1848: The first Olsen family ship owner, Fredrik Christian Olsen, started operating two small Brigatine sailing ships in Hvisten.
1852: In 1852, Fredrik Christians’ brothers became ship owners, Petter in 1852 and Andreas in 1860.
1875: Sadly, in 1875, Fredrik Christian passed away. His brother Petter continued the operation of his vessels.
1884: Meanwhile, in 1884, Petter’s son, Thomas Fredrik Olsen (Fred.), took command of one of his father’s vessels at the age of 23.
1892: Fred. Olsen purchased his largest sailing ship, the four-masted full rigger, Morning Light.
1896: The purchase of Bayard in 1896 started a family custom that most Olsen ships should bear names beginning with the letter ‘B.’
1933: In 1993, Fred. Olsen sadly passed away. His sons Rudolf and Thomas Fredrik took 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 sailed to the Canary Islands on her maiden voyage from the Fred. Olsen terminal, Canary Wharf, West Indian Docks, London. Her sister ship, Black Prince, embarked on the same route the following month.
1987: A reborn Black Prince began 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 was purchased and, following a complete refurbishment, renamed Boudicca. She entered service the following year, visiting the Canary Islands on her maiden voyage.
2007: A yet-to-be-named ship arrived in Hamburg for an ambitious refit and redesign programme which involved the fitting of a new 30-metre extension.
2008: The stretched ship, Balmoral, entered 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 to return to 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: In May, Balmoral started sailing again. Later in the year, Braemar was sold to Villa Vie Residences.
Future: We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
