Last week, a fiesta-style celebration marked the historic coming together of Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s fleet of ships.
On Thursday the 9th of November, Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral united in Madeira for the first time. As the ships carried more than 3,000 guests into Funchal harbour, they were welcomed by live music and a quayside decked out with bunting, entertainment and a plethora of carnival stalls.
Managing Director Peter Deer said, “This year marks the 175th anniversary of Fred. Olsen’s start as a shipping company and we are thrilled that we have been able to bring our current fleet together for the first time - although it is the third time we have held fleet events with Bergen in 2015 and Cadiz in 2018.
“A huge thank you needs to go to the port of Madeira and our partners in the city for their incredibly warm welcome and for the phenomenal fireworks display as the three ships sailed away in the evening.
“Of course, our fleet events would not be possible without the wonderful teams working across Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, so a big thank you to all of them too. We hope that our guests thoroughly enjoyed an unforgettable experience with the Fleet in Funchal celebrations.”
Read next: A Q&A with Peter Deer, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Managing Director
During the celebrations, guests could take part in a treasure hunt through the city before returning to the quayside to enjoy live music and dance performances from the ships’ theatre companies, try delicious local culinary treats, sample Madeiran wine and cheer on the crew in the inter-ship tug of war contest.
The entertainment continued with a hotly contested Battle of the Bartenders making cocktails and showcasing their flair for bottle juggling and were judged by a celebrity panel featuring Linda Robson, Sue Cleaver, Keith Brymer Jones and Radhe Sivyer.
Guests also had the rare opportunity to visit all three Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ships throughout the day, with many taking advantage of the chance to meet up with friends or their favourite crew members, and experience the entire fleet for themselves.
The event culminated in all ships departing from Funchal with a tugboat spraying its water cannons, while guests enjoyed a sailaway party on the deck of each ship and a breathtaking firework display from the port.
