Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announced an 87-night Grand Voyage expedition cruise aboard the ship Borealis, departing Southampton, UK, on 5 January 2028. This round-trip expedition covers the Amazon and Antarctica regions within one extensive itinerary.
Full itinerary spans five continents and 28 ports
The voyage calls at 28 ports in 17 countries across five continents. Key ports include Santa Cruz in Tenerife and La Palma, Samaná Bay and Dominica in the Caribbean, Manaus and Santarém on the Amazon River in Brazil, as well as Punta Arenas in Chile. The cruise also returns through South American ports such as Rio de Janeiro with an overnight stay, Montevideo, and Buenos
Aires, where guests will also stay overnight.
Other notable stops include Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Puerto Limón in Costa Rica, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, Bridgetown in Barbados, and Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The route also covers Cape Horn and three days of scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Amazon River cruising highlights biodiversity and tropical landscapes
The itinerary features immersive cruising along the Amazon River with stops at Manaus and Santarém. The expedition offers access to the rainforest ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity including colorful bird species and pink river dolphins. Passengers will experience river cruising that provides close encounters with flora and fauna
in this unique environment, marking Fred. Olsen’s return to the Amazon after nine years.
Additional Brazilian ports on the Amazon segment include Boca da Valéria, Alter do Chão, and Fortaleza, before proceeding south along the Brazilian coastline.
Antarctica segment offers extended scenic cruising and wildlife opportunities
The southern leg of the cruise features three days of scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula, offering views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and opportunities to spot penguins and seabirds. The route also passes Cape Horn and crosses the Drake Passage twice. The expedition provides rare access to remote polar waters, appealing to travelers interested in wildlife and polar landscapes.
Booking details and early purchase incentives
Bookings for the 87-night
voyage open on 22 July 2026, with prices starting from £10,999 per person. Guests reserving cabins by 19 August 2026 can benefit from Fred. Olsen’s Freedom Fare Price Promise, which guarantees that the fare will not be offered at a lower rate within four weeks of sales commencement.
The Freedom Fare also grants selected cabins without a single supplement for solo travelers during the initial booking period, encouraging solo participation. Alongside price protections, the offer includes full board dining with selected drinks, entertainment and enrichment programs, shuttle buses at selected ports, fitness center access, and coverage for port taxes, fees,
and gratuities.
Fred. Olsen highlights unique itinerary combining Amazon and Antarctica
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines describes the itinerary as a distinctive voyage combining striking biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest with the remote landscapes of Antarctica. The journey integrates time in iconic South American cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires with natural exploration in the Caribbean and Antarctic regions to provide a comprehensive expedition experience.
According to the company’s Head of Product Innovation, the cruise is designed to offer both depth and variety, bringing guests closer to extraordinary natural environments and cultural highlights in one continuous round-trip from the UK.
Inclusive amenities enhance expedition experience
The cruise fare includes full board dining
with selected drinks at lunch and dinner, entertainment, educational enrichment talks, and complimentary shuttle services in selected ports. Access to the fitness center and classes is also included.
All port taxes, fees, and gratuities are covered, along with Fred. Olsen’s Satisfaction Guarantee, aiming to provide travelers with a seamless expedition cruise experience that balances natural discovery, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Travelers gain access to a rare, comprehensive Grand Voyage
The 87-night itinerary presents a unique opportunity for travelers interested in extended luxury expeditions that combine tropical river environments with polar landscapes. Overnight stays in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires allow ample time for urban exploration amid
natural wonders. Solo travelers can take advantage of the no single supplement cabins available during the early booking period, increasing accessibility.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis vessel facilitates this rare dual-region expedition, set to depart and return to Southampton, allowing UK travelers a compact gateway to extensive, immersive global cruising.
