In stark contrast to Australia, where cruising remains banned with no path forward, over in the UK, Fred Olsen Cruises restarted sailing on 5 July with its new ship Borealis departing on her maiden voyage from Liverpool.
It is the first time that the 1,360-guest ex-Holland America Line ship will sail with Fred Olsen and marks the launch of the line’s Welcome Back programme of UK summer sailings, with Borealis initially sailing at 50% capacity.
Borealis will sail exclusively from Liverpool for 2021 and will debut with scenic-only sailings around the UK before introducing ports of call later into July and August, with Borealis launching a number of new venues and facilities to the fleet, including a grand, two-tier theatre and main restaurant, an all-weather pool with retractable roof, a large spa and thermal suite and new venue offering culinary demonstrations and more.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines MD Peter Deer said, “Today is a truly momentous day for us, as not only are we setting sail again after 16 months, but we are doing so with the first of two wonderful new ships,” adding, “Our crew on board have been working incredibly hard to get Borealis ready to sail, and our guests can enjoy many brand new venues including The Crow’s Nest and the Piano Bar, and those familiar Fred Olsen touches, such as the Morning Light Pub, and our famous ‘doodle’ carpet, designed to be bright and cheerful.”
He added, “I must extend my personal thanks to each and every member of our wonderful crew, our shoreside team and our trade partners for their hard work, dedication, passion and commitment, and to our guests, both new and returning, for the support, patience and loyalty they showed as we prepared for our return”.
He also said, “This voyage setting sail today is the beginning of a bright new future for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines with two remarkable new ships among the fleet”, adding, “Here’s to many, many years of happy sailing ahead.”
A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor Global Travel Media and Global Cruise News.
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