Fred. Olsen bids bon voyage to Boudicca and Black Watch

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed it will retire its ships Boudicca and Black Watch, with itineraries transfered to new additions Bolette and Borealis.

The two new ships will take over existing itineraries for Boudicca and Black Watch, when Fred. Olsen resumes operations again next year, meaning Boudicca and Black Watch won’t sail again with the company..

When Bolette and Borealis join the fleet, Fred. Olsen’s overall capacity will increase by 30%. Both vessels carry under 1,400 guests and have new and larger public areas, whilst remaining true to Fred. Olsen’s small ship experience.

Guests who had cruises booked on Boudicca and Black Watch will be among the first to sail on the new ships, with their bookings being automatically transferred onto either Bolette or Borealis. Additional cabins will go on sale in early September.

Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "I am pleased to say we are now at the stage of finalising our back in the water plans and we are very excited to be doing this with two new vessels within our fleet.

"While we are still looking at a number of options for Boudicca and Black Watch, what we do know is that they won’t resume sailing with us when we do start to cruise again.

"We know that these ships are much loved among our guests, as indeed they are by us, but it is time to evolve and look ahead to a long and bright future for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

"We will soon be revealing more details on our plans to resume sailing again, but in the meantime we hope many of you will join us on our virtual farewell cruises to see our two ships off in style."

As part of Fred. Olsen’s virtual cruise programme, the company will be holding virtual farewell sailings for both Boudicca and Black Watch on Facebook, with guests and crew invited to share their favourite photographs and memories of the two ships.

The virtual cruises will be held for two weeks starting on Monday, 24 August.