Fred Olsen Lifts Face Mask Rule for Guests

Following a review of the line’s on-board safeguards, passengers on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines will no longer be obliged to wear face masks.

The elimination of masks is part of a planned reduction in the cruise line’s Covid-19 protocols, which will continue to include pre-embarkation testing and the necessity to be properly vaccinated.

Passengers will be encouraged to bring a face mask on their trip because facial coverings will still be required in some of the sites they visit.

Furthermore, for the time being, crew members will continue to wear masks.

Balmoral was the first ship in Fred Olsen’s fleet to sail without a face mask requirement, departing Newcastle on Wednesday (18th May).

Bolette’s next departure from Southampton is on May 22 while Borealis’ departure from Liverpool is on May 25.

According to Peter Deer, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines: “We have been regularly reviewing our on-board procedures, and know this move will be well received among our guests.

“Of course, we understand that some guests may prefer to continue wearing a face mask as they move around the ship, and this will be entirely at their discretion.

“The health and wellbeing of our guests and crew remains our utmost priority, and as such we will be operating a phased reduction in our on-board protocols.

“Pre-departure testing will remain in place at our ports, and we know that this is a measure that is supported by our guests. We will also continue to require all guests to be fully vaccinated to join us on board.”