Fred Olsen Cruise Lines removes face mask rule for guests

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ passengers will no longer be required to wear face masks on board, following the line’s latest review of its on-board measures.

The removal of masks is part of a phased reduction in the cruise line’s Covid-19 procedures, with pre-embarkation testing and the requirement to be fully vaccinated to remain in place.

Passengers will be asked to pack a face mask with them for their travels, as face coverings will remain a requirement in some of the destinations they visit.

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

Balmoral (pictured) was the first of Fred Olsen’s fleet to set sail without a face mask requirement, having departed Newcastle under the new measures on Wednesday (May 18).

The new guidance will apply to Bolette’s next departure from Southampton on May 22 and Borealis’ departure from Liverpool on May 25.

Peter Deer, managing director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “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.”