Fresco – Fred Olsen Cruises – Borealis
Submitted by: Simon Dawkins
Lead Designer: Dan Leach
Studio: Intrepid
Outfitter: SD Marine
Shipyard:
Completion Date: 23/12/2025
SD Marine Interiors, in collaboration with Intrepid, created something fundamentally different for Fred Olsen Cruise Line. Fresco takes wellness outside, makes it experiential, connects it with the sea and, most importantly, makes it available to every guest without paying a premium.
A Pediluvio is traditionally situated within a ship’s spa, servicing a small number of paying guests. Fred Olsen Cruise Line wanted to challenge this model and create a spa experience that all guests could enjoy. From this idea, Intrepid was tasked with designing a new experience within the existing space.
From Intrepid’s concept, SD Marine Interiors created a 25-metre-long walkway featuring different gradients of stone, over which guests walk while their feet are sprayed with alternating hot and cold water. This unique hydrotherapy experience stimulates blood circulation, reduces leg swelling through thermal shock, relieves muscle tension and engages foot reflexology points to promote deep relaxation and vitality.
The entire aft section of Deck 8 was rebuilt to create Fresco, with the Pediluvio at its heart. The aim was not simply to create a wellness installation, but to make wellness part of a wider, welcoming destination. The space combines this central wellness experience with new al fresco casual dining, additional lounge areas and a feature performance area centred around the mist ring sculpture. This allows guests to use and enjoy the space throughout the day, whether they are seeking relaxation, socialising or simply time outdoors overlooking the sea.
The mist ring itself was inspired by the circle within the Fred. Olsen brand identity and adds another layer to the wellness experience. Its cooling mist provides a refreshing sensory element on hot days, while its presence creates a distinctive focal point within the space.
Delivering this concept presented significant technical challenges. Creating an open-deck hydrotherapy installation capable of withstanding both freezing and hot environments, while also complying with a variety of regulations, required careful design, engineering and installation. These challenges were successfully overcome to deliver a unique wellness experience not seen elsewhere at sea.
Fresco demonstrates that wellness at sea does not have to be exclusive, enclosed or an additional-cost experience. It can be open, social, experiential and offered to all.
