Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operates a fleet of four cruise ships to destinations in Northern Europe. the Baltic. the Mediterranean. the Adriatic. the Canary Islands. the Caribbean. Africa. Canada. the United States and South America. The company operates smaller scale cruise ships, ranging in size from 11,000 to 43,000 grt (approx). The ambience on board is traditionally British.
In May 2006 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announced the purchase of a new vessel, Norwegian Crown. from Norwegian Cruise Line. Following delivery of the vessel in November 2007, she was dry-docked for refurbishment and lengthening, with a pre-built 40 metre centre section added. She was renamed Balmoral and entered service early in 2008. This was followed by the extension of Braemar in summer 2008. A new centre section was added, with new cabins and public rooms, increasing the size from 19,000 grt to 24,000 grt (approx).
In January 2008 it was reported that the company was considering ordering a newbuild of unspecified dimensions from a Korean shipyard. [ 1 ] If realised, the ship will be the first ever newbuild ordered for Fred. Olsen's cruise operations.