'New era' for Portsmouth International Port with the offer of four new cruises

Cruise company Fred Olsen has launched four new itineraries from council-owned Portsmouth International Port to start in October next year.

The sailings – on the ship Balmoral – will include trips to Paris, Norway, the Canaries and Christmas markets in Germany.

Ian Diaper, Portsmouth International Port’s head of operations said: ‘Like passengers we can’t wait to see cruises start again, so we’re delighted to welcome Fred. Olsen’s prestigious Balmoral for turnaround cruises from the city next October.

‘This marks a new cruise era for Portsmouth and we’re looking forward to working with Fred. Olsen on this exciting journey.’

Clare Ward, director of product and services for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, added: ‘We’re so pleased to be unveiling further new cruises this week, and just as excited to be returning to Portsmouth for four of our eight new sailings. Portsmouth’s well-connected cruise terminal has superb, modern facilities and we know that the team there will be able to provide a smooth and safe checking in process for our guests.’

Stringent safety measures are already in place at the port, which includes it being one of the first ports in the UK recognised by independent assessors for new protocols to manage and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections.

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