Fred. Olsen’s cruise ships ‘Braemar’, ‘Balmoral’ and ‘Black Watch’ will be drydocked at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, Germany this winter.
The multi-million-pound refit is part of an extensive enhancement programme in preparation for the start of the 2020/21 cruise season.
During the refits, several new public areas will be created and cabins enhanced.
Fred. Olsen said that it had a long-established partnership with Blohm+Voss, spanning nearly 50 years and several generations.
Peter Deer, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ managing director, said: “We are very proud of our smaller, classic cruise ships and we recognise the importance of investing in ongoing upgrades to ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy them at their very best.
“Our refreshed and renewed fleet has been very well-received by both new and existing guests following the last round of improvements at Blohm+Voss in 2017 and 2018, and we are keen to showcase the latest enhancements to our guests before Christmas…the ideal surroundings in which to enjoy the festive season!” he said.
As well as extensive refurbishment of the accommodation on board both ‘Braemar’ and ‘Balmoral’, a number of cabins on ‘Black Watch’ will be undergoing bathroom upgrades.
Main Deck 6 on ‘Balmoral’ will be seeing a number of enhancements. A brand new ‘Oriental Room’ will be created in the forward area, where exotic teas and Far Eastern-themed cocktails and drinks will be served. A new ‘Photo Gallery’ will be added mid-ship portside, and a new ‘Flower Shop’ will be installed mid-ship starboard side, where guests can choose from a selection of seasonal and year-round flowers to create a personalised bouquet, or select one of the expertly-crafted, ready-made arrangements.
The 929-pax ‘Braemar’ entered Blohm+Voss on 14th November 2019, and will be embarking on a nine-night ‘French, Belgian & Spanish City Overnights’ cruise from Southampton, UK on 24th November, 2019.
The 1,350 pax ‘Balmoral’ will be entering the yard on 10th December, 2019, and will depart on a two-night ‘French Escape’ mini-break from Southampton, UK on 20th December, 2019, calling at Honfleur.
Finally, the 804-pax ‘Black Watch’ will also enter drydock on 11th December, 2019, after which it will host a one-night ‘Christmas Party Night’ alongside in Southampton, UK on 21st December, 2019.
The fourth ship in the Fred. Olsen ocean fleet, the 880 pax ‘Boudicca’, will receive her refit in Autumn 2020, having undergone a transformation at Blohm+Voss in Spring, 2018.
