Portsmouth International Port: Gorgeous cruise ship MS Borealis to make several Winter visits - when

MS Borealis, operated by Fred Olsen cruises since 2020, will make several turnaround calls at Portsmouth International Port. She will make her first visit next Saturday (November 23) at 6am, before leaving at 6pm.

Fred Olsen is launching 14 ocean cruises from Portsmouth this month, with thousands of passengers expected to visit seven different countries - including Morocco and nations in the Caribbean. Tourists will be expecting to travel in sumptuous comfort on the 61,849 tonnage cruise ship.

Complete with 702 cabins, 642 crew members can look after up to 1,353 passengers. Visitors will get to enjoy six restaurants, eight bars and lounges, swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, a fitness centre, spa, boutique shops, art studio and other amenities. She has recently been redecorated and refurbished ahead of the Winter season.

The city's port is operated by Portsmouth City Council, meaning that much of the revenue brought in by cruise calls is directed into the local economy and social initiatives. Each cruise ship visit generates an estimated £1.5m through port charges and indirect spend across hotels, parking, dining and attractions.

The port has recently launched The Sea Change Project, where ships and cross-channel ferries can connect to shore power, so they can turn off their engines and run on battery power while docked. Director Mike Sellers described it as the “single biggest project” they’ve ever undertaken. He added: “We want to ensure that not only are we green in terms of our credentials, but we want to be good neighbours to the city and improve air quality also.”