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Fred.Olsen’s smallest ship Balmoral recently entered dry dock for some exciting updates. I was invited to visit in Falmouth for a behind-the-scenes dry dock experience and to get an exclusive glimpse at some of her newly refurbished public spaces. Plus, I even got to walk beneath the ship in the dock bottom to see some of the work being carried out below the waterline.
Fred. Olsen Balmoral at a glance:
Along with her sisters, Borealis and Bolette, Balmoral is the smallest ship in the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet. Balmoral stared life as Crown Odyssey in 1988 and joined the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet in 2007.
Balmoral’s small size is a huge asset when it comes to experiencing itineraries which get off the beaten track as she can call at less visited ports and waterways; Balmoral is able to sail through scenic rivers into the heart of cities like Bordeaux and can also transit spectacular narrow waterways such as the Kiel Canal.
Balmoral: Ship Facts
Cabins: 710
Passengers: 1,325
Crew: 537
Tonnage (GRT): 43, 537
Length: 218.91 m
Width: 32.3 m
Height: 44.1m
Max Speed: 16 kts
Key Highlights of Balmoral’s 2024 Dry Dock
Ships routinely go in for dry dock for any combination of maintenance, repairs, refurbishments and upgrades… and sometimes whole new sections of ships are added (as was the case in a previous dry dock for Balmoral in 2007 just before she joined the Fred. Olsen Fleet)
On 29th November 2024, Balmoral entered the dry dock in Falmouth to undergo 2 weeks of refurbishments, repairs and upgrades, with some public areas of the ship getting a complete revamp.
Here are some of the key highlights of Balmoral’s 2024 dry dock.
Passenger areas:
- Refurbished cabins (for select rooms)
- The Palms Café will have a complete revamp and transform into the new Thistle Restaurant (see below for more info)
- The Neptune Lounge is having a new LED wall installed along with new central computer systems for audio and lighting
- A digital photo gallery is being added to replace the current photo walls
- Updated signage around the ship
Other behind the scenes works include:
- Ultra-high pressure water blast of the underwater hull
- New silicon-based, state of the art, antifouling paint applied to improve fuel efficiency
- Fitting of a new propeller, with an optimised design to improve energy efficiency and minimise emissions
- Overhaul of bow thrusters, stabilisers and main engine gearbox to ensure optimal performance
- Servicing and upgrades of lifeboats
- General maintenance to davits and crane including overhauls of mooring winches, fans, motors and sea valves
- Repainting of sections of the anchors
- Fuel, ballast, portable water and grey water tanks emptied, cleaned, inspected and recertified
- WiFi coverage and access points updated, so guests will have better access to the Internet when on balconies and open decks
The Palms Café transforms into Thistle Restaurant on Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral
One of the most noticeable changes on board for guests will be the transformation of The Palms Café into the new Thistle Restaurant.
This casual dining area of the ship located on deck 7 will have a fresh new layout with refreshed seating areas and updated buffet and beverage stations. Each section of the restaurant embodies a different season of the year. The revamp means that Vasco Restaurant right at the front of The Palms Café will disappear, but Scoops will remain.
Balmoral returns to service on 16th December 2024 fresh from her dry dock, she will embark on a 6 day, round-trip European River Cities Christmas Markets cruise from Southampton, visiting Antwerp and Rouen.
More info on Fred. Olsen Cruises
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