Borealis of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines sailed to the Port of Dover for the ship’s first ever turnaround call on 11 July at the UK’s busiest ferryport, where among the operators is Irish Ferries, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The 1,825 passenger Borealis was greeted by a water cannon fanfare having passed the stunning White Cliffs, with a celebratory plaque exchange also taking place on board at one of the port's two cruise terminals, located in the western docks.
This marked another chapter in the inspiring story of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Dover, which began nearly 30 years ago with the arrival of the Black Prince, had operated for the company and,as Afloat highlights, earlier in its career as a dual role as a cruise ship/car-ferry.
Since then, six members of the fleet have called in Dover, with Borealis becoming the seventh, and many other commemorative events have taken place along the way.
Borealis’ arrival comes days after Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was lead sponsor of the Dover Regatta 2024, the port’s biggest annual fundraising event. The partnership showcases a shared mission to support the local community and provide world class travel experiences in Dover.
The next Irish port of call is scheduled to take place next month, on 14 August at the Cobh Cruise Terminal, in lower Cork Harbour where among the visitor attractions is the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Cork, along with Rosslare, used to be where Irish Ferries operated routes to France; however, such connections are now concentrated through the capital.
The southern port only has one ferry route, that is to France, in which Brittany Ferries provides a seasonal cruise-ferry service to Roscoff.
