News
GTOs react to new ‘tourist tax’ for day trippers to Venice
Group travel organisers have had their say on a new entry fee for Venice which aims to curb over-tourism.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed it will retire two cruise ships, Boudicca and Black Watch, as it prepares to welcome two new additions to its fleet for its ‘back in the water’ plans.
The cruise line has revealed that the two new ships, Bolette and Borealis, will take over the existing itineraries currently sailed by Boudicca and Black Watch, when the operator hopes to restart cruising next year.
Both vessels carry under 1,400 guests and have new and larger public areas; they’ll increase Fred. Olsen’s overall capacity by about 30%.
The company’s ‘back in the water’ plan aims to have Balmoral and the two new cruise ships back on the ocean early next year.
Peter Deer, managing director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “I am pleased to say we are now at the stage of finalising our ‘back in the water’ plans and we are very excited to be doing this with two new vessels within our fleet.
“While we are still looking at a number of options for Boudicca and Black Watch, what we do know is that they won’t resume sailing with us when we do start to cruise again.”
“We know that these ships are much loved among our guests, as indeed they are by us, but it is time to evolve and look ahead to a long and bright future for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.”
Peter Deer, managing director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“We will soon be revealing more details on our plans to resume sailing again, but in the meantime we hope many of you will join us on our virtual farewell cruises to see our two ships off in style.”
Customers who had cruises booked with Boudicca and Black Watch will be among the first to sail on the new ships, with their bookings being automatically transferred onto either Bolette or Borealis.
Customers are being advised by the cruise line that they will be contacted with final details in due course.
Fred. Olsen Junior, chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, added: “We have really missed taking our guests on their holidays this year. Without our guests, there is no vibrancy, no life and no fun on board our ships, and we can’t wait to be able to offer them the award-winning cruises for which we are renowned once again.”
Fred. Olsen is also holding virtual farewell sailings for both Boudicca and Black Watch on its Facebook page here, with guests and crew invited to share their favourite photographs and memories of the two ships.
For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the new ships or to book online, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/newships.
