Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced a new 87-night voyage that will take passengers from Southampton to the Amazon and Antarctica, with the 1,360-guest ship Borealis departing in January 2028. The itinerary spans 28 destinations across 17 countries, including the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Cape Horn, offering a deep exploration of some of the world's most remote regions.
Small-ship access to the Amazon
The cruise is designed to leverage the smaller size of Borealis, which can navigate waterways that larger vessels cannot. This allows the ship to sail 1,500km inland along the Amazon River, giving guests a close-up view of Brazil's wildlife and traditional riverside communities. The ship's size also enables calls at smaller ports throughout the Caribbean and South America, enhancing the sense of discovery.
After the Amazon, the voyage continues south, with calls in Rio de Janeiro and Argentina before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. There, passengers will spend three days among glaciers, penguins, and seals, with expert-led excursions and lectures planned. The return leg includes stops at the Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires, and the Cape Verde Islands, before arriving back in Southampton.
Joe O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Cruise Traveller, Fred. Olsen's exclusive Australian representative, highlighted the appeal of the line's ships. “Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships are smaller, more personal and full of charm and character, with space to relax in style so that you can savour the timeless pleasures of sea travel,” he said.
The cruise is priced from $19,500 (£16,099) per person for an Oceanview Cabin. Given the length and uniqueness of the itinerary, early booking is recommended. The voyage is available through Cruise Traveller, which has been the line's partner in Australia for over two decades.
This announcement comes as cruise lines continue to expand their expedition and long-haul offerings. For example, Pearl Expeditions and Paspaley have launched a 13-night Kimberley luxury cruise package, and Sea Cloud Spirit is offering a nine-night Mediterranean sailing from Monte Carlo to Sicily. These developments reflect a growing demand for immersive, small-ship experiences.
Fred. Olsen's decision to schedule this voyage in 2028 indicates a long-term commitment to the expedition market. The line has also been investing in its fleet, with Borealis having undergone refurbishment in recent years. The ship features multiple dining venues, observation lounges, and a wellness area, all designed to appeal to seasoned travellers seeking comfort and enrichment.
For travel agents, this itinerary represents a significant sales opportunity, with a high price point and a lengthy booking window. Cruise Traveller is already accepting reservations, and the line expects strong demand from Australian and New Zealand clients, as well as from the UK and other markets.
As the cruise industry continues to recover and evolve, long-duration voyages are becoming a key differentiator for lines like Fred. Olsen. With its focus on smaller ships and unique itineraries, the company is positioning itself to attract travellers who value authenticity and exploration over sheer size.
