Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has taken possession of its fifth ship, ‘Norwegian Crown,’ which was redelivered under the terms of the charter agreement by Star Cruises in New York on Monday, November 5, 2007.

The vessel, which will eventually be renamed Balmoral, will sail across the Atlantic to Blohm + Voss Repair GmbH Hamburg where it will undergo an extensive refit and refurbishment.  It is expected to arrive in Hamburg in 10 days time.

The major work to be done is the insertion of a 98-foot midsection which has already been constructed and is now in Hamburg awaiting the arrival of the ship.  Public areas will all be redesigned, and alterations in cabin accommodation include the addition of balconies on several cabins and suites to bring it in line with the company’s other ships:  Black Watch, Braemar and Boudicca.

Balmoral will sail on her inaugural cruise from Dover January 30, 2008 on a 14- night cruise to the Canary Islands. Her inaugural cruise from Miami will be a 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departing March 3.