Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ smallest ship Balmoral has emerged from a multi-million pound refit in time for Christmas.
Work over two weeks at a shipyard in Falmouth in Cornwall included complete refurbishment of the ship’s Palms Cafe buffet, now named Thistle Restaurant, the renovation of a number cabins and bathrooms, and a technical revamp of The Neptune Lounge theatre.
The 1,340-passenger ship’s Wi-Fi capabilities have also been enhanced.
Extensive maintenance on exterior areas, included an ultra-high pressure water blast of the underwater hull, application of silicone paint to improve fuel efficiency and installation of new propellers and bow thrusters.
It is a requirement for all cruise ships to enter a dry dock at least twice every five years, so that inspections and maintenance can be carried out to parts of the ship that are usually beneath the water, according to the line.
A workforce of more than 700 people helped to complete the programme, including 350 Fred Olsen crew, and 30 apprentices at the A&P Falmouth yard.
The ship’s next sailings include a 13-night Spain and North Africa itinerary departing from Southampton on January 5.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines chief executive Samantha Stimpson, CEO of said: “This has been an incredibly successful dry dock programme, allowing us to not only conduct important maintenance but also make some exciting enhancements for our guests – most notably our beautiful new buffet restaurant.
“The application of antifouling silicone paint to Balmoral’s hull will enable us to use less fuel, and teamed with other improvements we have made, including the upgrading of our propeller and stabilisers, will allow us to sail more efficiently and sustainably, whilst continuing to offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience on-board.
“This is our third schedule of work to be completed by the team at A&P Falmouth, and continues our commitment to using UK shipyards, supporting the local economy and supply chain, and providing valuable experience to the workforce and it’s apprentices.”
David McGinley, chief executive of shipyard owner of APCL Group, added: “APCL was delighted to welcome Balmoral back to A&P Falmouth for what is her second refit at the facility.
“This is the fifth dry docking to take place at APCL’s facilities and the knowledge and vital learning from experience we are developing on each vessel is enabling us to help minimise the downtime of the Fred Olsen fleet.
“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the UK and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme.”