Ipswich cruise line firm celebrates 170th anniversary with festive fleet gathering in Cádiz

An Ipswich-based cruise line firm is planning a fleet get-together at the port of Cádiz in Spain to celebrate its 170th year.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ long-awaited ‘Captains in Cádiz’ fleet get-together brings together all four of its ocean cruise ships, Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch, for only the second time - the first was in Bergen, Norway, in 2015.

This year is the 170th anniversary of Fred. Olsen’s establishment as a shipping company and the event has been named ‘Captains in Cádiz’, as a number of its ships’ captains will be taking part.

The firm is working closely with the Cádiz Port Authority and tourism partners to lay on a fiesta along the quayside and city on September 10.

Director of product and customer service Clare Ward said: “We will be treating the 4,000 guests across the Fred. Olsen fleet to an action-packed programme of festivities and events during the day.”

José Luis Blanco, president of the Port Authority of Cádiz Bay, thanked the firm for choosing Cádiz for the event.

“It is an important opportunity for the Port and Cádiz to show our competitive and attractive global position,” he said.

“We will ensure we give an excellent impression of our port, city and province of Cádiz.”