Fred Olsen celebrated the historic coming together of its 4 ocean cruise ships: Balmoral, Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar, in Cadiz Spain on September 10, 2018. Entitled ‘Captains in Cadiz’, this was only the 2nd time ever that the fleet converged in one place, anywhere around the globe.
Fred Olsen’s 4 ships sailed into Cadiz harbour just before 8:00 a.m., carrying 4,000 passengers who were welcomed by ‘Los Sones de Cadiz’ band and a port bedecked with ‘Captains in Cadiz’ fiesta-style bunting and banners.
2018 marks the 170th anniversary of Fred Olsen’s start as a shipping company. Key part of the celebrations was the bringing together of the 8 ships’ Masters from across the fleet. One of the highlights was a ceremonial Plaque Exchange, attended by all 8 Captains, Fred Olsen Junior, Mike Rodwell, Mayor of Cadiz, President of Cadiz Port Authority and other local dignitaries.
At 5:00 p.m., all 4 ships made a dramatic departure from Cadiz in convoy, serenaded by local jazz band. Led out of the harbour by a fire tug boat spraying water cannons, the fleet passed under The Constitution of 1812 Bridge in formation, prior to setting sail for the next destinations: Braemar returning to Southampton; both Black Watch and Balmoral to Lisbon; and Boudicca to Ibiza.
Fred Olsen Cruise Line has already started planning the next fleet reunion, the 3rd such event, in Funchal, Madeira, on April 4, 2020, named ‘Four Fred.s in Funchal’.