Tag Archives: fred olsen cruise

Borealis Docks at Port of Cork to Wrap Up the Cruise Season

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The Borealis from Fred. Olsen was the last cruise ship to call at Port of Cork for the 2022 cruise season last week, capping off a successful restart for the port that saw over 115,000 passengers and 90 vessels visit, according to a press release.

The cruise industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and €14 million to local economies such as Cork annually. This year, 90 cruise ships docked in the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the port.

“We made many strides in rebuilding the sector to pre-pandemic levels and the outlook for 2023 is even more positive – with in excess of 100 vessels scheduled to call to the Port of Cork so far,” said Conor Mowlds, chief commercial officer, Port of Cork Company.

Some COVID precautions and practices were still in place this season, with many ships operating at 75 per cent capacity. Prior to the pandemic, the Port of Cork had planned for 100 cruise ships per year, while in 2022 it received 12 first-time calls, bringing the total number of calls to 81.

“The atmosphere in the town when a ship is in is just electric – not only from the influx of passengers on board visiting Cobh but from the many people who visit from all over the country to see these ships up close. It has been especially beneficial for Cobh tourism and trade,” added Johanna Murphy, president of, the Cobh and Harbour Chamber.

The docking of the MSC Virtuosa, which made its maiden call on September 29, was one of the season’s highlights, as it became the largest vessel to dock in Cork this year.

War Veteran Weston Joins the Balmoral for Falklands Itinerary

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War Veteran Simon Weston CBE will provide his insight as a guest aboard Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral when the ship visits the Falkland Islands as part of its 78-night voyage to South America and the Antarctic in 2023, according to a press release.

Weston, a Patron of the Falkland Veterans Foundation, will make a guest appearance on board for 14 nights, boarding during the Balmoral’s call on Port Stanley and will share his perspective from his time in the Falkland Islands, according to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Weston was severely burned on more than 46 per cent of his body during the Falkland Islands war in 1982. Following the war, he devoted himself to charity work as well as motivational speeches and broadcasts. He is also an ambassador for Changing Faces, as well as a patron of The Enham Trust and Allied Service Trust.

“His experience can add real insight to our guests as Balmoral sails to the Falkland Isles. His story is one of achievement and triumph in the face of adversity, and we know our guests will value learning more about his journey and about the Falklands War,” said Helen Bennett, entertainments and enrichment manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“Simon absolutely loves cruising, seeing new places and meeting new and interesting people onboard. He is passionate about sharing his experiences during the Falklands campaign and life afterwards,” added Weston’s representative at Champions UK plc, Alan Warner.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has removed the requirement for guests to wear a face-covering onboard its vessels.

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It comes as part of a phased relaxation in the line’s Covid-19 protocols. Pre-embarkation testing, as well as the requirement to be fully vaccinated, remain in place.
 
Guests will still be asked to pack a face mask, as some destinations still require their use and crew members will continue to wear the coverings for the time being.
 
Balmoral is the first of Fred Olsen’s fleet to sail without a face mask requirement, having departed Newcastle under the new measures on Wednesday (18 May). The new guidance will apply to Bolette’s next departure from Southampton on 22 May and Borealis’s departure from Liverpool on 25 May.

Peter Deer, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We have been regularly reviewing our onboard procedures, and know this move will be well received among our guests. Of course, we understand that some guests may prefer to continue wearing a face mask as they move around the ship, and this will be entirely at their discretion.
 
“The health and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain our utmost priority, and as such we will be operating a phased reduction in our onboard protocols. These measures help us to ensure our ships remain a safe and enjoyable way to explore the world.”