Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd. has announced plans to lengthen and upgrade another of its cruise ships during 2008. Braemar will undergo the work during its dry dock period scheduled for May and June next year.

The work will be carried out by Blohm + Voss Repair GmbH Hamburg which will be handling a similar project on the company’s latest acquisition, Balmoral, (formerly the Crown Odyssey) later this year.

The project involves adding a 102-foot extension in the mid-section of the ship, and extending the fore and aft sections on deck 8. This work will increase the amount of premium accommodation by providing more cabins and suites with balconies and will increase the capacity of the ship from 727 to 977 (an additional 250 passengers). Extra public space includes a bar designed on the concept of a British pub.

In addition to further balcony suites, the new deck 8 space will accommodate a new restaurant along with an Observatory Lounge similar to those found on other Fred. Olsen ships. There will also be a large amount of extra deck space, and a second swimming pool, which will also have an area for children to play safely.

Mike Rodwell, Managing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This project to lengthen Braemar has been on the drawing board for several months, and I am delighted that we are now able to announce it will be going ahead. There will be no disruption to schedules as we had pencilled in this period in our 2008 itinerary planning in anticipation that this work would be carried out.” He continued: “Fred. Olsen intends to maintain its strong position in the cruise market and this additional capacity will allow us to grow our