Who knew there was a world record for squeezing a huge cruise ship through a very small canal? Well, there is and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines takes gold after Braemar become the largest ship ever to traverse the Corinth Canal.
The 929-guest, 24,344-gross-tonnes, 195.82m long, 22.52m wide ship successfully passed the historic 6.4km long canal in Greece, measuring 24m at its narrowest point.
With only around 1.5m to spare either side, passengers could have almost touched the walls of the canal!
Kudos to the Captain… I can’t even parallel park!
“This is such an exciting sailing and tremendous milestone in Fred. Olsen’s 171-year history and we are thrilled to have been able to share it with our guests,”
Clare Ward, director of product and customer service for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
The journey
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.
Though ships have been sailing the passage through the canal since 1893, Fred. Olsen claims Braemar was the longest ship to make it through.
Braemar is currently completing a sold-out 25-night ‘Corinth Canal and Greek Islands’ cruise, which set sail from Southampton, UK on 27th September 2019.
This cruise allows guests to experience a tapestry of authentic Greek highlights; with cultural and historical treasures and postcard-perfect scenes.
“We have already had exceptionally high interest in our second Corinth Canal cruise, in Spring 2021, and we can’t wait to do it all over again!”
Clare Ward, director of product and customer service for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Hold your breath and watch the video:
Click here to find out more about the 2021 cruise through the Corinth Canal.