Fred Olsen’s Balmoral Sets Sail Again After Major Drydock Refurbishment

Fred Olsen’s ship MS Balmoral has recently resumed operations following an extensive two-week, multi-million-pound drydock refurbishment at A&P Falmouth. This significant project, involving over 700 workers, was designed to enhance technical, aesthetic, and sustainability aspects of the vessel.

Key renovations included the transformation of the Palms Cafe into the Thistle Restaurant, which now boasts a revamp in layout, updated seating, and improved buffet and drinks stations. The Neptune Lounge theatre underwent technical upgrades, while some cabins and bathrooms were refreshed. Improvements to WiFi connectivity were also part of the changes, aimed at elevating the overall guest experience.

On the exterior, the maintenance focused on operational efficiency. The underwater hull was high-pressure washed, silicone paint was applied to reduce fuel consumption, and new propellers and bow thrusters were installed. These changes not only enhance the ship’s sustainability and efficiency but also ensure compliance with regulations that mandate dry dock inspections and maintenance every five years.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred Olsen, expressed pride in the refurbishment’s dual focus on maintenance and enhancing guest experience. She highlighted the environmentally friendly benefits of the antifouling silicone paint, which, alongside the propeller upgrades, aims to improve operational efficiency. Stimpson reaffirmed the cruise line’s commitment to bolstering the UK economy by utilizing local shipyards and fostering workforce development through apprenticeships.

David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, commended the strong partnership with Fred Olsen, recognizing the benefits to both operational efficiency and local economic growth.

Following the refurbishment, Balmoral is scheduled to kick off several cruises, starting with a 13-night journey titled ‘Discovery Spain and North Africa’ on January 5th, 2025, priced from £1,199 per person. This will be followed by a 15-night cruise ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ on January 18th, also at £1,199, and a 13-night ‘Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands’ cruise on February 2nd, starting at £1,499. The season will conclude with a 45-night voyage to the ‘Tropical Islands and Verdant Rainforests of the Caribbean and Central America’ on February 15th, with prices beginning at £3,299 per person.

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