Dining is one of the highlights of any cruise — and Fred. Olsen Cruises delivers with style, variety and warmth. Whether you sail on Balmoral, Borealis or Bolette, you’ll enjoy fresh, carefully prepared food, relaxed buffet options, elegant main dining rooms and tempting speciality restaurants. This guide will help you navigate the dining experience so you know exactly what to expect.

🍽️ Main Restaurants: Elegant, All-Meal Dining

On all three ships — Balmoral, Borealis and Bolette — the main restaurants offer a refined, sit-down dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each evening, guests enjoy a five-course à la carte menu, with dishes ranging from fresh seafood and hearty meats to soups, pasta, salads and regional specialities — plus freshly baked bread from the ship’s own bakery.

On Balmoral you’ll dine in the elegant Ballindalloch, or sometimes in the quieter Spey or Avon restaurants.

On Borealis the main restaurants are Borealis Restaurant and Aurora Restaurant, both spacious and welcoming with classic décor and comfortable seating.

On Bolette, the main dining happens in the Bloomsbury Restaurant and the Terrace Restaurant, offering a calm, elegant setting perfect for enjoying expertly prepared meals.

These main dining rooms are ideal for formal dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want a relaxed, sit-down meal with full service.

🍲 Casual & Buffet Dining: Flexibility and Variety

If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Fred. Olsen also offers buffet- and self-serve-style venues — perfect for breakfasts, lunches, casual dinners or late-night snacks.

• On Balmoral, there’s The Palms Café (and sometimes The Thistle Restaurant) for buffet-style dining — with everything from full breakfasts to light meals, as well as complimentary afternoon teas with sandwiches, scones and cakes.

• On Borealis and Bolette, the casual options include The View buffet restaurant, and a Poolside Café (or similar pool-area dining) for lighter meals. These are popular on sea days or when you want something informal.

The buffet choice is particularly handy for flexible eaters — you can dine when you like, grab quick bites between excursions, or enjoy a laid-back meal after a day exploring port towns.

🍛 Speciality Dining: For When You Want Something Extra Special

For those who want to treat themselves, Fred. Olsen offers speciality restaurants on all three ships — perfect for special evenings, romantic dinners or simply a break from the everyday menu.

Two of the most popular speciality restaurants are:

• Colours & Tastes — available on Balmoral, Borealis and Bolette. Known for Asian-fusion dishes including sushi, dim sum, grilled meats and seafood, baos, and more. From early 2026 Colours & Tastes will feature rotating menus including Gourmet Grill, Traditional Italian and Asian Fusion.

• Vasco — featured on Borealis and Bolette (and other ships), offering a modern take on Goan/Indian cuisine, with aromatic curries, seafood and richly spiced dishes.

Speciality dining carries a small supplement (pre-book before cruise or book on board) but many travellers say it’s a highlight — perfect for anniversaries, romantic dinners or a memorable night out at sea.

✅ What’s Included & Why Fred. Olsen Stands Out

One of the great benefits of sailing with Fred. Olsen is that the main dining and buffet-style food is included in your fare.

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all covered

• Freshly baked bread, pastries and desserts are prepared daily onboard

• A good mix of British favourites and globally inspired dishes, plus regional specialities tied to your cruise’s destinations

This makes Fred. Olsen’s dining both diverse and great value, with something for everyone — from families to couples, food lovers to simple tastebuds.

🌟 Which Ship Should You Pick for Dining?

• Balmoral — great all-rounder, with traditional dining rooms, buffet flexibility and good speciality options.

• Borealis — roomy, modern two-tier restaurants and plenty of casual or speciality choices.

• Bolette — elegant main dining rooms, friendly casual dining, and a relaxed vibe — ideal for travellers who want comfort, variety and a slightly quieter vibe.

🍴 Final Thoughts

Dining on a Fred. Olsen cruise is about variety, quality and choice. Whether you prefer elegant, sit-down evening meals in the main dining rooms, laid-back buffet lunches, or an indulgent speciality dining night out, Fred. Olsen’s ships deliver on all fronts. With freshly prepared food, experienced chefs, and warm service onboard, mealtime becomes one of the highlights of your cruise.

So whichever ship you sail on — Balmoral, Borealis or Bolette — rest assured you’re in for a treat.

And if you’d like help choosing the right cruise, cabin and dining options, we’re always here to help! Bon voyage and happy dining.

🥂 Book with Ocean World Travel for Exclusive Perks

If you’re considering a cruise with Fred. Olsen, booking through Ocean World Travel means you enjoy exclusive added value you won’t find elsewhere.

When you book with us, you’ll receive:

✨ Exclusive discount on your fare
🍾 FREE bottle of Champagne and Chocolates

And of course, you’ll have access to our friendly, highly experienced cruise specialists who are here to guide, advise and make your booking seamless.

So — whether you’re drawn to the warmth of Balmoral, the modern spaces of Borealis or the elegance of Bolette — your culinary adventure awaits. And with Ocean World Travel, you can make it even more special.

📞 Call us today to start planning your Fred. Olsen escape – 02380 714790
Let’s find your perfect cruise — and your perfect dining moments at sea.