HAL’s Amsterdam and Rotterdam acquired by Fred. Olsen

These are two of four HAL ships announced sold yesterday.

Designed to carry 1,308 (Bolette) and 1,404 (Borealis) passengers, the vessels will enter Fred. Olsen’s fleet later this year following rebranding work.

Small ship experience

‘I am delighted to be announcing this news’, said Fred Olsen Jr., chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. ‘We have chosen these vessels as they will fit seamlessly into our existing fleet of small ships, each carrying under 1,500 guests, bringing with them new and larger public areas whilst not compromising on our small ship experience.

‘The naming of the vessels is important to u s. Bolette and Borealis  are both names of ships we have had in years gone by.

‘This increase in our capacity demonstrates our confidence in the future. With over 170 years of seafaring history, we have sailed through many difficult periods. With these new additions to the fleet, we will come out of this current situation stronger than ever’.

COVID-19

Fred. Olsen is looking to strengthen the brand in preparation for resuming services post-COVID-19. Managing Director Peter Deer commented that the company ‘hopes to attract new guests’ as he described the acquisition as ‘an exciting chapter’.

Bolette and Borealis will join Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch in lay-up at Babcock’s Rosyth Facilities, Scotland.

Sales and acquisitions

News of Fred. Olsen's ship purchases from HAL follows Carnival Corp. & plc's announcement of plans to sell nine ships; others reported sold are Costa neoRomantica, Costa Victoria, P&O Cruises' Oceana.