I received this press release and thought it might be of interest to some:

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that its fourth ship, which will join the fleet in early 2006, is to be named Boudicca. The name has been carefully selected to reflect the company's ongoing commitment to the British market. Boudicca is a sister ship to Fred. Olsen's Black Watch and the Englishness of her name perfectly contrasts with Black Watch's strong Scottish connections.

Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: "What more fitting tribute to a ship that will be operating out of the ports of Dover and Southampton, than to name her after a great English queen? Boudicca means "victorious" and we look forward to seeing her taking the seas by storm next year."

Fred. Olsen is buying the ship – currently badged Grand Latino - from Grand Latino Navegacion S.A. of Spain and will be taking delivery in October this year. An extensive refit will be undertaken over the winter, prior to her entering service with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in early 2006. Originally built as Royal Viking Sky, the refit of the 28,388 grt vessel will include the creation of several dedicated single cabins, in keeping with the company's tradition. The final occupancy is expected to be around 810 lower berths.

Nigel Lingard, marketing director for the line, added "The addition of Boudicca to our fleet will allow us to operate a wider choice of itineraries and home ports for our customers, satisfying the increasing demand for our very special style of smaller ship cruising."

Hi Nancy,

there already is a thread on this here.

Hi Raoul,
Thanks for the update. I guess that's what happens when you are off cruising instead of keeping up with the news on cruise-chat. Interestingly, I just received this information in my cruise newsletter on Friday. Wonder how many other bits of "news" they are sending me that is OLD news. Sorry about the repeat of the thread, but thanks again for catching it.
Nancy