Fred. Olsen Cruises - Boudicca Cruises Reviews

Thursday 24th May 2012

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Cruise Reviews

Fred. Olsen Cruises

Boudicca

Leith To Norway

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Leith to Norway

Reviewed By: Hutt, Newburgh on 16th Oct 2008
Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises	Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: Boudicca	Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Norwegian Fjords	Age: 56-65
Cabin: Outside

At 3 pm my wife arrived at the departure terminal at Leith to board the Boudicca and to our astonishment were in our cabin in exactly 5 minutes. Our cases were delivered minutes later. This must be a record, unless you know different. The cabin was spacious, immaculate and well equipped. A quick tour of the ship confirmed that the brochure seemed to be accurate. On board meals were more than adequate both in choice and presentation. Formal nights were enjoyable and well supported by the vast majority of passengers, especially the cocktail parties although free wine may have had a bearing on this. Entertainment, with one exception was quite good. The exception was the show put on by the crew. There were quite a number of talented artistes among the crew and one must wonder why they choose to work cleaning cabins and sweating in the engine room or kitchens rather than performing full-time on the stage. A standing ovation was scant reward for their efforts. We sampled two of the planned excursions. The first was trip to a farm where we were to receive cakes and a tour of the farm. The cakes were fine but the tour did not take place. What a rip off. The second was Norway old and new which consisted of a tour, a visit to a museum where we were shown videos from the early days up to the present as well as examining various artefacts in the museum in the company of a well informed guide. This was definately a winner. There was only one recurring grouse about this cruise. Why have coffee available at specific times during the day. This only resulted in rugby scrum each time. Fred Olsen might change their policy on coffees if they have a few compensation claims from scalded passengers. Why not 24 hour coffee stations as most cruise ships do? I cannot finish without mentioning my favourite barman who ensured my glass was never empty for long. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The captain, a talented trumpet player as he demonstrated at one of the cocktail parties, and his polite and helpful crew all contributed to a memorable cruise.
Quality of Food
Formal dining room sampled most things
Entertainment
Professional entertainers were quite good but they were eclipsed by the performance put on by the crew.
Shore Excursions
Farm visit a rip off. Norway old and new was first class.
Staff
I cannot spell his name farless pronounce it but I had what my wife called my pet barman. Not only did he excel in what he had to do he was also quite knowledgeable of ports of call.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities	n/a

Cabins

Overall Rating

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Comment by bridges, mkt harborough (17 Jan 09 10:49) about this REVIEW

Mr Hutt thankyou for your speedy reply. I was fortunate to go on the QE 2 last april with a couple of girl friends and loved every minute .I was not sure if I would enjoy cruising as the thought of being "confined with hundreds of other people" is not mine or my husbands idea of a holiday! However my first and only cruise has changed my opinion, so I am desperate for my husband to enjoy his and he will then hopefully want to go on more. Your reply has been most helpful . Thankyou P Bridges

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Question by bridges, mkt harborough (14 Jan 09 14:08) about this REVIEW

I am taking my husband who is not the best of sailors on the 7 day trip to norway in july. What was your crossing like and what were the temperatures at the fjords?

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Answer by Hutt, Newburgh (15 Jan 09 11:13) to a QUESTION by bridges (14 Jan 09 14:08)

The crossing of the North Sea outbound was a little choppy at times but the vast majority of passengers were unaffected by the motion. We sailed home in fog and there was not a ripple on the water. Having said that a P&O cruise ship which docked in Bergen just after us had endured force 8 and worse all the way up from Southampton. They crossed the North Sea three days after us. You pays your money and cross your fingers! Temperatures in the fjords at that time of the year are comparable to Scotland. Once in the fjiords there is virtually no wind due to the surrounding hills and the sea conditions are always calm.

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