Fred. Olsen to Homeport Flagship Balmoral in Newcastle

The UK-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has chosen the Port of Tyne  as the home port of its newest and largest ship – the 1,350 guest capacity Balmoral – from May to August 2016.

In 2016/17, Balmoral will sail as the fleet’s flagship from its new home port near Newcastle for the first time, with a record 11 departures, representing a 45% increase in capacity from the Port of Tyne. Balmoral’s cruise season from Newcastle will commence on May 21, 2016.

Fred. Olsen’s 880-guest capacity ‘Boudicca’ yesterday opened another cruise season for Fred. Olsen at the Port of Tyne.

“The Port of Tyne’s cruise operations continue to grow and it is great news that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are expanding their itineraries and basing their flagship at the Port from next year,” said Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Tyne.

“Fred. Olsen is one of many leading cruise lines operating from the Port of Tyne and in 2015 the Port has 27 cruise calls planned during the year, and 2016 promises to be a record year for cruise calls.”