Borealis Arrives in Curacao for the First Time Ever
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis recently made its first-ever stop in Curaçao as part of a sweeping 76-night voyage through South America and the Caribbean.
Borealis Arrives in Curaçao for the First Time
The ship docked at the Port of Willemstad on March 30, 2026. To mark the occasion, a plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard. Local government officials and port authority representatives were all on hand to welcome the vessel.
This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated.
Attendees included Curaçao’s Minister of Traffic, Transportation & Urban Planning, Charles Cooper, and Minister of Economic Development, Roderick Middelhof. Staff from local shipping agent Maduro Shipping were also present.
A Grand Voyage Through South America and the Caribbean
The Borealis departed from Southampton, England, in late January 2026. The cruise was called Fred Olsen’s “Exploration of South America and the Antarctic.” The ship was set to return to Southampton on April 14, 2026, wrapping up a two-and-a-half-month adventure.
The itinerary was packed with incredible destinations. The ship visited ports in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. It also spent three days in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival in mid-February — a true highlight for passengers.
Antarctic Scenery and Caribbean Island Stops
Beyond South America, the Borealis offered scenic cruising through Antarctica. Few cruise experiences can match the raw beauty of that remote region. It’s the kind of bucket-list moment that makes a long voyage truly special.
The Caribbean portion of the trip included stops at Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, St. John’s in Antigua, and Philipsburg in St. Maarten. Before heading home to Southampton, the ship also planned a stop in Ponta Delgada in the Azores.
About the Borealis
The Borealis has an interesting history. It was originally built for Holland America Line and sailed as the Rotterdam. Fred Olsen purchased the ship in late 2020.
The Borealis is an adults-only ship. It was sold to Fred Olsen along with its sister ship, the Amsterdam, which was renamed the Bolette and became the line’s flagship. Before this current voyage, the Borealis went through a full refurbishment in the United Kingdom.
