Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral is Back From Dry Dock

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed guests aboard the newly refurbished Balmoral, following an extensive multi-million-pound dry dock project. The cruise line’s smallest ship underwent a significant transformation during a two-week maintenance programme at the A&P Falmouth shipyard, which began on 1st December 2024.

Onboard Enhancements

The renovation focused on enhancing guest experiences and ensuring technical upgrades. Key highlights include:

• Refurbished Neptune Lounge: The ship’s main theatre received a complete technical upgrade.

• Cabins and Bathrooms: Several were renovated to ensure modern comfort.

• Thistle Restaurant: Previously known as the Palms Café, this buffet venue underwent a complete refurbishment. The space now features a new layout, updated seating areas, and modernised buffet and drinks stations, making it the most significant interior project during the dry dock.

Additionally, the ship’s Wi-Fi capabilities were enhanced to provide better connectivity for guests.

Exterior Upgrades

Significant maintenance was also carried out on Balmoral’s exterior. Highlights include:

• Hull Treatment: An ultra-high-pressure water blast of the underwater hull, followed by the application of silicone paint, which will improve fuel efficiency.

• New Propellers and Bow Thrusters: These upgrades will enhance the ship’s manoeuvrability and performance.

This maintenance aligns with regulatory requirements mandating all cruise ships undergo dry docking at least twice every five years.

A Collaborative Effort

The renovation was a large-scale operation involving over 700 individuals, including 350 Fred. Olsen crew members and 30 apprentices from A&P Falmouth.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, expressed pride in the project’s success:

“This dry dock programme allowed us to carry out essential maintenance and exciting enhancements for our guests. The application of antifouling silicone paint and upgrades to our propeller and stabilisers will enable Balmoral to operate more sustainably while ensuring a comfortable onboard experience.”

David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, added:

“We are proud of our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and the economic contribution this project has made to the UK. The upgrades to Balmoral reflect the teamwork and expertise of our workforce and apprentices.”

Upcoming Itineraries

Balmoral’s refreshed appearance will debut during the following cruises:

 13-Night Discovery Spain and North Africa

 Departure: 5th January 2025 from Southampton

 Price: From £1,199 per person

 Highlights: Explore Spanish landmarks, Moroccan souks, and sample authentic tapas.

 Itinerary: Southampton – Cádiz – Gibraltar – Cartagena – Málaga – Ceuta – Tangier – Southampton

15-Night In Search of the Northern Lights

Departure: 18th January 2025 from Southampton

Price: From £1,199 per person

Highlights: Witness Norway’s Arctic landscapes and the magical Aurora Borealis.

Itinerary: Southampton – Ålesund – Narvik – Alta (overnight) – Tromsø – Harstad – Molde – Southampton

13-Night Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands

Departure: 2nd February 2025 from Southampton

Price: From £1,499 per person

Highlights: Explore Madeira’s lush flora, Canary Island volcanoes, and sample local delicacies.

Itinerary: Southampton – Funchal (overnight) – Tenerife – Las Palmas – Arrecife – La Coruña – Southampton

45-Night Tropical Islands and Rainforests of the Caribbean and Central America

Departure: 15th February 2025 from Southampton

Price: From £3,299 per person

Highlights: Discover the Caribbean’s vibrant cultures, lush rainforests, and exotic wildlife.

Itinerary: Southampton – Cádiz – Las Palmas – Tortola – Cartagena – Costa Rica – Cozumel – Bermuda – Southampton

Balmoral’s recent renovations and upcoming itineraries showcase Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ commitment to enhancing guest experiences while promoting sustainable cruising practices.

Booking Information

For more details or to book your Balmoral adventure, visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines or call Reservations on 0800 0355 215 (Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm).