Balmoral

Today Fred Olsen's Balmoral docked at Bontelabo, having arrived from Olden this morning.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral's aft superstructure
Balmoral was built in Germany and launched in 1988 as Crown Odyssey for Royal Cruise Line. Following the acquisition of Royal Cruise Line by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1989 she continued for a period to sail under her orignal name, before becoming Norwegian Crown in 1996 and transferring to NCL's main fleet.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral docked in Bergen
Following several changes in ownership, Norwegian Crown was sold to Fred Olsen Cruise Line, who took delivery in 2007 following a major reconstruction and refurbishement. This included the insertion of a new 30 metre mid-section (a great time-lapse of this 'cut and stretch' can be found on the BBC website here).

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
A view of Balmoral's mid-section
Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
The 30 metre section added in 2007 can be seen in the space between the lifeboats
In 2012 Balmoral was chartered for a commemorative voyage for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Tintanic. She followed the route of Titanic's voyage, stopping at the location of the sinking overnight, before continuing New York.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral reflected in the glass at Bontelabo
Following the Captain's announcement Balmoral slipped her moorings 15 minutes ahead of schedule and pulled away from her berth.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral pulls away from her berth, with MV Explorer berthed ahead at Skolten Nord
Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral departs Bergen
MV Explorer was still alongside at Skolten Nord, due to sail later this evening. Balmoral made her way out towards the Askøy bridge and onwards to Stavanger to continue her cruise.
Location: Vågen, Bergen, Bergen, Norway

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MS Stavangerfjord - Ship Visit and Photo Tour

Image
Last week I went on board Fjordline's cruise-ferry Stavangerfjord, for a whistle stop tour of her passenger facilities during her impressively fast turnaround in the city. MS Stavangerfjord approaches Bergen, Norway To find out a bit more about her design, construction and service, take a look at my previous post here , with photos of Stavangerfjord approaching Bergen taken last December. Otherwise, keep reading to have a look around her public rooms, cabins and suites... A plan of Deck 7, showing the layout of Stavangerfjord's public spaces (credit: fjordline.com) With a few exceptions, Deck 7 contains all of Stavangerfjords public spaces. The gangway leads directly to the middle of this deck, adjacent to the reception desk. First impressions are good, with an attractive entrance area and smiling staff to welcome you on board. The Reception Desk Directly opposite the reception desk is Bungalow Wine & Tapas Bar, with the fresh food on display making t...
Read more

MS Midnatsol - Photo Tour

Image
MS Midnatsol is a combined cruise and freight vessel operated by Hurtigruten. Along with her fleetmates she sails the 11-day round trip from Bergen, calling at 34 ports along the coast of Norway. The route is popular with cruise tourists keen to experience 'the most beautiful voyage in the world', and also serves as a lifeline for many smaller communities in Norway's more isolated north. Ships in Bergen went on board to tour the interiors of MS Midnatsol. Scroll down to see our full photo tour of this ship. Midnatsol alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen MS Midnatsol entered service in 2003 following her construction in Rissa, Norway. With a tonnage of 16,140 she is one of the larger ships in the Hurtigruten fleet. She can carry up to 1000 passengers (644 in berths) over her 10 decks. EXTERIOR A few photos of Midnatsol's exteriors taken before boarding show her smart profile and clean, modern appearance. Large expanses of glass give Midnatsol...
Read more

MS Trollfjord - Photo Tour

Image
Up next in the series of photo tours on board the ships of Hurtigruten is MS Trollfjord. Regular readers of this blog will know the drill by now; MS Trollfjord is one of a fleet of 11 ships that together offer daily departures from Bergen on the Express route along the coast of Norway. The ships serve a dual roll as both cruise ships and cargo ships, and are vital in connecting many of the smaller communities in the northern part of the country. Scroll down to take a look around her interiors and public decks. Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen EXTERIOR A sister ship to Midnatsol , Trollfjord is one of the newer and larger vessels in the fleet. She makes for a handsome sight whilst moored alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen. With her slightly squat but attractive profile she is a well presented ship. A few streaks of rust along her superstructure will be repainted during upcoming routine maintenance Built in Norway in 2002,...
Read more