| |
Great time on first cruise |
| Reviewed By: Hay, Cambridge on 27th Sep 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 0 |
| Cruise Ship: Balmoral |
Sailed:
September,
2008 |
| Destination: Western Europe |
Age: 46-55 |
|
This was our first cruise so we can make no comparisons with others. However overall we had a wonderful time.
The day before departure we received a letter telling us the cruise woudl depart from Southampton instead of Dover. For us this wasn't too much of a problem, apart from having to cange the parking, as we are equidistant from both but it was a great inconvenience to many others, especially those who had not received the letter before leaving home and who had to be bussed from Dover. Fred O provided a free bar for the first full day.
Because of the Dover coaches we did not depart until after 0100. This caused a problem for us as we had an aft cabin on Deck 5 where the noise/vibration on leaving/docking was very bad. We had thought that with a 2100 departure the noise would be over before we wanted to sleep. As it was we had a very disturbed first night. Before we were due to dock at the next port we asked for a change of cabin as the ship was not full this was provided. After that there were no problems with noise at all and we were very pleased we had asked for the change. In both cabins the service from the stewardesses was great.
We were allocated the Spey restaurant for dining and it was lovely. The food and service were both excellent and there was a very friendly atmosphere throughout. We occasionally had breakfast or lunch elsewhere and that was fine too.
The entertainment was generally ok. As well as the main shows in the Neptune Lounge there were also other entertainment elsewhere. For us the highlight was the solo concert by the Balmoral Orchestra - 6 musicians sounding like a big band. Fabulous. We also enjoyed all the opportunities for dancing (every evening!).
We didn't go on any organised excursions but went ashore at eash port of call. The first, Le Verdun, was instead of La Rochelle and lots of people, including us, were disappointed not to be able to visit La Rochelle but apparently industrila action prevented it. Le Verdun was pretty uninteresting.
Bilbao was fine but La Coruna was the best. We took a train (about 30 mins walk form the port to the station)to Santiago de Compostela (19 euros return for the two of us) and that was a wonderful city.
Cherbourg was not hugely exciting but worth getting of the ship for! In all places(apart form La Coruna where the port was right in the town) FO provided a free shuttle bus which was good.
The average age on the cruise was probably 70+ but the company was very good and the staff throughout were amazing.
We heard some criticisms and adverse comparisons with other cruises but we had a super time and a lot of fun, notwithstanding the few glitches. We will certainly go on another cruise and would be very happy with Fred Olsen.
|
| Quality of Food |  |
| There was a huge amount. | | Entertainment |  |
| Balmoral Orchestra concert was the highlight. Barnaby was very funny - and fun. Dancing music was great | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff | |
| All were so friendly and helpful (even Reception who have been criticised in other Balmoral reviews). | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| | Cabins | |
| Apart from the noise problem in the first cabin, everything exceeded expectations - lots of storage, very comfortable and clean and excellent service. | | Overall Rating | |
|
|
|
