Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines revealed plans to
lengthen a second cruise ship in 2008. The Braemar, a 727-passenger
vessel, will be given a 102-foot extension to its mid-section,
along with extended fore and aft sections on Deck 8, the British
line said.
The project is
similar to one that will stretch the line's latest acquisition, the
Balmoral, which is currently operated by Norwegian Cruise Line as
the Norwegian Crown. The Balmoral will transfer to Fred. Olsen in
November.
Fred. Olsen said
that there will be no disruption to its cruise schedule as it had
scheduled its 2008 itineraries in anticipation of the work being
carried out.
"This project to
lengthen the Braemar has been on the drawing board for several
months," said Mike Rodwell, managing director for Fred. Olsen, in a
statement. "Fred. Olsen intends to maintain its strong position in
the cruise market and this additional capacity will allow us to
grow our market in keeping with the increasing demand for cruise
holidays."
The Braemar will
enter dry-dock sometime during May or June 2008 at Blohm + Voss
shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. The extension will increase the
capacity of the ship by 250 passengers, from 727 to 977, the line
said. The added accommodations will include more cabins and suites
with balconies.
The extra public
space will include a second swimming pool with a children's play
area and a bar designed like a British pub. Beyond balcony suites,
the Deck 8 space will accommodate a new restaurant and an
Observatory Lounge like the ones found on other Fred. Olsen
ships.
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