Fred Olsen Balmoral

The 1988-built (as "Crown Odyssey") cruise ship MS Balmoral is currently the oldest in the Fred Olsen fleet, alongside fleetmates Bolette and Borealis. Her construction cost was USD 180 million. The vessel was last refurbished in December 2019.

The ship (IMO number 8506294) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308785000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd is a Norwegian-owned, UK-based cruise shipping company, part of the Fred Olsen Group (Fred Olsen & Co, headquartered in Oslo, Norway). The company’s UK headquarters are in Ipswich (Suffolk, England) and ownership rests with Bonheur and Ganger Rolf.

Founded in 1848 in Hvitsten, Norway, by brothers Petter, Andras, and Fredrik Christian Olsen, the company began with the purchase of its first ships, launching an international shipping business. Today, the Fred Olsen Group is run by the family’s fifth generation and operates subsidiaries in cruise passenger shipping, trade, shipbuilding, aviation, and offshore industries.

Fred Olsen Group wholly owns Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, Fred Olsen Travel Ltd (worldwide tours and vacations), Fred Olsen Marine Services AS (ship management), First Olsen Ltd (tankers), Dolphin Drilling Holdings Ltd (offshore drilling), Fred Olsen Express (fast ferries in the Canary Islands), Fred Olsen Freight Ltd (cargo shipping and air freight), Fred Olsen Windcarrier AS (offshore wind turbine transport and installation), Fred Olsen Production AS (petroleum production), Fred Olsen Renewables AS, SeaRoc Group Ltd (marine consultancy and contracting), ZephIR Lidar UK (wind measurement devices), and Ganger Rolf ASA (energy and shipping). Through Bonheur ASA, the group also owns NHST Media Group AS (newspapers and online media), as well as real estate companies Stavenes Byggeselskap, Koksa Eiendom, and Fred Olsens gate 2. Timex Group BV (with subsidiaries in the USA, India, and the Philippines) is also part of the Group.

The 1340-passenger Balmoral offers a blend of tradition and modern comforts. She provides a peaceful and cozy atmosphere, complemented by friendly service, solid cuisine, varied itineraries, and competitive pricing, making her a popular choice for cruisers seeking a well-run mid-sized ship.

The ship debuted in 1988 as Crown Odyssey, built for Royal Cruise Line. Over the years, she also sailed as Norwegian Crown (for NCL) and Crown Odyssey (for Orient Lines). She joined Fred Olsen Cruise Lines after a major 2007-2008 refit and refurbishment that added a 30-meter midsection. Balmoral’s inaugural Fred Olsen cruise departed on February 13, 2008.

Between October and November 2007, under Fred Olsen’s ownership, Balmoral was stretched by adding a prefabricated 99 ft / 30 m midsection at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. This reconstruction increased her gross tonnage (from 34,242 to 43,537) and passenger capacity (from 1230 to 1780). The refit also added 186 new cabins (including 60 with balconies), restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Other elongated cruise ships include Fred Olsen’s Braemar, as well as MSC Cruises vessels Armonia, Lirica, Opera, Phoenix Reisen’s Albatros, and Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas.

Decks and Cabins

MS Balmoral staterooms (710 total, in 21 grades) include 68 Suites, 94 Balcony cabins, 340 Oceanview cabins, and 123 Inside cabins. Most Oceanviews measure 165-200 ft². There are 9 wheelchair-accessible cabins, and the largest accommodation is the Premier Suite (430 ft²).

The ship also offers 64 Studios (single-occupancy cabins for solo travelers).

Balmoral has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 7 contain cabins.

Shipboard facilities, amenities, and services (review by deck)

Next are reviewed Fred Olsen Balmoral ship's venues, facilities and amenities by deck.

Floor 1

Forward is the Medical Centre/Hospital (Reception, Doctor’s Office, Infirmary, Pharmacy).

Floor 6

The ship’s Atrium is a 2-deck-high, open-floor space featuring glass and chrome design elements, and a spacious seating area with sofas and armchairs. There are tables set out at the Atrium’s Lobby level daily, selling gifts, souvenirs and other merchandise.

Oriental Tea Room is a lounge space integrated into the main public area around the Atrium. It is designed with exotic decor and elegant furnishings. The menu focuses on quality teas and herbal infusions, including selections such as oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, alongside familiar blends like Earl Grey and English Chamomile. The venue also serves tea-based cocktails and some cold beverages, including Asian bottled beers, with non-alcoholic options inspired by Sri Lankan and Chinese teas.

Sea Cove Shop is one of the ship’s retail outlets offering Fred Olsen Cruise Lines-branded merchandise and practical travel essentials. It is stocked with a range of exclusive items such as casual clothing including t-shirts, jackets and gilets, tote bags and rucksacks, travel mugs and water bottles, lanyards and stationery, as well as souvenirs that reflect the cruise experience. The shop also sells useful everyday items that passengers may need during their voyage, including sun cream, shampoo, toothpaste, books and snacks. The products combine keepsake or gift potential with utility for life on board and ashore.

Port Shop (duty-paid, open also in ports of call) sells essentials (toiletries, hats, swimwear, beachwear, books, sweets, snacks).

Floral Blooms Shop (aka the Flower Shop) is a retail outlet adjacent to the Photo Gallery and the main Atrium area. It functions as an onboard florist where passengers can purchase fresh flowers and floral arrangements during the voyage, including ready-made bouquets, individual stems, and flowers to decorate cabins or for formal occasions such as buttonholes. The shop’s stock is presented along the corridor leading toward the stern of Deck 6, adding a floral retail option alongside the other boutiques and gift shops on that deck.

Photo Gallery & Shop has on display (and available for purchase) photos taken by the ship’s professional photographers. Other services available here include digital image printing and transferring (to various storage devices), and personal video making. The shop also sells photo and video equipment and accessories at duty-free prices (media cards, cameras, batteries, etc).

Art Gallery (adjacent to the main atrium area and guest services) is laid out as a walkway leading from the Atrium toward the Ballindalloch Restaurant. The vcenue displays a selection of artwork from the Fred Olsen family’s collection placed along the corridor rather than being a separate room for sales or exhibitions. The gallery features diverse pieces situated around the deck that contribute to the ship’s interior decoration and, in some cases, include descriptive information about the artist and the work.

The Lobby Hall houses the Destination Services / Shore Tours Office (information on land tours, packages, Fred Olsen cruise shore excursions booking), the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services/assistance, information, reservations, money exchange, onboard bills) and the Customer Relations Office (baggage handling, land transfers, packages).

Ballindalloch Restaurant (aft) is the ship’s main dining room (largest in capacity) and also hosts the formal Gala Dinner event. Dining times are the same in all three dining rooms - two fixed dinner seatings (6:15 pm and 8:30 pm), and open-seating Breakfast (8-10 am) and Lunch (12-2:30 pm, buffet-style, with a limited waiter-serviced menu). Ballindalloch Restaurant stretches across the width of the ship and features large picture windows that provide unobstructed views. It is a traditional-style complimentary restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are generally buffet-style with waiter-assisted seating, and evening service is by a 5-course a la carte meal menu that changes nightly. It includes a range of options from soups and steaks to seafood and desserts, with vegetarian/vegan and special dietary choices available on request. The dining room is used for the ship’s formal gala dinners, with fixed times for the two evening sittings, and service provided by the waiting teams.

Floor 7

Neptune Lounge/Theatre is the ship's main entertainment venue/show lounge for grand-style music and show productions in the evenings. Showtimes are 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm. The program features shows (including the Balmoral Show Company /9 singers and dancers), fashion reviews, cabaret-style performances, magician and comedy acts. The Theatre offers waiter service for coffee/tea and sandwiches. During the day, the Neptune Lounge serves Fred Olsen's onboard enrichment program, with various cruise itineraries and call ports related lectures and seminars (led by guest speakers), multimedia presentations, dance classes (on sea days only), various workshops, bridge lectures, and card playing tournaments.

Neptune Bar is a small bar area at the rear of the Neptune Lounge. Passengers can sit at the bar and order drinks, and there is also waiter service throughout the lounge before shows and events begin. It allows guests in the seating areas of the Neptune Lounge to be served without needing to go to the bar itself. The Neptune Bar complements the Neptune Lounge by providing alcohol and soft drinks during entertainment and activities held there.

Boutique Shops sell duty-free luxury gifts, including perfumes and cosmetics, designer bags, fashion clothing and accessories, fine jewelry, fashion watches, Fred Olsen Cruise Line-branded merchandise. The brands offered at the two boutiques include Dior, Leighton Denny, Estee Lauder, Radley and Fiorelli, Clogau Gold, Swarovski Crystal, Citizen, Guess, Sekonda, DKNY.

Future Cruise Information / Cruise Sales Office (onboard cruise booking) is a dedicated area where guests can obtain details about upcoming cruises and scheduled programs, and speak with the company’s sales representatives about booking future voyages while still on board. This desk provides information on available itineraries, dates and pricing for Fred Olsen's cruise fleet, and passengers can make reservations or enquiries about their next cruise directly through the staff stationed at this point.

The Card Room provides a dedicated setting with card tables and seating where passengers can play popular card games such as bridge and other table games, and on some cruises, informal bridge tuition or organized play may be offered.

The Earth Room is a themed lounge focused on environmental and planetary topics. It houses a curated collection of books selected by the Fred Olsen family on subjects such as evolution, climate change, recycling, carbon footprints and related issues, along with video and digital content intended to inform and prompt discussion or individual reading.

The Botanical Room is designed as a relaxing space with decor inspired by plants and nature. The venue offers magazines and books about gardening, flowers, plant care, and the diversity of flora around the world in a comfortable seating area.

In 2015, Bookmark Cafe (fka Cafe Venus) was expanded, taking some space from the Library. Bookmark Cafe is a premium coffee shop/patisserie serving luxury chocolates, specialty coffees/teas (by the UK brand "Taylors of Harrogate"), also hand-made chocolates (including pralines and Champagne truffles) and high-quality Champagne wine.

Morning Light Pub is a traditional British pub venue decorated with artworks about the Fred Olsen company's history. The venue hosts stand-up comedy acts and live music performances in the evenings. This midship bar lounge is named after one of the largest sailing ships owned by the Olsen family in the late 19th century. It occupies a broad area across the width of the deck and is furnished with comfortable seating (wing chairs) and traditional decor relating to maritime history. The venue has a well‑stocked bar offering a selection of beers, ciders and other drinks, including British and international classics and selections from independent breweries. Morning Light Pub is open throughout the day and into the evening. Live entertainment such as resident singers and guitarists, quizzes and occasional stand‑up acts are scheduled in the pub, making it one of the ship’s most active social spaces where passengers can gather, drink and socialize.

Thistle Buffet Restaurant is the ship’s primary dining venue (main dining room), which replaced the former Palms Cafe. It is a light, airy space set up for self‑serve buffet meals with table‑service drinks, offering a range of dishes prepared by the chefs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late‑night supper service without fixed dining times. The Thistle Buffet Restaurant also hosts a daily complimentary Afternoon Tea service, including sandwiches, scones and cakes alongside tea and coffee. The food selections are from “Treats of the Region” that reflect the destinations visited on the current cruise itinerary.

Note: Palms Cafe was also with open seating but with fixed dining times - Breakfast (7:00-9:30 am), Brunch (10:30-11:30 am), Lunch (12:30-2:30 pm), Afternoon Tea (3:30-4:30 pm), Dinner (6:30-9:00 pm), and Supper Club (11:30 pm-12:30 am). A 24-hour tea and coffee station was also available.

Scoops Ice Cream is a small bar‑style venue that serves a variety of ice creams and sorbets throughout the day. The ice cream served at Scoops is available for purchase and is not included in the standard cruise fare.

Deck 7's aft sundeck has one swimming pool (heated), two Whirlpools/Jacuzzis and a sundeck/sunbathing area with padded loungers and deckchairs.

Floor 8

Lido Lounge (aft) is an indoor venue hosting daily trivia quizzes and bingo games, and carpet bowling. Evening entertainment includes cabarets (two shows - at 7:45 pm and at 10:45 pm), a resident music trio, and the cruise ship's own Big Band Show. The Lido Lounge is furnished with sofas, armchairs and tables arranged around a central area used for daytime and evening activities. Throughout the day, it functions as a multi‑purpose space hosting games, music, quizzes, small classes and various informal events, and it incorporates Sports TVs that broadcast major sports and other programming. In the evenings, the venue is used for live entertainment such as music, cabaret, karaoke and themed events. Communal activities, including trivia and bingo, are also held here.

Lido Bar overlooks the stern and Deck 7's aft pool area. The bar has a live-music program with a resident pianist. It also serves a selection of drinks including beers, wines and cocktails, with seating available both inside and at tables looking aft. 

Sports TVs in the Lido Lounge & Bar are large screens that broadcast live sports events, including major football matches such as Premier League games, as part of the entertainment offering for guests. The specific events to be shown are listed in the ship’s daily program delivered to all passenger cabins each evening. The TVs also display a range of other channels, keeping passengers up to date with news, sports and general TV programming during the day and evening while they are in the bar lounge overlooking the pool area.

Casino Corner (portside) is a small gaming area located on the port side within the Lido Lounge vicinity, fitted with two table games (Blackjack and Roulette) that passengers can play during the cruise. During the daytime, there are complimentary gaming sessions for beginners. Otherwise, the space functions as a casual spot for guests to engage in table‑based gambling entertainment at sea.

Floor 9

The fore-located Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse and the adjacent Captain’s Suite and officers' quarters are inaccessible to passengers.

Floor 10

The ship's wellness complex (Atlantis Spa & Fitness Centre) is open 8 am - 8 pm, and on occasional evenings until 10 pm. The forward-located facility combines a spa treatment area with a gym. The Atlantis Spa portion offers a program of beauty and body services, including massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and hairdressing. Several treatment rooms overlook the bow, providing panoramic views during treatments. The Fitness Centre is equipped with modern cardio machines such as treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers, weight machines and free weights. Adjacent to the gym is a separate studio for exercise classes, including yoga, Pilates, stretching and fit‑ball sessions. The ship’s daily program lists scheduled classes and opportunities for personal training.

Beauty Salon (integrated into the spa facility) provides professional hairdressing and barber services alongside other personal care offerings such as facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and various massage options, forming a combined space for grooming and spa services. The salon operates in conjunction with the Atlantis Spa treatment rooms and gym facilities, and appointments for services can usually be booked in advance or during the cruise through the spa reception.

Spey Restaurant (aft-portside location, 120 seats) is the ship’s second-largest main dining room. It operates as a secondary main restaurant in a more intimate setting than the principal Ballindalloch Restaurant (deck 6). Equipped with panoramic windows along one side and across the back, it is designed to maximise natural light and views out to sea. Spey Restaurant serves the same food and menus as the Ballindalloch Restaurant with breakfast, lunch and a la carte dinner service. The seating arrangement and menu offerings mirror those of the Ballindalloch, and on fine days, passengers have access to an adjacent alfresco deck area/terrace overlooking the stern for breakfast and lunch.

Avon Restaurant (aft-starboard location) is the ship’s third (smallest) main dining room, offering the same 5‑course a la carte dinner menu served in the Ballindalloch Restaurant (Deck 6), with dishes such as freshly baked breads, soups, steaks, pasta and desserts that change nightly. The Avon Restaurant has large windows and a more intimate dining experience. Seating times are fixed, and with waiting service - breakfast from 7:30-10:30 AM, lunch from 12-2 PM, and dinner in two sittings at ~6 PM and 8-8:15 PM.

Floor 11

Observatory Lounge (forward) is an indoor observation lounge with a grand piano, a glass dancefloor, and large panoramic windows for 270-degree unobstructed views. Around the venue, there are plenty of binoculars available for guests. The Observatory Lounge serves the ship’s Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea service (3:30-4:30 pm /at fixed price per person) where sandwiches, cakes, scones and premium teas are served. At other times, it functions as a bar lounge serving a selection of beverages, including cocktails, sparkling wines and other drinks, with seating arranged by the windows and around the central bar area. In the evenings, the Observatory Lounge transforms into a nightclub with live music and entertainment, often provided by a pianist or small band.

The Marquee Bar is an outdoor-oriented bar space located alongside the swimming pool and sundeck. The venue is partly under a canopy with large windows and areas of open-air seating, furnished with chairs and sofas. The Marquee Bar serves a selection of beers, wines and expertly mixed cocktails and functions as a social spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks or for gathering after a day ashore.

Sun Deck's pool area has a heated swimming pool flanked by two Whirlpools/jacuzzis/hot-tubs and a surrounding sunbathing area/sundeck with padded loungers and deckchairs.

Aft on Deck 10 are the Golf Net (clubs and balls available at the Reception Desk) and a Deck Games area (for playing shuffleboard, quoits).

Itineraries

MS Balmoral’s itineraries focus on World Cruises from the UK and roundtrips from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia, Russia, and the Norwegian Fjords.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the ship was laid up for over two years (March 2020 through May 2022), resuming service on May 2, 2022, with a 16-night roundtrip from Newcastle (England) to the Canaries and Madeira.

In 2023, Balmoral offered the "North American Waterways and Canadian Fall" itinerary (UK roundtrip), including the company’s maiden cruise on the Hudson River (New York State, USA). The 34-night voyage (booking code L2323) departed Southampton on September 26, 2023. Prices started from GBP 5300 (EUR 5860 / USD 6940) per person, double occupancy. Bookings made by September 30, 2020, included up to GBP 300 per person in onboard credit (OBC).

Ports of call included St John’s, Newfoundland (overnight), Sydney, NS, Halifax, NS (overnight), Saint John, NB, Portland, ME, Boston, MA, Cape Cod Canal, passing by the Statue of Liberty, New York City (2-night stay), Hudson River, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, Baltimore, MD (overnight), a Transatlantic crossing, Hamilton, Bermuda, Ponta Delgada, Azores, and La Coruna, Spain.

Launched as "Crown Odyssey" in 1988, MS Balmoral was originally constructed for Royal Cruise Line and later operated by NCL Norwegian Cruise Lines and Orient Lines before being acquired by Fred Olsen in 2007. Following a major drydock refit in January 2008, during which a 30 m / 99 ft midship section was added, Balmoral joined Boudicca, Braemar, and Black Watch as the fleet’s largest vessel. Her inaugural cruise began on February 13, 2008. Balmoral remains the largest ship currently operated by Fred Olsen.

The vessel (Meyer Neptun yard/hull number 616) is powered by MAK marine diesel engines (models 8M601/AK6M35) with a total power output of 21.3 MW.

A notable moment in Balmoral’s history came in 2012, when "Miles Morgan Travel" chartered her to follow the RMS Titanic’s original route in honor of the 100th anniversary of the tragedy. The "Titanic Cruise" departed Southampton on April 8, with the final destination being the site of the famous wreck.

MS Balmoral attracts a loyal base of mature, mostly British passengers who prefer sailing exclusively with Fred Olsen. She features single-occupancy cabins and hosts regular social events for solo travelers. Dance hosts are also available, making her an excellent choice for those traveling alone. Guests enjoy ballroom dance classes, fitness programs, and even the first jazz dance classes offered at sea.

Fred Olsen provides an optional all-inclusive cruise package upgrade (fixed daily price per person) and UK fly-cruise deals to the Canary Islands, with discounted year-round airfare from Southampton, England.

In 2018-2019, Balmoral offered roundtrip sailings from Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland for the first time. A total of nine cruises were scheduled between May and July, including a 5-night Norwegian Fjords voyage, a 14-night Scandinavia and Russia itinerary (with a call at St Petersburg), and a 9-night "German Waterways" cruise.

Grand Voyage 2025 (Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival)

In March 2023, Fred Olsen announced Balmoral’s 82-night Grand Voyage 2025, themed "Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival."

Departing roundtrip from Southampton on January 18, 2025, the itinerary includes Gibraltar (UK), Malta (Valletta), Egypt (Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, Safaga), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Sri Lanka (Colombo, Hambantota), Malaysia (Klang/Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu), Brunei (Muara), Vietnam (Saigon), Cambodia (Sihanoukville), Singapore, Burma (Yangon), India (Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai), Oman (Muscat, Salalah), Jordan (Aqaba/Petra), Israel (Ashdod, Haifa), Crete (Heraklion), Sicily (Catania), Spain (Cartagena), and Portugal (Lisbon).

The highlight of the voyage is the scheduled call at Mumbai on March 14, coinciding with India’s Holi Festival (also known as the Festival of Colors, Festival of Spring, or Festival of Love). One of the most important Hindu celebrations, Holi honors the eternal love of the goddess Radha (Radhika) and the god Krishna. The annual festival takes place on the last full moon of the luni-solar month, marking the transition from winter to spring. The date varies with the lunar cycle but typically falls in March, occasionally in late February.

Prices started from GBP 9000 (EUR 10120 / USD 10680) per person with double occupancy.

Early bookings received up to GBP 500 per person in OBC/onboard credit, free door-to-door transfers (within 250 mi/UK mainland) to Southampton.

South America and the Antarctic Cruise (2023)

Next table shows Fred Olsen's 78-night "Exploration of South America and the Antarctic Cruise" (booking code L2301) on MS Balmoral. The UK roundtrip visited signature/once-in-a-lifetime destinations like the Antarctic Peninsula (from Ushuaia), Chile's Patagonian Fjords, and Cape Horn on Hornos Island (South America's southern tip, in Tierra del Fuego Chile).

Prices started from GBP 7625 / USD 9220 per person.

Mardi Gras Cruise (2018)

In 2017, Fred Olsen (for the first time ever) scheduled "Mardi Gras Cruise" combining the Caribbean with North and Central America. Leaving roundtrip from the UK (Southampton), the Balmoral's voyage was adults-only and visited 18 ports. The highlight were the 3 full days plus 2 overnights in New Orleans (Louisiana USA) for the fun and festivities at the annual Mardi Gras Carnival. This unique themed voyage (46-night itinerary, booking code L1703, theme "Central America and the Mardi Gras") left Southampton on February 4, 2017.

Prices started from GBP 3450 pp (based on double occupancy/twin-bed Superior Interior cabin). Pricing included accommodation, all onboard meals, and entertainment, plus port taxes.

The itinerary's call ports included: Southampton, Funchal Madeira, Bridgetown Barbados, Castries St Lucia, St John’s Antigua, Road Town (Tortola BVI), Falmouth Jamaica, Trujillo Honduras, Belize City, Cozumel Mexico, NOLA/New Orleans LA (2-nights), Florida USA (Tampa, Key West, Miami, Port Canaveral/Orlando, Jacksonville, Charleston SC USA, Hamilton Bermuda, Ponta Delgada Azores, Southampton.

The 2-night stay in Port NOLA allowed Fred Olsen's cruise tourists to enjoy the festivities at this extravagant festival. Passengers were also provided with the opportunity to attend the "Orpheuscapade Black Tie Ball" in New Orleans - something rarely experienced by tourists. This formal event was held in the city's Convention Centre, featuring live music, dancing and the chance to get up close to the gigantic carnival floats, as a local celebrity leads the parade directly through downtown.

Fred Olsen Balmoral refurbishments review

Drydock 2014

On December 9, 2014, the ship underwent a 10-day drydock refurbishment for engineering works, as well as interior and exterior painting. The Library was redesigned, and a new patisserie (Cafe Venus) was added on Lounge Deck (deck 7).

Drydock 2019

The ship’s 2019 drydock (December 10-19, at Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany) included general maintenance and engineering works, interior renovations of public areas, and cabin refurbishments. The USD 18 million project also introduced the Tea Room (a China-themed lounge) and a new Photo Gallery.

The following video shows MS Balmoral’s extension and lengthening refit in a time-lapse, carried out at Blohm+Voss.

Drydock 2024

The vessel’s most recent drydocking took place in 2024 (December 1-15) at APCL Group’s A&P Falmouth Shipyard.

The two-week project included hull maintenance (cleaning, water blasting, and repainting with silicone-based paint), machinery overhauls of the propulsion system (propellers, bow thrusters), stabilizers, the main engine gearbox, safety equipment (lifeboats, davits, cranes, sea valves), as well as deck and mechanical systems (mooring winches, fans, motors).

Onboard renovations featured the transformation of the Palms Cafe (Lido buffet) into the Thistle Restaurant (with a redesigned layout, updated seating, and improved buffet and drinks stations), technical upgrades to The Neptune Lounge theatre, renovations to select staterooms and bathrooms, and upgraded WiFi service.