Fred. Olsen buys two new cruise ships despite coronavirus

Fred. Oslen has purchased two new vessles despite the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: Borealis Picture: FRED OLSEN (Image: FRED OLSEN)

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines purchased the two vessels, which will be named Bolette and Borealis, from the Holland America Line.

The ships, which previously carried 1,380 and 1,404 guests, are hoped to modernise and increase the capacity of the Fred. Olsen fleet.

They will enter the fleet later this year once they have been rebranded.

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Fred. Olsen Junior, chairman of the cruise line, 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 while 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.

“This increase in our capacity demonstrates our confidence in the future. With over 170 years of seafaring history, we have sailed through many difficult periods. With these new additions to the fleet, we will come out of this current situation stronger than ever, ready to deliver the award-winning itineraries that we are famous for.”

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Peter Beer, managiing director Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This is an exciting chapter in the history of our company, and I know that our loyal and returning guests will be looking forward to exploring our new ships as soon as they can.

“Of course, we also hope to attract new guests to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and we look forward to demonstrating the exceptional service that makes us the best UK cruise line for repeat business.”

Fred. Olsen’s current ocean ships are anchored in Scotland – where the new ships will join them.