Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Braemar will operate cruises exclusively from UK ports, following the conclusion of her winter 2011/12 Caribbean season. The ship has operated a winter fly-cruise program, for its British passengers, flying from the UK to Barbados, since she joined the Fred. Olsen fleet in 2001.
Fred. Olsen’s decision to withdraw from the Caribbean fly-cruise program has been forced by the escalating costs of air travel, together with the high cost of Air Passenger Duty (APD), which is a major and increasingly concerning factor.
The end of departing from Barbados will not mean an end to Caribbean cruising with Fred. Olsen. The cruise line has always operated ex-UK cruises to the Caribbean, as well as other longer cruises, so importantly; the choice of destination areas visited will not be reduced.