Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ newly refurbished Balmoral has set sail following a multi-million-pound drydock stay, according to a press release.

The ship entered a two-week maintenance at A&P Falmouth shipyard on December 1.

The project included a technical refurbishment of The Neptune Lounge theater, updating cabins and bathrooms, plus a complete refurbishment of the ship’s buffet venue, now named Thistle Restaurant – formerly the Palms Café. The new restaurant features a refreshed layout and seating areas, as well as updated buffet and drinks stations.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This has been an incredibly successful dry dock program, allowing us to not only conduct important maintenance but also make some exciting enhancements for our guests – most notably our beautiful new buffet restaurant.

“The application of antifouling silicone paint to Balmoral’s hull will enable us to use less fuel, and teamed with other improvements we have made, including the upgrading of our propeller and stabilisers, will allow us to sail more efficiently and sustainably, whilst continuing to offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience onboard.

“This is our third schedule of work to be completed by the team at A&P Falmouth, and continues our commitment to using UK shipyards, supporting the local economy and supply chain, and providing valuable experience to the workforce and its apprentices.”

Upgrades also included enhanced WiFi, hull cleaning, silicone paint application and new propellers and bow thrusters.

David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, said: “APCL was delighted to welcome Balmoral back to A&P Falmouth for what is her second refit at the facility.

“APCL is proud of its ongoing relationship with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. This is the fifth dry docking to take place at APCL’s facilities and the knowledge and vital learning from Experience we are developing on each vessel is enabling us to help minimize the downtime of the Fred. Olsen fleet.

“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the UK and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship program. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines over the months and years to come and we send our best wishes to Balmoral, her crew and passengers as they set sail on their next adventure.

The Balmoral’s upcoming sailings include the 13-night “Discovery Spain and North Africa” cruise, departing Southampton on January 5, 2025; the 15-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” trip, departing Southampton on January 18, 2025; and the 13-night “Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands” journey, departing Southampton on February 2, 2025.