Press release -
Borealis’ naval architect to make inaugural return to ship with exclusive talk for guests on Iceland cruise
The naval architect behind Borealis will enjoy a walk down memory lane when he steps foot on the ship for the first time in 27 years.
Dr Stephen Payne OBE, who was the project manager for the building of the ship, formerly known as Rotterdam VI for Holland America, will be joining a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sailing to Iceland this summer.
During his time on board for the ‘Whales and Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland’ cruise in July, the Royal Designer for Industry will be delivering three talks to guests about his role in creating Borealis, another on the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1941 and a third on HMY Britannia.
Dr Payne, who discovered that he wanted to design and build passenger ships after watching Blue Peter as a five-year-old boy in 1965, said:
“Rotterdam VI, now known as Borealis, is very special to me as it was built to replace the iconic Rotterdam V, which I’d fallen in love with because she was so different to modern ships.
“As the project manager, I oversaw the contract negotiations and the build through to the sea trials and delivery. There was such a big build up to the handover and I can only describe the occasion as like a daughter leaving home.
“July will be the first time that I’ve been on the ship since 1997 and I’m hoping I’ll rediscover the warmth and personality that she was built with. It’ll be a real walk down memory lane.”
During the cruise’s hand-crafted itinerary, guests will also have the opportunity to seek out whales and dolphins with marine wildlife charity ORCA, witness awe-inspiring waterfalls and spurting geysers and immerse in the Icelandic way of life.
James Moss, Itinerary Product Manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Dr Stephen Payne OBE on board Borealis for the first time since he built the ship.
“We know our guests are curious and look for enriching experiences, so this will be a golden opportunity to listen to talks from such a renowned expert in his field.”
Borealis’ 11-night S2415 ‘Whales and Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland’ cruise, departing from Dover on 11th July 2024. Prices start from £1,499 per person. Enjoy free parking in Dover.
- See puffins before they migrate from Iceland
- Join a tour to Vigur Islands from Ísafjörður to spot puffins
- See the awe-inspiring Strokkur Geyser and powerful Goðafoss Waterfall
Itinerary: Dover, UK – Cruising by Duncansby Stack, Scotland – Cruising Pentland Firth, Scotland – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruising Eyjafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hrisey, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland – Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland – Lerwick, Scotland – Dover, UK
For more details: Visit S2415 ‘Whales and Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland’
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sailings from Dover, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-dover
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
