Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed its third ship back into service with the return of Balmoral.

The ship will operate a summer season from Newcastle and Rosyth.

Balmoral will split sailings between the two ports, ahead of a programme of winter cruises from Southampton and Dover.

Summer voyages include Arctic Norway and the Norwegian fjords, as well as cruises along the Seine in France.

These will follow on from Balmoral’s inaugural voyage, a 16-night Canary Islands with the Funchal Flower Parade cruise, which returned to Newcastle on 16 May.

Fred Olsen has also appointed two new captains, Valentin Giuglea and Steffan Ravneng.

Fred Olsen hails ‘big milestone’

Fred Olsen managing director Peter Deer said: “Welcoming our wonderful Balmoral back into service is a big milestone for us.

“Having three ships sailing means we can offer departures from even more regional ports, and we are so pleased to have Balmoral returning to offer sailings from Newcastle and Rosyth again this year.

“I would also like to congratulate our two new captains, Valentin Giuglea and Steffan Ravneng, on their promotions after many years of working aboard our fleet as officers.

“I look forward to exploring the world with our guests aboard Balmoral this year and beyond.”

Fred Olsen recently released its 2023/24 programme, featuring the new Journey Navigators concept.

Itineraries range from two to 93-nights, with regional departures from Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth, Southampton, Dover, London Tilbury and Belfast.