Fred. Olsen Cruise Strains’ newly refurbished Balmoral has set sail following a multi-million-pound drydock keep, based on a press launch.
The ship entered a two-week upkeep at A&P Falmouth shipyard on December 1.
The challenge included a technical refurbishment of The Neptune Lounge theater, updating cabins and bogs, plus an entire refurbishment of the ship’s buffet venue, now named Thistle Restaurant – previously the Palms Café. The brand new restaurant incorporates a refreshed format and seating areas, in addition to up to date buffet and drinks stations.
Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Strains, stated: “This has been an extremely profitable dry dock program, permitting us to not solely conduct vital upkeep but in addition make some thrilling enhancements for our friends – most notably our stunning new buffet restaurant.
“The appliance of antifouling silicone paint to Balmoral’s hull will allow us to make use of much less gas, and teamed with different enhancements now we have made, together with the upgrading of our propeller and stabilisers, will permit us to sail extra effectively and sustainably, while persevering with to supply a snug and pleasing expertise onboard.
“That is our third schedule of labor to be accomplished by the crew at A&P Falmouth, and continues our dedication to utilizing UK shipyards, supporting the native economic system and provide chain, and offering beneficial expertise to the workforce and its apprentices.”
Upgrades additionally included enhanced WiFi, hull cleansing, silicone paint utility and new propellers and bow thrusters.
David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, stated: “APCL was delighted to welcome Balmoral again to A&P Falmouth for what’s her second refit on the facility.
“APCL is happy with its ongoing relationship with Fred. Olsen Cruise Strains. That is the fifth dry docking to happen at APCL’s services and the data and very important studying from Expertise we’re growing on every vessel is enabling us to assist reduce the downtime of the Fred. Olsen fleet.
“Contracts reminiscent of these make a big financial contribution to the prosperity of the UK and helps to assist our workforce and apprenticeship program. We stay up for persevering with our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Strains over the months and years to return and we ship our greatest needs to Balmoral, her crew and passengers as they set sail on their subsequent journey.
The Balmoral’s upcoming sailings embody the 13-night “Discovery Spain and North Africa” cruise, departing Southampton on January 5, 2025; the 15-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” journey, departing Southampton on January 18, 2025; and the 13-night “Winter Heat within the Canary Islands” journey, departing Southampton on February 2, 2025.
