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Fred Olsen Cruises |
| Reviewed By: Jenner, Salisbury on 22nd Jul 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: Braemar |
Sailed:
February,
2007 |
| Destination: Caribbean |
Age: 65+ |
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Our Caribbean cruise with Fred Olsen on "Braemar" was our first. It involved flying to Barbados where we were transferred to the ship with little fuss and no exertion. We have since cruised with Olsen to The Baltic and St Petersburg on "Black Watch" with no flying for this most enjoyable cruise. Also to Madeira/Canaries on "Boudicca". There was no flying involved but certainly more days at sea. All have been excellent. Our cabin has been outside on either Main or Bridge Deck. The size was only adequate but in no way lessened our enjoyment of the cruise. We were once upgraded quite unexpectedly to a Junior Suite and the difference was amazing luxury by comparison. Olsen ships are smaller than most but they all have plenty of open deck which includes a complete wrap around deck for walking, and good quiet places for relaxing both inside and out. Dining is a real pleasure and there is no difference in the service and quality of the food whether you are in a lower deck inside cabin or a luxury suite. The mostly Filipino staff is friendly and attentive. Breakfast and lunch are informal either inside or out with a choice of seating. The tables are laid with impeccably clean cloths and dinner is a superb experience. We enjoyed a varied menu with so much choice at breakfast and lunch and we could have had delicious afternoon tea. However, we saved ourselves for the five course dinners which included succulent lamb and beef, delicious fish and interesting deserts. People we spoke to said that the food was the best ever on any cruise and we can well believe that. There is more than enough entertainment laid on to cover a variety of interests and, although the resident singers/dancers are few in number, they are professional in their performances. Shows take place in the lounge after dinner and, at times, it was difficult to find a comfortable seat from which we could see the stage.
On each cruise the tours, although more expensive than going ashore independently, were excellent. We particularly enjoyed the organised river trip in to the forests in Dominica, the tour around Antigua and visits to St Petersburg and the evening ballet. We found it an easy option to disembark on our own at the many ports of call where taxis are very obviously waiting to negotiate to take you anywhere you choose. We are now looking forward to another cruise with Fred Olsen in November so that speaks for itself as a recommendation.
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