Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines boasts over 170 years of seafaring heritage, having originated in 1848 when the first Fred. Olsen acquired two small ships operating from Hvisten, Norway. Since then, through five generations of the Olsen family, the company has gone from strength to strength, sailing cargo vessels and cruise ships around the world. Here are the key chapters of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines story so far:
1848: The first Olsen family ship owner, Fredrik Christian Olsen, starts operating two small Brigatine sailing ships in Hvisten.
1852: Fredrik Christian’s brothers become ship owners, Petter in 1852 and Andreas in 1860, adding more vessels to their combined fleet.
1875: Sadly, in 1875, Fredrik Christian passes away but his brother Petter continues the operation of his vessels. Petter’s son, Thomas Fredrik Olsen (Fred.), takes command of one of his father’s vessels at the age of 23, becoming a ship-owner in 1884.
1892: Fred. Olsen purchases his largest sailing ship, the four-masted full rigger, Morning Light.
1896: The purchase of Bayard in 1896 starts a family custom that most Olsen ships should bear names beginning with the letter B.
1933: In 1933, Fred. Olsen sadly passes away and his sons Rudolf and Thomas Fredrik, take over the running of the business. Figureheads were also introduced to modern ships at this time.
1938: Black Prince and Black Watch were added to the fleet. They were followed by Blenheim and Braemar in the 1950s.
1966: A new Black Watch sails to the Canary Islands on her maiden voyage from the Fred. Olsen terminal, Canary Wharf, West Indian Docks, London. Her sister ship, Black Prince, embarks on the same route the following month.
1987: A reborn Black Prince begins her career as a sunshine cruiser.
2001: Braemar is sent for a major refurbishment, ready for her new role as the second member of the fleet.
2005: Then, in 2005, another new ship is purchased and, following a complete refurbishment, is renamed Boudicca. She entered service the following year, visiting the Canary Islands on her maiden voyage.
2007: A yet-to-be-named ship arrives in Hamburg for an ambitious refit and redesign programme which involves the fitting of a new 30-metre extension.
2008: The stretched ship, Balmoral, enters service.
2015: All four ships converge for the first time ever in Bergen, Norway to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Fredrik Christian Olsen.
2018: The fleet of ocean-going ships united once again in Cádiz, Spain to celebrate 170 years since Fredrik Christian began shipping operations.
2019: Braemar became the largest ship to ever transit the Corinth Canal.
2020: Covid-19 meant a pause in operations and all ships were moved to Rosyth. During this time, Black Watch and Boudicca were sold. Later, Bolette and Borealis were introduced to the fleet.
2021: Borealis became the first ship back in the water in July 2021. Her maiden voyage departed from Liverpool. Then, in August, Bolette set sail on her maiden voyage - a scenic cruise around parts of the UK.
2022: Braemar was sold.
Future: We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines!
