FRED. Olsen Cruise Lines has been revealed to be the buyer of Holland America Line’s (HAL) Amsterdam and Rotterdam (pictured, CW 16 Jul). The ships will become the two largest vessels in the Fred. Olsen fleet when they join in Sep. “We have chosen these vessels as they will fit...
FRED. Olsen Cruise Lines has been revealed to be the buyer of Holland America Line’s (HAL) Amsterdam and Rotterdam (pictured, CW 16 Jul).
The ships will become the two largest vessels in the Fred. Olsen fleet when they join in Sep.
“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,” said Fred. Olsen Chairman Fred Olsen Jr.
The two ships will be renamed Bolette and Borealis respectively.
“The naming of the vessels is important to us…Bolette and Borealis are both names of ships we have had in years gone by,” Olsen added.
“With these new additions to the fleet, we will come out of this current situation stronger than ever, ready to deliver the award-winning itineraries that we are famous for.”
The acquisition will potentially see Fred. Olsen lose two of its own ships, according to holding company Bonheur, with a note in a statement on the purchase saying “considering divestment of two vessels within the current fleet.”
It is not known how the acquisition will affect Fred. Olsen’s planned fleet reunion in Lisbon next year (CW 07 Apr).
