Florida first for Fred Olsen in 2008
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is to operate from Florida for the first time when fifth ship Balmoral enters service in 2008.
The ship – currently operating as Norwegian Crown for Norwegian Cruise Line – is due to arrive in Dover on January 23, 2008 following refurbishment.
The inaugural sailing will be on January 30 on a 14-night Canary Islands itinerary. Balmoral will then cross the Atlantic to begin a series of 10 and 11-night Caribbean fly-cruises from Florida between February and April.
The ship then returns to Europe and will be based at Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, during May and June 2008 for a series of Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises.
The vessel returns to Dover with an 11-night itinerary from Venice on June 11, 2008.
General sales manager Lol Nichols said: “The opportunities offered by a fifth ship joining the fleet are tremendous.
“This will be the first time we have operated a season of Caribbean cruises based in Florida, a very popular option, and the cruises from Rome also offer a new and interesting departure.
“The extra capacity created by Balmoral – a slightly larger ship than those in the existing fleet – opens up many opportunities for exciting new itineraries, new home ports and allows us to extend further our offerings from regional ports around the UK.“
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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