Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is canceling the January 30 inaugural cruise of its latest ship, Balmoral, citing technical issues that arose from an extensive refit the ship underwent, including a lengthening. More work needs to be done before the ship can commence its cruise program, the line says.
"We are extremely disappointed," said Mike Rodwell, Fred. Olsen's managing director. "However, a number of unforeseen technical issues have emerged in the past week and these have led to this unfortunate decision being taken."
Fred. Olsen will fully refund all passengers booked on the cruise, but says the ship's second scheduled cruise, due to depart Dover on February 13 for the Canary Islands, remains on schedule. (DE)