The UK-based company Fred Olsen Cruise Lines pushed back its restart date from April 23 to May 22, 2021.
The company's first voyage will now be Borealis’ "Sailing Around Iconic Ireland" itinerary departing roundtrip from Liverpool England.
The fleet's second ship - Bolette departs roundtrip from Dover England on May 29. Bolette will be followed by Balmoral (out of Rosyth-Edinburgh Scotland) leaving on June 9.
Due to the planned fly-cruise Caribbean program from homeport Havana Cuba, MS Braemar will remain in cold lay-up until 2022, with fist scheduled departure on August 19.
Fred Olsen's managing director Peter Deer said:
“When we announced our new ‘back in service’ plans in December, we had every confidence in these new dates based on the information available to us at the time.
“Since then, we have seen a third national lockdown imposed, and this must be taken into consideration for our plans in returning to service.
“Deferring Borealis’ return allows us a little more time to consider and understand the developments around COVID-19 , including the roll-out of the vaccine, and how this will reflect how we operate.
“We were also conscious that guests on sailings in April and early May would be due to pay their final balances soon, which is why we have taken this decision now.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming our guests back on board with us in 2021, and I would like to stress that we will not do so until we are confident that the time is right.”