Shortly after Holland America Line last night confirmed it is to sell four ships, Fred Olsen has confirmed it has purchased Amsterdam and Rotterdam from the cruise line. 

The vessels will be renamed MS Bolette and MS Borealis, with the purchases coming as Fred Olsen looks to modernise its fleet. 

A statement from Fred Olsen today said: “This acquisition forms part of an optimization of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet composition and with a high yielding cabin mix and large public spaces, these vessels will enhance Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ earnings capabilities once operations can safely resume. Delivery is expected to take place in the UK during September 2020,”

The company confirmed it would retire two vessels in its current fleet, but didn’t elaborate which of the existing vessels would leave at this point. The current fleet is made up of the 1972-built Black Watch and Boudicca, the 1988-built Balmoral and the 1993-built Braemar. 

With 1,400 berths, Rotterdam and Amsterdam will add considerable capacity to the Fred Olsen fleet. 

Along with the two ships set to join the Fred Olsen fleet, Holland America Line will sell a further two ships. While the new owner is yet to be revealed, it is thought Maasdam and Veendam will join a brand-new cruise line. 

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