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| Reviewed By: Irish, Sutton Coldfield on 13th Jan 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Braemar |
Sailed:
August,
2007 |
| Destination: Arctic |
Age: 56-65 |
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In August 2007 myself and my husband embarked on an Arctic expereince on Fred Olsens MS Braemar.This was our fourth cruise with Fred Olsen a company who we enjoy cruising with.We were not both as enthusiastic with the idea of visiting the Arctic in fact my husband had clearly said I cannot understand why you would want to visit anywhere which is cold,grey and uninspiring but after 41 years of marriage ,in general, our cruising tastes are alike so off we went.We had booked late due to the persuation needed for the trip so had no idea about our cabin.We arrived at Newcastle and experienced a technical hitch, the leaflet received from Fred Olsen via our agent said £30 so we had taken cash to cover.We discovered it was not the case and had to pay £80 which was a bit of a shock however this was sorted when we got onboard and we were given a full £50 refund off our bill.
The sailaway from Newcastle was amaizing with the band playing 'We are sailing' and people all along the key waving it was great.
The cabin was very comfortable and we had been told the view would be retsricted in fact a life boat was directly inline with our window this was a new experience.However it made us get up and go up on deck more which I am sure was good for us.
As we approached the Norweagan coast the scenary was spectactular and we both said this is just fantastic.From this pint on the cold,grey and uninteresting never surfaced again, just shows what perception can do.
The crew on board were very helpful and informative.The captain we found out later was new to Olsen but no one would have known as he had a great rapport with everyone and proved also be a great sport.We would say he was first Class.
The itinary was a stunning combination of mainland Norway with small and large islands above the Arctic Circle the largest island being Spitsbergen.
Meeting and greeting on board any ship can be a concern of some people in case the people on the table do not gel.We were very lucky and met some really nice people from the north of England and a great couple from South Africa so meal times were a treat.
In terms of the food nothing was too much trouble in fact one evening I ordered something that when it came had something I could not eat and immediatly they asked if I would like something else.The standard of all the food was really good.
Activities on board were very varied and I really enjoyed joing the craft class during days at sea.I am now an avid card maker.(Blame the cruise)
We proceeded north and were joined by a Norweagan comentator who really lead us the through all the places of interest including the crossing of the Arctic Circle.One of the front row people for the crossing ceremony was my husband who thouroughly enjoying the ancient tradition of King Neptune where the swimming pool came into its own and the first person in to be ducked was the captain fully clothed followed by other senior officers.It was great fun and the weather was great too.
The journey through the inside pasage was both ruggid and awe inspiring and the trip up Troll Fiord was a real experience.To see and expereince a ship turn on its own axis is amazing.
We proceeded noth to the Tromso then onto the North Cape.The scenary was breathtaking as well as taking in the nature and culture of the place.Many many pictures were taken.
Journeying up to Sptizbergen we were hoping the polar bears would be about but it was not to be.The icebergs and the white foxes were good compensation.
Cruising is a total expereince and in the evening we would either go to a show or relax and read or even walk round the deck when warm enough.
The trip to the Arctic was really memorable and Fred Olsen as always lived up to their reputation of value for money.
It was very different and the sceptic has not stpped talking about it a a really memorable cruise.
We have already booked for October on Breamar this time well in advance so do not have view of the all important life boats.
We are also off to Asia for Easter with Costa
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| Quality of Food |  |
| We ate in the main restaurant for lunch and dinner.Buffet breakfast | | Entertainment |  |
| Varied throughout two weeks | | Shore Excursions | |
| THis trip we went on few as ports were interesting the trip to the North Cape was really good | | Staff | |
| All staff were most helpful the waiter and cabin person really good. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Yes for us | | Cabins | |
| Yes | | Overall Rating | |
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