Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announces revised ‘back in service’ date for new ship Borealis

13^th January 2021

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today announced a revised ‘back in service’ date for new ship Borealis, in light of the latest Government lockdown.

Borealis will still be the first of the fleet to set sail, with her maiden voyage with Fred. Olsen now the seven-night ‘Sailing Around Iconic Ireland’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 22^nd May 2021. Borealis was initially due to set sail on 23^rd April 2021.

Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“When we announced our new ‘back in service’ plans in December, we had every confidence in these new dates based on the information available to us at the time.

“Since then, we have seen a third national lockdown imposed, and this must be taken into consideration for our plans in returning to service.

“Deferring Borealis’ return allows us a little more time to consider and understand the developments around Covid-19, including the roll-out of the vaccine, and how this will reflect how we operate.

“We were also conscious that guests on sailings in April and early May would be due to pay their final balances soon, which is why we have taken this decision now.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming our guests back on board with us in 2021, and I would like to stress that we will not do so until we are confident that the time is right.”

Bolette will be the second of the Fred. Olsen fleet to set sail, and will depart from Dover on 29^th May 2021, followed by Balmoral from Edinburgh (Rosyth) on 9^th June 2021. Due to having an extensive fly-cruise programme, Braemar will remain in lay-up until 2022.

All guests who are booked onto a cancelled sailing will be notified of the changes, and will be provided with a number of options including a no-quibble refund as part of Fred. Olsen’s Plain Sailing Guarantee.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com.