At Sea with Doug Newman

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has now posted new deck plans reflecting the stretch that Balmoral (currently NCL’s Norwegian Crown) will undergo at Blohm + Voss before entering service with the company at the end of the year.Here’s a run-down of the major changes being made compared to the previously released deck plans (note, this is a comparison with previous Fred. Olsen deck plans and not the ship’s current NCL configuration):

• Marina Deck (3): Additional cabins in both new and existing part of ship (now on starboard side as well as port), new Arts & Crafts Room in new section.
• Coral Deck (4): Additional cabins in new section.
• Atlantic Deck (5): Additional cabins in new section.
• Main Deck (6): Enlarged Photo Gallery replaces Internet Room (moved to Deck 7). New section has additional cabins and new Art Gallery.
• Lounge Deck (7): New section includes Library (moved from Deck 11), Internet Room (moved from Deck 6), Card Room (moved from Deck 8 ), and Lounge. Lounge in existing section is now Morning Light Bar. New Grill Restaurant added at aft end of Palms Cafe (formerly Yacht Club Cafe).
• Lido Deck (8): Additional cabins (including balcony cabins) in new section. Coral Club replaces Spa & Gym (moved to Deck 11) and Card Room (moved to Deck 7).
• Bridge Deck (9): Additional cabins and suites (including balcony suites) in new section.
• Marquee Deck (10): NCL-added Spa & Gym retained, rather than relocated to Deck 8. New balcony cabins and suites in new section. Spey and Avon Restaurants replace Jacuzzi and Marquee Grill Bar.
• Horizon Deck (11): Horizon Bar replaces Library (moved to Deck 7). Sun Deck expanded through new section and now incorporates new Pool and Jacuzzis. Aft deck (in existing section) reconfigured and now includes Golf Nets.

Needless to say, the “stretch” has allowed Fred. Olsen to considerably deviate from its original refit plans and will create a ship with a much wider range of spaces and amenities than any previous Fred. Olsen vessel. Many ship enthusiasts will undoubtedly be disappointed at the retention of the spa added by NCL, which certainly mars the ship’s profile, but it is a very practical move (I was surprised they planned to remove it in the first place!) as it does free up other space for much-needed public areas.I am really looking forward to Balmoral’s debut and also to the upcoming “stretch” of the smaller Braemar next year.Click here to see the new deck plans for yourself.