Boudicca 12 Days In December To The Canaries
Boudicca 12 days in December to the Canaries |
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Reviewed By: Badcock, East Cottingwith, York on 17th Feb 2010
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| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Boudicca |
Sailed:
December,
2009 |
| Destination:
Canaries
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Age: 46-55 |
| Cabin: Outside |
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We obtained a 'late saver' cruise on the Boudicca on an unallocated cabin basis. This proved perfectly satisfactory for us and we were allotted a nice outside cabin with 2 portholes. Embarkation at Portsmouth went smoothly and we were soon being made welcome aboard.
Our cabin, although, reasonably small, was perfectly adequate, and was clean and in good order. Each day we had breakfast delivered to our cabin - an extra luxury as far as we are concerned - although there is no extra cost for this.
The staff were very helpful and pleasant at all times; probably amongst the friendliest of all the cruises we have been on.
The food was of a good standard and nicely presented and served, and the wine was of good quality and - most importantly - well priced (a bottle of house red about £13).
The journey out of the channel was very rough (gale force 10), and many suffered from seasickness. Nevertheless, a quick jab at the medical centre (£24) and I was fully cured within half and hour!
The entertainment was first class - nothing amateur here. A superb song and dance group for the evening shows, with none of the relentless noise that you get on some ships. In addition, we had Gervase Phinn as one of the lecturers and he was extremely entertaining. Other lecturers were also good. The cruise was also one of Fred Olsen's arts cruises, based around classical music. To this end there were no less than 3 brilliant classical pianists on board, and a string quartet. To an extent the classical music was a highlight for me.
Shore excursions were reasonably priced (I never think they are cheap!). We went on one in Madeira which was informative and well run.
Going on and off the ship was smooth at all times, with no hassle.
The age group on the ship was certainly at the pensioner end of the market, and no harm in that, and mainly from the UK. We found everyone to be friendly and very willing to chat.
I suppose the only downside was the norovirus outbreak which must have affected a couple of hundred of the passengers. Hygiene aboard was good and they worked hard to contain the virus; it only takes one or two passengers to be a little sloppy with washing their hands though.. Luckily it did not spoil the trip for us, although it certainly would have done for some aboard.
Overall, a good cruise with a good cruise line.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Main restaurant and the buffet at lunchtimes | | Entertainment |  |
| The evening shows were of an excellent standard, as was the classical music | | Shore Excursions |  |
| Madeira | | Staff | |
| All the staff were very good. Very friendly. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Yes - lectures and demonstrations as well as games etc. | | Cabins | |
| Yes it was quite eadequate | | Overall Rating | |
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