Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has marked 20 years of cruise operations from Newcastle with a special programme for guests embarking aboard Balmoral at the Port of Tyne.
The cruise line began operating from Newcastle in 2006 and has since carried 180,000+ guests from the North East to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean. A further 21,000 passengers are already booked on future departures from the Port of Tyne.
Fred. Olsen is preparing its largest-ever programme from Newcastle in 2027, with 27 cruises scheduled to depart from the port.
The anniversary was marked as passengers boarded Balmoral, Fred. Olsen’s smallest ship. North Eastern band Four Worried Men performed on the quayside, while local piper Andrew Lawrenson accompanied the embarkation. The celebrations continued during the ship’s departure, which was marked by a water cannon salute.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines CEO Samantha Stimpson said the anniversary reflected the company’s long-standing relationship with the Port of Tyne and its role in providing cruise departures for passengers in the North East. She also highlighted the planned expansion of the Newcastle programme in 2027 and thanked the port for its contribution to the anniversary event.
Port of Tyne Commercial Director Craig Morton said the 20-year partnership demonstrated the continued importance of the port as a cruise gateway. He noted that cruise activity contributes to tourism and the regional economy while providing opportunities to promote the North East to visitors, adding that the port intended to develop the sector further.
Following its winter and spring programmes, Fred. Olsen has three Newcastle departures remaining in 2026, two of which are already sold out. Limited availability remains on the final voyage, a 14-night European Cities & Scenic Rivers cruise scheduled for September. The itinerary combines French and Belgian destinations with scenic waterways, historic cities and regional food and wine experiences.
The 2027 programme will offer a wider selection of departures from Newcastle, including Arctic voyages focused on the Northern Lights, itineraries through Scandinavia and cruises to warmer European destinations.