Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ newly refurbished Balmoral, has recently hit the seas following a multi-million-pound dry dock in Falmouth, UK.

The cruise line’s oldest and smallest ship, Balmoral, entered the shipyard at A&P Falmouth, Cornwall on 1st December for a two-week programme of maintenance.

On-board, the work has included a technical refurbishment of The Neptune Lounge theatre, the renovation of a number cabins and bathrooms, plus a complete refurbishment of the ship’s buffet venue, now named Thistle Restaurant – formerly the Palms Café. The new restaurant boasts a new layout, refreshed seating areas and updated buffet and drinks stations, and has been the biggest internal project.

Work has also been completed to enhance the ship’s WiFi capabilities.

The Neptune Lounge, which hosts comedians, magicians, and singers is fitted with a low rise stage and amphitheatre seating
The Neptune Lounge, the main entertainment space onboard has undergone a technical refurbishment

Extensive maintenance has also been completed on exterior areas, including an ultra-high pressure water blast of the underwater hull, application of silicone paint to improve fuel efficiency and installation of new propellers and bow thrusters.

This has been an incredibly successful dry dock programme, allowing us to not only conduct important maintenance but also make some exciting enhancements for our guests – most notably our beautiful new buffet restaurant.

The application of antifouling silicone paint to Balmoral’s hull will enable us to use less fuel, and teamed with other improvements we have made, including the upgrading of our propeller and stabilisers, will allow us to sail more efficiently and sustainably, whilst continuing to offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience on-board.

This is our third schedule of work to be completed by the team at A&P Falmouth, and continues our commitment to using UK shipyards, supporting the local economy and supply chain, and providing valuable experience to the workforce and it’s apprentices. Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

It is a requirement for all cruise ships to enter a dry dock at least twice every five years, so that inspections and maintenance can be carried out to parts of the ship that are usually beneath the water. The Balmoral most recently docking at the Falmouth shipyard in May 2022.

A workforce of more than 700 people helped to complete the busy programme, including 350 Fred. Olsen crew, and 30 apprentices at A&P Falmouth.

Refurnished and rebranded, The Thistle Restaurant is the ship's buffet dining venue with booth seating, and check-tiled flooring
The fully refurbished and newly branded Thistle Restaurant

APCL was delighted to welcome Balmoral back to A&P Falmouth for what is her second refit at the facility, and we’re proud of our ongoing relationship with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. This is the fifth dry docking to take place at APCL’s facilities and the knowledge and vital learning from Experience we are developing on each vessel is enabling us to help minimise the downtime of the Fred. Olsen fleet.

Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the UK and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines over the months and years to come and we send our best wishes to Balmoral, her crew and passengers as they set sail on their next adventure. David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group

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