It has been announced that the two of the sold Holland America cruise ships will be heading to British-based Fred Olsen Cruises.
Fred Olsen Buys Two Holland America Cruise Ships
It has been announced by Fred Olsen Cruises that two ships have been purchased from Holland America Line. We already know Holland America Line has sold four vessels which we posted yesterday. MS Amsterdam and MS Rotterdam will be the ships heading to Fred Olsen and will be renamed as Bolette and Borealis.
Fred. Olsen Junior, Chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“I am delighted to be announcing this news today. We have chosen these vessels as they will fit seamlessly into our existing fleet of small ships, each carrying under 1,500 guests, bringing with them new and larger public areas whilst not compromising on our small ship experience.
“The naming of the vessels is important to us. Bolette and Borealis are both names of ships we have had in years gone by.
“This increase in our capacity demonstrates our confidence in the future. With over 170 years of seafaring history, we have sailed through many difficult periods. With these new additions to the fleet, we will come out of this current situation stronger than ever, ready to deliver the award-winning itineraries that we are famous for.”
Both ships can carry a combined guest capacity of 2,784 which will help grow the fleet and strengthen the Fred Olsen Cruises brand. Bolette and Borealis will join the cruise line later in 2020 and before then, the ships will be refurbished and rebranded.
Cruise Hive readers can watch the announcment video by the Fred Olsen Chairman:
Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“This is an exciting chapter in the history of our company, and I know that our loyal and returning guests will be looking forward to exploring our new ships as soon as they can.
“Of course, we also hope to attract new guests to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and we look forward to demonstrating the exceptional service that makes us the best UK cruise line for repeat business.”
The ships will join the 1,325-guest Balmoral, 924-guest Braemar, 853-guest Boudicca, and 799-guest Black Watch which are all currently located Babcock’s Rosyth facilities in Scotland. The fleet is there due to the current suspension on operations.
Also Read: Which Cruise Ships are Being Scrapped or Sold Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The cruise line is currently working on new health measures to keep guests and crew safe for when cruises resume. No return date has yet been announced as it depends on UK health authorities and travel restrictions.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock.com
