Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines says it will commence turnaround calls from Belfast in 2013, with 880-guest Boudicca making two such visits in October 2013. The news comes just a few weeks after the company had announced a series of cruises from Harwich on Black Watch, which is sister ship of Boudicca.
“I am delighted that Boudicca will be operating two exciting itineraries from Belfast Harbour in 2013. This is great news for all our guests living in the local area, as previously they have had to endure an expensive flight or long ferry crossing to reach our ships. Now, they can choose from an autumn escape to the sun or a mini cruise to Liverpool, where the ship will berth right in the heart of this vibrant city, said Matt Grimes, Director of Planning for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Boudicca will be offering a 12-night Iberian and 2-night mini cruise to Liverpool from Belfast in October 2013.
“The addition of this new regional departure port means that Fred. Olsen is able to operate a vessel within a radius of only 100 miles from 90% of the UK population, further enhancing our reputation as the UK’s local cruise line with a global choice of itineraries.”
“We are delighted to once again have the opportunity to work with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and offer the Northern Ireland public the opportunity to begin a cruise from their local port," said Joe O’Neill, Commercial Director, Belfast Harbour.
Belfast Harbour previously worked alongside Fred. Olsen in 2007, when 500 local people embarked on the Black Prince to begin their cruise.
In recent years, Belfast Harbour has invested significantly in its facilities to further develop Belfast’s port as a tourism gateway to Northern Ireland; consequently, we are delighted to see the cruise facilities now being used for the benefit of local people.”
Fred. Olsen will also be adding Harwich to its list of regional departure ports in 2013, with Boudicca’s sister ship, Black Watch, operating four fascinating itineraries from the Port in May and June 2013, meaning that guests living in the local area can take advantage of Harwich International Port’s excellent road and rail connections, and state-of-the-art facilities. Fred. Olsen operates cruises from Southampton, Dover, Newcastle, Rosyth and from 2013 also from Belfast and Harwich.
