Fred. Olsen has completed the refit and lengthening of the Braemar, a project that began on May 13 in Hamburg, Germany, and involved inserting a new midsection into the ship. The vessel was actually cut in half, a new 102-foot mid section added and then the ship was put back together.
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The addition of the new section has added more accommodations to the ship and upped the passenger count from 727 to 950. Many of the new staterooms include balconies, bringing the total number of rooms and suites with verandas to 70, including the Owner's Suite.
"By lengthening and enhancing Braemar we have created space to carry more passengers on one of our most popular ships, but have retained that 'small ship' friendly feeling," said Nigel Lingard, Fred. Olsen's marketing director. "I am confident that our regular customers will be delighted with the improvements we have made."
More facilities were added to Deck 8, including a new Observatory Lounge, similar to the ones on sister ships, Balmoral, Boudicaa and Black Watch. There is also a new restaurant, called the Grampian Restaurant, a new pool area with two swimming pools, a dedicated kids pool and pool bar. On Deck 5, the Morning Light Pub was put into place next to the Neptune Lounge; on Deck 7 there is now an Arts & Crafts Room, which will be used for talks, lectures and crafting as part of the line's ArtsClub program.
Braemar will begin 14-day Caribbean sailings from Miami starting in November. Visit www.fredolsencruises.com.