Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines celebrated 20 years of sailing from Newcastle on August 19 with a special program of entertainment for guests joining the Balmoral at the Port of Tyne. 

Guests were welcomed by a quayside performance from Northeastern band Four Worried Men, while local piper Andrew Lawrenson played as they boarded the ship.  

The event culminated in a sailaway celebration on the ship’s deck, with the ship departing the Port of Tyne to a water cannon salute. 

Samantha Stimpson, CEO at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20 years of sailing from the Port of Tyne and bringing cruising closer to home for our guests across the North East. 

“Newcastle remains a key part of our regional cruise program, and we’re excited to be building on our strong partnership with the Port of Tyne as we look ahead to our biggest-ever program of sailings from the city in 2027.” 

Since launching its inaugural program of sailings from Newcastle in 2006, the company has welcomed more than 180,000 guests aboard its fleet, sailing from the city to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean. 

Craig Morton, Commercial Director at the Port of Tyne, added: “Cruise is hugely important to both the port and the wider region, supporting inbound and outbound tourism, bringing significant economic benefits, and helping showcase the North East to visitors from across the UK and beyond. It is a sector where we see strong opportunities for future growth, and one we are committed to developing further.”

Following what the cruise line describes as a successful winter and spring season, three cruises departing from Newcastle remain this year, with two already sold out.

Limited availability remains on the final sailing, a 14-night European Cities & Scenic Rivers cruise departing in September, featuring waterways, historic cities and regional food and wine experiences across France and Belgium.

With a further 21,000 guests already booked on future sailings from the Port of Tyne, Fred. Olsen is looking ahead to its biggest-ever program of cruises from Newcastle, with 27 sailings scheduled for 2027.