asian fusion restaurant available

borealis cruise liverpool

Wine anyone?

borealis cruise liverpool

Views from a promenade deck

borealis cruise liverpool

Inside The Auditorium

borealis cruise liverpool

Pool with a retractable roof

borealis cruise liverpool

Some of the spa treatment rooms available

borealis cruise liverpool

One of the cabins

borealis cruise liverpool

Tea room where afternoon tea is served

borealis cruise liverpool

One of the many lounge and bar areas

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Grand staircase

borealis cruise liverpool

Plenty of relaxation areas are available

borealis cruise liverpool

The ship is centred around the staircase

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Borealis cruise ship at sea with sunset in the background

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines resumes sailing with new ship as Borealis departs from Liverpool on Maiden Voyage

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is resuming sailing today, with new ship Borealis to depart on her Maiden Voyage from Liverpool this evening (Monday, 5 th July).

It is the first time that the 1,360-guest Borealis , which will cruise exclusively from Liverpool in 2021, will sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and marks the launch of the line’s ‘Welcome Back’ programme of UK summer sailings.

Borealis brings a number of new venues and facilities to the fleet, including a grand, two-tier theatre and main restaurant, an all-weather pool with retractable roof, a large spa and thermal suite and new venue The Auditorium offering culinary demonstrations and more.

Guests will also have the chance to savour new flavours in Borealis ’ new specialty dining restaurants. Vasco, named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, who was the first European to reach India by sea, offers a fresh and modern take on Indian food. Meanwhile Colours & Tastes offers modern Asian Fusion dishes. The décor is colourful, the mood cheerful and the food offers a stimulating set of new taste experiences.

While the ship will sail at 50% capacity initially, Borealis will always carry less than 1,400 guests, allowing her and her crew to offer the same small ship experience and attention to detail for which Fred. Olsen is renowned.

Peter Deer, Managing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Today is a truly momentous day for us, as not only are we setting sail again after 16 months, but we are doing so with the first of two wonderful new ships. “We love sailing from Liverpool, having offered cruises from there for many, many years, and our ships always receive such a warm welcome, and we are so pleased to have Borealis based from the city for the remainder of the year. “Our crew on board have been working incredibly hard to get Borealis ready to sail, and our guests can enjoy many brand new venues including The Crow’s Nest and the Piano Bar, and those familiar Fred. Olsen touches, such as the Morning Light Pub, and our famous ‘doodle’ carpet, designed to be bright and cheerful. “I must extend my personal thanks to each and every member of our wonderful crew, our shoreside team and our trade partners for their hard work, dedication, passion and commitment, and to our guests, both new and returning, for the support, patience and loyalty they showed as we prepared for our return. “This voyage setting sail today is the beginning of a bright new future for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines with two remarkable new ships among the fleet. Here’s to many, many years of happy sailing ahead.”

Captain Rommel Pineda, who will be at the helm for Borealis ’ Maiden Voyage, said:

“Being Captain on a new ship is a great honour in its own right, but today represents so much more than that. “My team on board have put their all into adding our own ‘Fred. Olsen touches’ and to see the pride on their faces as they prepare to welcome our first guests on board is testament to just how much we have all missed being at sea. “Today we set sail on a new era, with many cruising adventures ahead.”

To mark the launch, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering savings of up to £300 on selected ex-UK 2021 sailings and up to £200 per person to spend on board, plus up to £200 per person to spend on board on a selection of 2022 ex-UK cruises.

Borealis was purchased by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in the summer of 2020, along with sister ship Bolette , as the line looked to strengthen and evolve for its return to cruising.

For further information on Borealis , visit fredolsencruises.com/our-ships/borealis . Book online, call our Reservations team on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

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  • Fred Olsen’s cruise ship Borealis homeported in Liverpool UK in...

Fred Olsen’s cruise ship Borealis homeported in Liverpool UK in 2021

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Voyages for Fred Olsen's second (ex- Holland America ) cruise ship Borealis (fka MS Rotterdam) went on sale, with the inaugural program 2021 including new itineraries out of homeport Liverpool England. The news follows the launch of the sistership Bolette (fka MS Amsterdam) , which went on sale a week ago.

MS Borealis' maiden voyage will be a 6-night "Scottish Lochs and Isles" roundtrip from Liverpool UK on April 23, 2021. Follows a 5-night "Irish Capitals and Scottish Scenery" itinerary, before the liner ventures further to the Mediterranean, Iceland, Norway, and more.

Fred Olsen's newest fleet member will sail almost exclusively from Port Liverpool in 2021-2022 and takes on the existing itineraries originally planned for the retired in August MS Black Watch , plus 5 new itineraries.

Customers booking by September 30 (2020) any Fred Olsen Borealis cruises 2021-2022 receive free shipboard gratuities and up to GBP 100 per person in OBC (onboard credit).

Fred Olsen Borealis cruise ship

Highlights of MS Borealis inaugural cruise program include:

  • 6-night "Scottish Lochs and Isles" departs from Liverpool (April 23, 2021). Prices start from GBP 600 per person. Ports of call are Liverpool, Belfast , scenic cruising (Loch Torridon, Loch Broom, Loch Eriboll), Lerwick , Kirkwall , Liverpool.
  • 16-night "In Search of Aurora Borealis" (Norway) departs from Liverpool on November 16, 2021. Prices start from GBP 2000 per person. Ports of call are Liverpool, Belfast, Alesund , Arctic Circle crossing, Tromso , Alta , Hammerfest , Narvik , Trondheim , Liverpool.
  • 14-night "Canaries Christmas and Funchal Fireworks" departs from Liverpool on December 21, 2021. Prices start from GBP 2300 per person. Ports of call are Liverpool, Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Arrecife , Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , San Sebastian de la Gomera , Funchal , Liverpool.

Borealis’ itineraries were announced following the last week's launch of Fred Olsen’s flagship Bolette.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Line Borealis Deck Plans & Reviews

borealis cruise liverpool

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line Borealis

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Activities & entertainment

  • Guest Services
  • Destination Services *
  • The Photo Gallery *
  • Jewellery Shop *
  • Boutiques *
  • The Flower Shop *
  • Port Shop *
  • Future Cruise Information *
  • The Bolette Card Room
  • Atlantis Spa *
  • Thermal Suite *
  • Fitness Center
  • Whirlpools (2)
  • The Olsen Art Studio
  • Sports Courts
  • The Observatory
  • Forecastle - Observation Area
  • The Lookout - Observation Area
  • Cooking Demonstrations
  • Self-Service Laundry
  • Medical Center
  • Neptune Lounge
  • The Auditorium
  • Film Screenings
  • Stand-Up Comedy
  • Cabaret Shows
  • Enrichment Lectures
  • In-Room Entertainment
  • Borealis Restaurant - Main
  • Aurora Restaurant - Main
  • The Indian Ocean Room Restaurant - Private Dining
  • Colours & Tastes Restuarant - Asian Fusion *
  • The Oriental Tea Room - Tea Bar *
  • Afternoon Tea
  • The Bookmark Cafe & Lounge - Coffee Bar *
  • Piano Bar - Piano Bar *
  • Morning Light Pub & Lounge - Cocktail Bar *
  • Ocean Bar - Popular Bar *
  • The Poolside Cafe - Pool Grill
  • The Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
  • Vasco Restaurant - Indian *
  • The View Buffet Restaurant - Buffet
  • The View Bar - Scenic Bar *
  • Room Service

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Liverpool Cruise Port

Borealis docked in Liverpool at night

Departing from the maritime city of Liverpool is the route to a friendly and efficient start to your holiday. Embarkation and disembarkation takes place in the same shared space and so for this reason, your cruise ticket includes a link to Check-in , which details your allocated arrival window, to help steady the flow of guests checking in for a smooth and safe embarkation. We kindly ask that you only arrive within your dedicated arrival window. If you arrive early, we ask that you return during the time specified for your arrival. Should you be delayed for any reason and miss your arrival window, the cruise check-in desks will be open for late arrivals.

Checking in

At check-in, you will be asked to present your passport. You will also need to register a credit or debit card to open your on board account. To keep things simple, all purchases you make during your cruise will be added to your account.

Wheelchairs & Scooters

If you intend to bring a wheelchair or scooter on board, it must be pre-booked in advance. Due to health and safety regulations, each vessel has a strict limit to the number of mobility devices on board. If you haven’t pre-booked and wish to check the availability of wheelchair and scooter spaces on your cruise, call Guest Services on 0800 0355 145. On arrival at the port, please bring your wheelchair or scooter to check-in. We kindly request that you do not pack mobility devices in your luggage.

Travelling to the Cruise Terminal, Liverpool by Car

If you are travelling to Liverpool by car and wish to use SatNav, please use the following post code:

Liverpool Cruise Terminal: L3 1DL

- Leave the M6 at Junction 21a, and take the M62 towards Liverpool.

- Follow the M62 to the end, keeping directly ahead for the A5080.

- Continue on this road until it merges into the A5047, following signs to Liverpool City Centre, the Cruise Terminal and Central Tourist Attractions.

From A55 – North Wales

- Head west on the A55, then continue onto A494.

- Merge onto the A550, via the ramp to Birkenhead, stay on the A550 before continuing onto the A41.

- Bear left onto Tunnel Road, then right onto King's Square (Toll Road).

- Stay on the Mersey Tunnel/Queensway route and then turn onto the A5036.

Arriving by your own car (if you have pre-booked car parking with CPS)

Please drive directly to the Q-Park Liverpool ONE car park ( L1 8LT ) where you will be met by a Cruise and Passenger Services representatives who will check your car in, and you will then be transported from the car park to Liverpool Cruise Terminal for check-in.

Arriving by other transport

If you are not arriving in your own car, please proceed directly to the Cruise Terminal drop off area where you will be directed by our team to the arrival area, which is a short walk away. Please have your travel documents, proof of a negative lateral flow test result and vaccination ready. You will then be shown to the check-in area where you will receive your cabin cards.

Parking for your cruise, Liverpool

Should you require car parking at your departure port, please contact:

CPS - Cruise and Passenger Services Contact 0345 071 3939 | www.cruiseparking.co.uk for prices and to book. Email: [email protected]   When booking your parking please have the following information to hand:

  • Registration number
  • Vehicle make and model
  • Plus any required assistance which may need to be noted

If you have booked and pre-paid car parking with CPS, you will be advised at the time of booking what documentation will be sent and required to present on arrival at the port. 

If you have booked a cruise that includes complimentary car parking, you're still required to book a car parking space. Fred. Olsen will issue a complimentary voucher 2 to 3 weeks before sailing and this will be posted directly, or via your travel agent. This complimentary voucher must be presented to car park staff upon arrival. Regrettably, if guests forget this voucher they will be required to pay the full ‘on the day’ rate, which cannot be reimbursed by Fred. Olsen.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider a pre or post cruise stay:

Company: The Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel: 0151 243 8000 Email:  [email protected]  or visit  Crowne Plaza   https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/liverpool/lpluk/hoteldetail  for details.

Travelling to Liverpool by Train

Liverpool Lime Street is Liverpool's mainline station, with trains connecting the city to Manchester, London, Scotland and the rest of the UK. Lime Street is approximately a 20 minute walk from the Cruise Terminal or approximately 5 minutes by taxi - see local taxi company details below. National Rail Enquiries (08457 484 950) can assist with specific train times.

Please note: There is no free porter service available at Lime Street Station.

For those wishing to book a taxi pick up:

Company: Computer Cab (Liverpool) Tel No: 0151 298 2222 E-mail: [email protected] Other companies are also available.

Subject to availability, we offer a shuttle bus service to Liverpool Lime Street Train Station on your day of disembarkation. This is a payable service that can be booked on board your ship with our friendly Guest Services Team. Please note that bookings are made on a first come, first served basis and more information, including ticket prices and times will be detailed in the Daily Times.

Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Fran Golden

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

borealis cruise liverpool

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

borealis cruise liverpool

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

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Pep Guardiola applauds the fans after an imperious display from Manchester City at Brighton.

Pep Guardiola uses Merseyside derby as fuel for Manchester City’s cruise

  • ‘What happened to Liverpool can happen to us’
  • Manager urges champions to maintain focus after 4-0 win

Pep Guardiola said he used Liverpool’s defeat at Everton as a reminder to his Manchester City players about the perils of football before they went to Brighton on Thursday night and won 4-0 .

Twenty-four hours after Liverpool’s 2-0 derby defeat , City ran riot on the south coast, two goals from Phil Foden and one apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Julián Álvarez ensuring they retained control of their destiny in the title race.

Guardiola, who will take his team to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Sunday, has them one point behind the leaders, Arsenal, with a game in hand. City are two clear of third-placed Liverpool, having played a game fewer, although Guardiola said they remained serious contenders.

“They are … what happened to Liverpool [at Everton], I said to the players, can happen to us,” Guardiola said. “It can happen to Arsenal. People don’t expect they [Liverpool] lose against Crystal Palace and yesterday [at Everton] but it can happen. And to us.

“Everton is playing for the relegation zone, quite a similar game to what we will have at Nottingham Forest, and they play for their lives. Maybe because they have been a real contender of ours for years … my appreciation of Liverpool is higher than ever.

“You see the game they draw at Old Trafford [against Manchester United], the chances that they miss and yesterday [at Everton] … [Jordan] Pickford was exceptional. And the game against Crystal Palace, in the second half, the chances that they missed … Don’t tell me the reason why. It’s football. Still they are there because I know the character from Liverpool, the institution and the team. They are going to fight until the end. We have to do it, too.”

Guardiola said humility had to be the watchword in the chase for a record fourth English top-flight title in a row. “The players know,” he said. “And they have a manager that remembers [to them] many, many times [if] we are not humble enough and give credit to all the other teams, it’s not going to happen.

“I didn’t ask them if they watched the [Liverpool] game last night, like Arsenal on Tuesday [ the 5-0 win over Chelsea ] but I’m pretty sure they have an eye on the result. Going to Goodison Park is not easy. Never was for Man City. So you have to do your job and we have done it.

“There is pressure. We know that if we don’t win or we draw we will not have the chance to fight until the end. What we have done in the past … it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen in the future. To do it again, you have to make it happen. I would love to say because we have won the last three Premier Leagues, we are going to win 0-4 here but it doesn’t happen.”

  • Pep Guardiola
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  1. Borealis completes inaugural sailing with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

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  2. Onboard the Fred Olsen Borealis Cruise Line departing from Liverpool

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  3. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines resumes sailing with new ship Borealis

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  4. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ship Borealis returns to Liverpool as she

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  5. Maiden voyage of Fred. Olsen’s Borealis underway from Liverpool

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  6. Cruises from Liverpool 2022 & 2023

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COMMENTS

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  2. Borealis

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    Borealis sails to destinations around the globe, from close-to-home places to far-flung locations on the other side of the world, from the convenient UK departure ports of Liverpool and Southampton, providing memorable discoveries and breath-taking scenery.On board your smaller-sized ship, you'll really be able to feel the culture of the destinations you visit through our Signature Experiences ...

  4. Borealis Cruise: Expert Review (2023)

    Borealis will sail almost exclusively from Liverpool across the 2021 and 2022 season. The cabins, which come in 12 categories, are located across five decks and range in size from 140 square feet ...

  5. Fred Olsen's Borealis cruise ship returns into Liverpool UK after

    Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' ship Borealis returned to Liverpool (England UK) on Friday, July 9, at the end of her Maiden Voyage.. Borealis set sail on her first voyage with Fred Olsen on July 5, to a backdrop of fireworks by Liverpool Cruise Terminal.During the 3-day roundtrip, the boat offered scenic cruising of the northerly British Isles, such as Fingal's Cave, Dutchman's Cap, Mull's Sound.

  6. Liverpool Fred. Olsen Borealis Cruise Reviews

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  7. Onboard the Fred Olsen Borealis Cruise departing from Liverpool

    Borealis is sailing exclusively from Liverpool for 2021, with scenic-only sailings around the UK. The ECHO was invited onboard the new ship as she docked at the city's cruise terminal, to take a ...

  8. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines resumes sailing with new ship Borealis

    Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is resuming sailing today, with new ship Borealis to depart on her Maiden Voyage from Liverpool this evening (Monday, 5 th July).. It is the first time that the 1,360-guest Borealis, which will cruise exclusively from Liverpool in 2021, will sail with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, and marks the launch of the line's 'Welcome Back' programme of UK summer sailings.

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    Olsen cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, Arctic Circle, and beyond. Find your perfect Liverpool cruise today. Home Page Ocean Cruises Destinations Cruise Brochures Terms & Conditions About Us. Call us free on +441473746175. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am ... Borealis Borealis. Deck Plans Find out more. Life on board. THE ON BOARD EXPERIENCE RE ...

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  12. Borealis

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  13. MS Borealis

    As Borealis Borealis at Liverpool's cruise liner terminal. In the fall of 2020 the ship sailed to Scotland and was laid up with the rest of Fred Olsen fleet prior to being refitted for service. The name Borealis refers to a ship of the same name that was part of the Fred. Olsen line in 1948, before it became a cruise line.

  14. Fred Olsen's cruise ship Borealis homeported in Liverpool UK in 2021

    Voyages for Fred Olsen's second (ex-Holland America) cruise ship Borealis (fka MS Rotterdam) went on sale, with the inaugural program 2021 including new itineraries out of homeport Liverpool England. The news follows the launch of the sistership Bolette (fka MS Amsterdam), which went on sale a week ago.. MS Borealis' maiden voyage will be a 6-night "Scottish Lochs and Isles" roundtrip from ...

  15. Fred. Olsen Borealis Cruise Review

    The Borealis cruise ship was built in 1997 and spent 23 years sailing as Rotterdam for Holland America Line before being acquired by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines in 2020. Being a ship from the 90s, I thought that the furnishings might be dated and tatty, but that wasn't the case at all. My room had a huge shower which was twice the size of the ...

  16. Touring Southern Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar from Liverpool, 22 October

    Cruise deals for Touring Southern Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar from Liverpool on 22 October 2023 (10 Nt) with Fred. Olsen on Borealis. Expert service from IgluCruise ... Cruises on Borealis Customer reviews for Borealis. 4.3. Based on 44 reviews. Cabin. 4.6. Service. 4.8. Excursions. 3.4. Dining. 4.5. Activities. 3.9. Value for money ...

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  18. Norwegian Fjords cruise from Liverpool (Borealis)

    The popularity of The Beatles and of Liverpool Football Club have made Liverpool a touristic destination. Liverpool Cruise Terminal is located at Pier Head in the heart of the waterfront; it is clearly identifiable once you reach the Liver Buildings. Port address: Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Pier Head. Princes Parade. Liverpool. L3 1DL

  19. Fred. Olsen Cruise Line Borealis Deck Plans & Reviews

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  20. Book Borealis

    Formally serving in the Holland America fleet under the name Rotterdam as an extremely popular ship due to her stylish design and medium size, Borealis lives up to her new name, giving 1,404 lucky passengers the chance to take in the wonders of the Northern Lights in Fred.Olsen's classic yet modern take on luxury. Offering itineraries departing from as close to home as Liverpool, guests won ...

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  22. Liverpool Cruise Terminal

    Due to health and safety regulations, each vessel has a strict limit to the number of mobility devices on board. If you haven't pre-booked and wish to check the availability of wheelchair and scooter spaces on your cruise, call Guest Services on 0800 0355 145. On arrival at the port, please bring your wheelchair or scooter to check-in.

  23. Northern lights cruises guide: Chasing the aurora borealis

    If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises. The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska.

  24. Why Book with us

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  26. Pep Guardiola uses Merseyside derby as fuel for Manchester City's cruise

    Pep Guardiola said he used Liverpool's defeat at Everton as a reminder to his Manchester City players about the perils of football before they went to Brighton on Thursday night and won 4-0.