Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has cancelled the next scheduled departure of its new ship Borealis this weekend due to “a technical issue”.
The 1,360-passenger vessel, which is sailing at reduced capacity in line with government guidelines, is currently in Portsmouth.
Borealis was acquired by Fred Olsen from Holland America Line in a deal confirmed last year and succesfully completed its maiden voyage for its new owner last week.
Passengers due to embark the ship ahead of the five-night Scenic Orkney & Faroes’ cruise from Liverpool are being offered the chance to rebook on another 2021 cruise of up to eight nights or receive a full refund.
The line confirmed the ship (pictured in Liverpool) will remain in Portsmouth until remedial work is completed, adding that transport to take Borealis’ passengers back to Liverpool had been arranged.
More: New Fred Olsen ship completes maiden voyage
New Fred Olsen ship Borealis joins rest of fleet in Scotland
Peter Deer, managing director, said: “Borealis is currently in Portsmouth, where the ship is experiencing a technical issue.
“We recently upgraded our onboard technology, and although in our sea trials this worked perfectly, we have since identified a potential issue, which we are working hard to resolve.
“The ship will need to remain in Portsmouth while this work takes place. As a result, we have taken the difficult but unavoidable decision to cancel Borealis’ next sailing, the five-night ‘Scenic Orkney & Faroes’ cruise.
“All guests, both on board and those due to sail on the affected cruise, are being provided with regular updates on the situation.”