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Gardens of Madeira and the Canaries
 
Reviewed By: Shorrock, MILTON KEYNES on 30th Jun 2009
Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Black Watch Sailed: April, 2009
Destination: Canaries Age: 65+
Cabin: Outside
This was one of many cruises with Fred Olsen and in many respects we always feel we are visiting long standing friends. This cruise was no exception. It did, however, get off to a bad start because of the late arrival at Dover of Black Watch which was repositioning from Southampton. Although the brochure indicated a 11pm sailing, the tickets indicated a 2pm boarding time. This was subsequently corrected by FO by individual letters but did not prevent what appeared to be all the passengers arriving at Dover before the ship. Result, a very crowded departure lounge and too few seats. Luckily for us, as Oceans Gold Members we were able to embark soon after BW arrived and settle in quickly. Dinner on this first night was open seating but we were shown to a table which was close to our allocated table and served by our waiters for the cruise. Mrs S requires gluten free food and had arranged for this when booking. Our waiters fully understood and explained the procedures - from that moment on everything worked perfectly.We used the Glentanar Restaurant for all of our meals and without exception enjoyed them all. Our grateful thanks to Jorie, Lito and Ornes. They even arranged for gluten free packed lunches on 2 occasions when we were on tours.
We have cruised to the Canaries many times and use it as a relaxing break. On this occasion, however, we were with a group of gardeners led by Ashley Stephenson (former Bailiff of the Royal Parks) and his wife Isabel. Again this is something we have done several times before and continue to enjoy. As ever, we enjoyed the on board presentations, question times and general get togethers. They really do cater for all levels of experience. Trips out to gardens on Madeira and Tenerife were particularly enjoyable. What a pleasure to see your house plants growing in their natural state - and the size!!!!!!!! Garden themed cruises are an excellent way to experience and enjoy gardens the world over. Try them and be amazed. Our grateful thanks to Ashley and Isabel for making this trip an enjoyable experience.
Life on board BW is to us a familiar experience - there is as much to occupy you as you could wish - or you can curl up in a corner with a book - more food is always around the corner - the staff as ever helpful and friendly - we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. We have cruised extensively over the past 20 years using different cruise lines and in our opinion Fred Olsen gives good honest value for money.
Quality of Food5
We ate all meals in the Glentanar restaurant - Mrs S required a Gluten Free diet and having established an excellent raport with our waiters on the first evening we decided to "stay with them" Their attention, care and consideration was excellent - in the best of Fred Olsen tradition.
Entertainment4
The evening entertainment was what you might call standard Fred Olsen fare - enjoyable but not outstanding. One area where FO excels is in Classical concerts/recitals - on this occasion a Harpist - truly wonderful.
Shore Excursions5
Having cruised so often to the Canaries we don't often do excursions - this cruise included trips to gardens on Madeira and Tenerife. we have done them before and they are always a joy to behold.
Staff5
This has to be the Restaurant waiters - Jorie and Ornes our regular waiters and Lito for adjacent tables who was always hovering and ready to oblige - also the Head Waiters
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activitiesn/a
Cabins4
Cruised several time on BW and always use the same grade of cabin - Main Deck B
Overall Rating4
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