Just back from Borealis. The 8 day Scenic Islands with Cowes Week - part 4

[Izzywiz]

Ports

 

The cruise.

We had a day of scenic cruising around the Greenock area of Scotland which was very nice but it was very cool and overcast so we didn’t get the best views.

Liverpool

Scenic Scotland

 

 

 

 

 

Scilly Isles- We had stops in the Scilly Isles, Portland and Portsmouth where passengers were able to leave the ship but only on ship’s tours. Below are the impressions of my excursions.

 

 

 

Tresco Abbey Gardens

 

• passengers are only allowed to leave the ship on tours booked through the ship and must stay in the tour 'bubble'
• My tour was B3 and the meeting time was 10.05 in the theatre.
• Most people adhered to the request to arrive at the theatre only at the time shown in the daily news.
• We could walk down to deck A or take the lift.
• The tender boat, we’re provided by the local people so they were open topped small pleasure boats.
• The ride to Tresco Island took about 15 minutes and we docked at a small jetty.
• There were 2 12 seater golf style buggies to take those of us who preferred not to walk to the Gardens entrance. The driver was very informative about the gardens, the plants, the wildlife and the history of the island.
• The walk to the gardens would probably take around 25 minute and the drive took 5. 
• The gardens have a small visitors' area with a shop, cafe and toilets.
• Once we arrived at the gardens we were allowed to explore on our own!!!
• The gardens were a beautiful mixture of plants and trees from all over the world and it was a lovely place to spend a couple of hours just wandering along the paths. There were several red squirrels scampering around which added atmosphere.
• I spent about 90 minutes exploring the gardens and then had a coffee in the cafe and sat in the sun chatting to 2 delightful ladies.
• I was back on board at 14.15 which was later than planned because the tender boat was in a holding position at sea while other boats were filled from the ship.
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St. Mary's

 

 

 

 

Portland

 

Panoramic Portland - 1.5 hours.

• The tour meeting point was by the coach on the quay side.
• There were 18 of us and the seating was socially distanced.
• We left on time at 10.50 and drove through the town to a viewing point which overlooked Chesil Beach and then harbour. Our guide was very informative and gave us an insight into the history of the area. We had 15 minutes at the viewpoint.
• From there, we drove to Portland Bill which has a very impressive lighthouse and toilets. The guide took us right to the promontory and we had 20 minutes free time.
• We then returned to the ship via a different route so we saw the quaint houses and historic areas.
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Jurassic Coastal walk. MY DH did this and said that it was very strenuous even for the very fit passengers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plymouth.

We didn’t do a tour in Plymouth having already visited all the sights on offer so had a restful day on board the ship.

Cowes.

 Our day anchored off Cowes was to be able to watch the Cowes Regatta yacht racing but, unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan because the sailing was cancelled for most of the day as there wasn’t enough wind!! We did manage to see a little of the racing just before Borealis departed to start the sail back to Liverpool!

 

 

 

[Chanbre]

Thanks for the great review. We were also booked on the cancelled 17 July cruise so it is very interesting to see and learn a little of the ship we missed. We are now hoping that our cruise on Bolette goes ahead later this year.

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review!

[comcox]

Thanks for the review and all the wonderful photos.  My IOM cousin was on the cruise (I was not allowed since I am an American) so all this photos let me imagine going with him.

[July morning]

I tried to reply before but it didn't work!

 

Anyway wanted to thank you for the four part review you posted,  I really enjoyed reading it and viewing your photos also showed it to my husband as we are due to go on Borealis in two weeks ....not that I'm counting 🙂

 

On our information it says one formal night "optional" was it the same on yours and did most people dress formal?  We normally do but with the optional comment was wondering what would be the response.

[Izzywiz]

Thank you for your kind comments.

We had 2 'formal nights' and most people were dressed up although not many ladies wore long dresses and I didn't notice many gentlemen in dinner suits. It seemed to be more 'cocktail' wear and lounge suits. 

Enjoy you trip.

[Britboys]

Thanks for your excellent, balanced review. I think I would like the two new ships but only if they offer some better solo deals.

[July morning]

Thank you for replying to my question.

 

I have been trying on my dresses to take on the cruise and they still fit 😂 I think my husband is going to wear a lounge suit rather than the DJ