Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines has announced four winter cruise cancellations after bookings did not reach their expected levels at a time of spiralling fuel costs.
In addition, ‘Bolette’s’ (pictured) winter schedule has been moved from Tilbury to Dover and Southampton.
Affected guests have been contacted and ‘Bolette’ is scheduled to return to service on 21st December for a Christmas sailing to Norway.
Fred.Olsen’s ‘Balmoral’ also suffered propeller problems, which necessitated a short drydocking. She was due to resume cruising from Southampton on 11th September.
Managing director, Peter Deer apologised in a letter to customers saying cancelling cruises was “never a decision we take lightly.”
“Winter is always a quieter period for cruising and this year the low number of sailings did not reach the number of guests we had hoped for, at a time when fuel costs are particularly high for all of us,” he explained.
Deere also said that Fred.Olsen would use ‘Bolette’s’ extra idle time to advance technical work ahead of a short drydocking already planned for next year.
“We are very grateful for the support of our trading partners in finding the best solution for our mutual guests and we respect the agents’ commissions on these cruises,” Deere added.
