As major cruise lines have already announced an extended suspension on operations there is one cruise line in the UK which is keeping its return open.
Fred Olsen Extends Pause on Cruises
The British-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has announced an extension on its pause of cruise operations beyond the original date of May 23, 2020 which was announced on March 13. This comes due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic around the world including in the UK.
Unlike many other cruise lines, Fred Olsen has not announced a date when cruises are set to resume. The cruise line is keeping the date open and following guidance from health authorities such as Public Health England on when to commence cruises again.
Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“At this stage I am not able to confirm a date when we can expect to resume normal operations, as what I don’t want to do is set an expectation and not be able to deliver what we promise.”
“What I can say is that we are keeping a very close eye on the latest guidance from the relevant authorities, including the UK Government and Public Health England, as well as overseas policies.”
“We are very clear on our position that we will not resume cruising until we know that it is safe for us to do so. The safety of our guests and crew is always our utmost priority, and this is especially true now. All guests on affected cruises will be notified with at least 30 days’ notice before their cruise was due to depart.”
“It is regrettable that we won’t be welcoming guests back on board at the end of May as we had initially hoped, but we can’t wait to start sailing again as soon as the world is ready for us to do so.”
Fred Olsen will be providing 30 days notice prior to scheduled departure dates and contacting those impacted guests. Voyages are being assessed starting from May 23 in order.
Also Read: When Will Each Cruise Line Resume Sailings Again?
At the moment the fleet remains on hold with Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca, and Black Watch all remaining outside the Port of Rosyth in Scotland’s Firth of Forth. The first five river sailings of Brabant have also been cancelled.
Photo Via: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
