Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that its fifth ship will be called Balmoral and will be the first ship of this name to sail under the Fred. Olsen flag. The 34,242-ton vessel is being purchased from Star Cruises and is currently operating for Norwegian Cruise Lines as Norwegian Crown. It will transfer to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in autumn 2007 and begin cruising in January 2008.
Although Scottish by name, on board the décor and design concepts of Balmoral will reflect a British atmosphere in keeping with the other vessels in the fleet. Public room names include Blenheim - a very familiar name to those with long-standing acquaintance with the company, and Ballindalloch named after a stately home set in the heartland of Scotland in the Grampian region.
Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "The choice of the name Balmoral is ideal for this elegant ship - like our fourth ship Boudicca she has been named to reflect our commitment to our British customers."
The Fred. Olsen ship, which will be Bahamas registered, will be joining another vessel of this name operating in UK waters. The British registered M.V. Balmoral, operated by Waverley Excursions Ltd., carries up to 800 passengers, offering daytime tours around the coastline of Britain. The two companies have agreed that their activities are mutually exclusive, and indeed there are positive aspects to the association.
