Fred. Olsen Cruise Line annual passenger capacity is expected to surpass the 100,000 mark in 2008 – compared to roughly 70,000 this year, with the addition of the 1988-built, 1,050-passenger Balmoral (ex-Norwegian Crown, Crown Odyssey), and the lengthening and refitting of the Braemar ( ex-Crown Dynasty). However, in 2010, that number will dip a little as the Black Prince is slated to retire, said Nigel Lingard, director of marketing.

Blohm + Voss Repair will be doing the work on the Braemar from May through June 2008. The $120 million project will involve adding a 102-foot extension in the midsection of the 1992-built, 750- passenger, 19,089-ton ship, and extending the forward and aft sections on Deck 8.

The lengthening will provide more cabins and suites with balconies (increasing the ship’s capacity to 977).