Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is set to welcome two new vessels to its fleet from September 2020. The UK cruise line will receive two former Holland America Line vessels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Built in 1997 and 2000, they will be renamed Bolette and Borealis and each have an approximate capacity of 1,400 guests.
The new additions will also require two current ships to leave the fleet, although details of which ships were not disclosed.
The company press release said: “This acquisition forms part of an optimization of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet composition and with a high yielding cabin mix and large public spaces, these vessels will enhance Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ earnings capabilities once operations can safely resume. Delivery is expected to take place in the UK during September 2020.
“Considering divestment of two vessels within the current fleet, such optimization of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet composition will imply Bonheur itself contributing approx. GBP 7 million in financing to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.”
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.”
As to when to resume cruise operations, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will continue to take advice and follow guidelines from relevant authorities, including the UK Government and Public Health England as well as overseas policies.
By optimizing its fleet and operations, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is positioning itself to emerge from the current cruise pause in a stronger and more resilient position.
Fred Olsen’s current four ships remain laid up in Rosyth, Scotland. Bolette and Borealis will join them in September following rebranding work.