Fred Olsen’s classic cruise ship Balmoral undergoes life-extending refurbishment

The Fred Olsen cruise liner Balmoral is currently in drydock at the A&P Shipyard in Falmouth, England, for both technical maintenance and an extensive refurbishment that will extend her service life for many years to come.

The 1988-built ship will recieve a digital photo gallery, replacing the vessel’s current outdated photo walls, as well as new central computer systems in the Neptune Lounge to control audio and lighting. A new set of LED walls will also be added.

Wi-Fi coverage and access points are being upgraded, allowing guests to have better access to the internet when on balconies and out on open decks, while many public areas of the vessel will have soft furnishings and carpets upgraded or replaced.

“We are proud to be working with APCL on our fifth drydock contract,” said Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “Working with a UK yard means that together we are feeding directly back into the local economy, while also providing invaluable experience to A&Ps many apprentices.”

“These programmes are vital, allowing us to complete essential maintenance to our wonderful smaller ship Balmoral, while also making a number of enhancements for our guests, and we look forward to completion of another busy and successful drydock,” she added.

On the technical side, Balmoral’s lifeboats are being serviced for general maintenance and upgrades, while her fuel, ballast, portable water and grey water tanks will be emptied, cleaned, inspected and recertified.

A new coat of silicon-based antifouling paint is also being applied to the ship’s hull, and a new propeller that features an optimised design to improve energy efficiency and minimize emissions will be installed.

Balmoral’s main engines are being overhauled to ensure optimal performance, while any steel that is showing signs of corrosion will be replaced.

When she emerges from the refit and refurbishment, Balmoral will sail a six-night cruise to Northern Europe on December 16th, 2024, sailing roundtrip from Southampton.

The European River Cities & Christmas Markets itinerary features visits to destinations in France and Belgium, including Rouen and Antwerp.

Originally built for Royal Cruise Line at the Meyer Werft shipyard, the Balmoral was acquired by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2007, and was lengthened at the Blohm + Voss shipyard, receiving a new 30-meter midsection.