Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 880-guest Boudicca has begun an extensive refit at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany.

The ship will then return to the UK for a five-night D1804 ‘Mystery Cruise’, departing from Dover on March 29th.

The Blohm + Voss schedule for Boudicca comprises engineering works, general refurbishments and painting of the interiors and exterior.

In addition, one of the main focusses will be the stripping out and rejuvenation of the 462 rooms across the ship.

All rooms will have new carpets installed, along with new soft furnishings and lamps.

As with the rest of the fleet, brand new balcony furniture will be installed, and all rooms will be equipped with mini-fridges, safes and interactive smart TVs.

There will be extensive upgrading and remodelling of Boudicca’s public rooms and dining facilities.

The ship’s Morning Light Pub – a feature across the whole of the Fred. Olsen fleet – will be moved from to the portside of the Secret Garden Café.

The Heligan Room will be converted into the Indian Ocean Restaurant, with an Indian Ocean theme, offering the same style of imitate dining space as sister ship Black Watch’s Orchid Room.

The space vacated by the Morning Light Pub on deck six will be converted into the Oriental Tea Room, serving exotic teas and other Oriental specialities.

Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are very proud of our smaller, classic cruise ships, and we recognise the importance of investment in upgrades and improvements to ensure that guest are always able to enjoy their holidays to the full.

“The upgrades and improvements to Black Watch, Braemar and Balmoral have all been very well-received by both new and existing guests, and we continue to focus on developing and enhancing the onboard experience.

“The significant investment that we are making to guest rooms and public areas throughout our fleet will ensure that we continue to provide facilities that meet – and exceed – guest expectations.”

From spring 2018, Fred. Olsen guests will be able to sail aboard a fully-renewed ocean fleet.

Black Watch benefitted from extensive improvement work at the end 2016 and has been achieving record revenues since.

Braemar and Balmoral were refurbished before Christmas 2017.