Three of the four Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ocean going ships will be undergoing a multi-million pound refit this winter, as part of an extensive enhancement programme – in preparation for the start of the 2020-21 cruise season, the UK based destination focused cruise company said in a statement.

 “The three ships – Braemar, Balmoral and Black Watch – will be undergoing various engineering works, general maintenance and refurbishment during their dry docks at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, as well as the creation of several new public areas and cabin enhancements. Fred. Olsen has a long-established partnership with Blohm+Voss, spanning nearly 50 years and several generations,” the company said.

The only ship not included in the list is Boudicca, which underwent a major upgrade last winter.

As well as extensive refurbishment of the accommodation on board both Braemar and Balmoral, a number of cabins on Black Watch will be receiving new bathroom upgrades.

Main Deck 6 on Balmoral will be seeing a number of enhancements. A brand new ‘Oriental Room' will be created in the forward area, where exotic teas and Far Eastern-themed cocktails and drinks will be served.

A new ‘Photo Gallery’ will be added mid-ship portside, and a new ‘Flower Shop’ will be installed mid-ship starboard side, where guests can choose from a selection of seasonal and year-round flowers to create a personalised bouquet, or select one of the expertly-crafted, ready-made arrangements.

 The fourth ship in the Fred. Olsen ocean fleet, 880-guest Boudicca, will receive its own refit in Autumn 2020, having undergone a major transformation at Blohm+Voss in spring 2018.