Land Of The Midnight Sun |
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Reviewed By: Sheppard, Christchurch on 30th Jun 2009
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| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 0 |
| Cruise Ship: Balmoral |
Sailed:
June,
2009 |
| Destination:
Northern Europe
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Age: 56-65 |
| Cabin: Outside |
Occasion: Wedding anniversary |
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Our Cruise experience started when we left home. The initial transfer, in our case by car, sets the scene. For a relaxed journey from the Bournemouth Area we chose an overnight stop at the Holiday Inn Express at Canterbury. A convenient, but perhaps remote location, from Canterbury. There was a facility for a modest priced evening meal at the Inn. Our car parking destination was Relyon Parking; a Company which we found gave excellant service; from removing suitcases from the boot of your car, to Coaches and Mini Buses awaiting us on our return to Dover Port. We would certainly use them again and probably have confidence in omitting the overnight stop for an afternoon sailing.
We were early for our check in and because of my Wife's walking problems were quickly processed to the Departure Lounge. Once in our Cabin all but my own Suitcase had arrived, the last time I saw it was in the boot of my car. A walk to Reception eventually found it, label intact, so why it did not appear outside the Cabin is a mystery. The Picture Window Cabin was, as described in other reviews, comfortable and kept immaculate. The faulty fan was repaired. Changing the temperature of the Cabin was by searching for the knob under the thermostat! The interactive TV was excellet and we soon booked a further excursion. Fred Olsen certainly has found away of draining your Bank Account (joke) with the Boarding Card that becomes your passport for all purchases. It is easy to check your account daily but so easy to spend on it (we're on holiday, weren't we?). Settlement can be made by Credit Card.
Food is plentiful and varied with different styles on various restaurants. Hygiene is excellent, though some people may have considered it to be to much like a hospital environment, but it is worth it for the benefit of all passengers.
Entertainment is varied and excellent, the Balmoral Show Company being our particular favourites. The Neptune Lounge, where performances took place was probably overcrowded for the first diners but there was adequate places for the show after the late dinner sitting .
The Lido Deck performances were informal, the Crossing of the Arctic Circle Trial by Neptune and his pirates reflected the good nature and friendliness of the Captain and his entire crew.
Excursions, whilst expensive (it was Norway) were executed with efficiency. We chose three; Exploring The Hardangerfjord(Bergen), Arctic City Tour (Tromso) and Troll Adventure (Andalsnes). They were all very interesting though the final impression is that we left the best to last, that is not to say the first was not good. Our independent visits ashore were not that adventurous but we did manage a bus trip to the Borg Viking centre, at Leknes, Lofoton Islands.
The Coastal ports of call were probably not the most popular which did have the advantage of not having other Cruise Ships swamping the towns. Leknes port was remote from the town and the town uninspiring, especially in the rain. All other ports were interesting, but then again it was not raining and mostly sunshine. My comment on the itinery was that a day a sea for whale watching and the Captain fishing was not that interesting, I would have preferred another day at Alesund. Bike hire at the Ports would be a welcome addition.
There is so much more to write but to summize - experience it yourself, its well worth it.
This was our first Cruise, were we impressed?; Certainly. Will we book again?, Yes we did, but next time is a Cruise with more time at sea so that we can experience the on board entertainment that we missed. We spent most of our daylight hours in the Observatory Lounge to see Norway - not fjords and more fjords but islands which the Balmoral could intertwine its way to North Cape and back.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Ballindalloch Restaurant. Breakfast/Evening Meal. Buffet Breakfast, A la Carte evening meal. | | Entertainment |  |
| The Balmoral Show Company, Magician (Andy James), & Comedian (Bob Webb) were most enjoyable to watch.
Missed all but one of The Rosario Trio and wished we had seen more of their concerts as they were very good. | | Shore Excursions | |
| Best: Troll Adventure, spectacular scenery!. Exploring The Hardangerfjord was varied. Both were full day excursions of enjoyable variety. | | Staff | |
| Difficult to single out any particular member of staff. We were well looked after by our chamber maid Duan and waiters Joe and Sanjiv in the Ballindalloch restaurant. Observatory Lounge Staff were particularly friendly and welcoming. Top marks to all staff. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Yes, but we did not have time to sample it all. | | Cabins | |
| Yes | | Overall Rating | |
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