Going Back to the 70’s with Fred Olsen

Only a couple of weeks before I step aboard another Fred Olsen cruise ship!  The Balmoral this time, and cant wait to see what she’s like.

As you know if you have read my previous blog, I had the opportunity to sail on the Braemar in June this year to Le Havre & Rouen, and was well impressed with Freds, and came away with a whole new opinion of this cruise line.  I’ve got to say the food on board was the best I’ve had than on any other cruise line so far!

Its cruise.co’s Annual Conference on board this Mini Cruise to Bruges and to get us in the Christmas mood, the theme is 70’s.  I’m really looking forward to visiting Bruges again and its Christmas Market.  (I was there last year courtesy of P&O’s Oriana and loved it!) The main square is decked out in all its Christmas finery, with Christmas Trees, Lights, and the numerous stalls selling hot waffles and Gluwein!  There’s even an Ice Rink, which I will be steering well clear of!  Great to watch, but madness to participate – not at my age anyway!  I’ve got a few Euros so might treat myself to some Belgian Choccies and a few fruit beers!

So back to the Balmoral. She is the largest ship in the fleet,  carrying 1300 guests in 710 cabins & suites.  With 2 formal restaurants Avon & Spey, (named after the beautiful Salmon rivers) and the main Ballindalloch Restaurant.  I’ve also got the choice to grab a snack in the informal Palms Cafe, so definitely wont be going hungry! Into the Morning Light Pub for a cocktail or 2 before catching a show in the Neptune Lounge or a quiet nightcap in the Obs Lounge.  Cant wait!

Got to say though, not looking forward to the 70’s Theme night.  I lived the 70’s and the fashion was just hideous!  Bell bottoms, Platforms, Lycra, Hotpants!  ABBA – Bright Blue EyeShadow Flicky up hair, – think Farrah Fawcett Majors….. or worse,  Afro….  It wasn’t the best decade for fashion.

I remember turning up for work one day (I worked in a Bank in the early 70’s) Long hair with Silver streaks, Silver Lurex Skirt, Blue Tights & Black Platforms.  What an absolute sight I must have been.  Of course I was oblivious to the stares, and thought I just looked ‘the business’.  As for putting on a pair of Platform shoes now – not a chance – not without medical assistance close by!

Years later I look at those pictures, and cringe…..

I’ll let you know how I get on and may even post a few photos of me and my colleagues in our  70’s gear – guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!

Regards

Gina