Balmoral

Today Fred Olsen's Balmoral docked at Bontelabo, having arrived from Olden this morning.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral's aft superstructure
Balmoral was built in Germany and launched in 1988 as Crown Odyssey for Royal Cruise Line. Following the acquisition of Royal Cruise Line by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1989 she continued for a period to sail under her orignal name, before becoming Norwegian Crown in 1996 and transferring to NCL's main fleet.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral docked in Bergen
Following several changes in ownership, Norwegian Crown was sold to Fred Olsen Cruise Line, who took delivery in 2007 following a major reconstruction and refurbishement. This included the insertion of a new 30 metre mid-section (a great time-lapse of this 'cut and stretch' can be found on the BBC website here).

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
A view of Balmoral's mid-section
Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
The 30 metre section added in 2007 can be seen in the space between the lifeboats
In 2012 Balmoral was chartered for a commemorative voyage for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Tintanic. She followed the route of Titanic's voyage, stopping at the location of the sinking overnight, before continuing New York.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral reflected in the glass at Bontelabo
Following the Captain's announcement Balmoral slipped her moorings 15 minutes ahead of schedule and pulled away from her berth.

Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral pulls away from her berth, with MV Explorer berthed ahead at Skolten Nord
Cruise Ship Balmoral in Bergen
Balmoral departs Bergen
MV Explorer was still alongside at Skolten Nord, due to sail later this evening. Balmoral made her way out towards the Askøy bridge and onwards to Stavanger to continue her cruise.
Location: Vågen, Bergen, Bergen, Norway

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