Former Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Braemar arrives in Belfast for conversion into residence cruise ship
Braemar seen passing under the Forth Road bridge on her way to the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast (Source: Villa Vie Residences)
The former Fred Olsen Cruise Line-owned vessel Braemar arrived at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast on April 26th for her conversion into the residential cruise vessel Villa Vie Odyssey. The vessel arrived in Belfast from the Scottish port of Rosyth, where she has been laid-up for more than four years.
Now owned by US operator Villa Vie Residences, the 24,344gt 1993-built Braemar will undergo significant technical work in Northern Ireland, including the reactivation of systems, class inspections, general maintenance and more. The 924-passenger-capacity vessel will also receive a new livery, as well as new public areas and features.
Among the new additions are a culinary centre and a pickleball court. The vessel will also be fitted with a state-of-the-art business centre, and an upgraded pool deck, while all 480 cabins will be totally refurbished.
Following the completion of the conversion, the Villa Vie Odyssey, will sail to Southampton for her maiden voyage for her new owners – a three-and-a-half-year world cruise, visiting all seven continents and 425 destinations in 147 countries.
