Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has now entered into a contract with Blohm + Voss Repair GmbH, Hamburg for a lengthening of the NORWEGIAN CROWN by approximately 30 meters. The lengthening will increase the passenger capacity with about 35% and provide more cabins with balconies.

The cost of the total project which now includes the purchase of the cruise ship, the upgrade and the lengthening will amount to about USD 210 million.

The 1988-built NORWEGIAN CROWN is currently operating under a bareboat charter to NCL (Olsen purchased her last year) and is due for redelivery to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Pte. Ltd. early November 2007. Following completion of the lengthening and upgrading of the vessel in January 2008, the vessel will commence cruise operations for Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines as the BALMORAL

These investments, said the company, underline Fred.Olsen Cruise Line's ongoing commitment towards the UK cruise market, which has seen 20 years of continuous growth.

(Photo shows her as Olsen envisaged she would look after they purchased her in 2006)