Port & Paella |
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Reviewed By: Griffiths, Crewe on 2nd Sep 2010
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| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Braemar |
Sailed:
August,
2010 |
| Destination:
Iberia
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Age: 46-55 |
| Cabin: Outside |
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After a long drive to Dover (which reminded me why I don't usually choose to sail from there!), we stayed overnight in Ashford prior to boarding Braemar.
Inital impressions were great - she is light and airy, feels spacious. I like the way the stairwells are off-centre and curved which again adds to the feeling of space.
I have recently sailed twice on Boudicca so I was keen to compare the two. Although Braemar has the slightly smaller tonnage...she feels larger because she is bright and the lay out is better. I have to admit though that I prefer Boudicca as she felt more friendly and cosy - perhaps because I had been twice in a short time I just got to know more people?
Braemar is well maintained, lots of public spaces and, although she was full to capacity, generally nowhere was ever so packed you couldn't get in. Sir Bernard Ingham was the VIP speaker had he drew a capacity crowd in the Neptune Lounge for his talks - standing room only.
Special credit to Ricky Jermy - Cruise Director. Ricky was doing the role for the first time, covering at short notice for a colleague. The first day of the cruise our call at Fowey is cancelled so Ricky put together a full programme of entertainment at short notice. Throughout the cruise he was highly visible and passengers loved his sense of humour - and we needed that with the weather we had!!
Food was excellent. Our cabin was not the biggest we have ever had, but more than adequate for a shortish cruise.
We were late into Porto because of weather problems but we edged in slowly at lunchtime....all excursions ran as planned, just later.
Other ports: A Coruna, Bilbao and La Rochelle....all as scheduled.
Entertainment was good - comedian, magician and singer as well as resident musicians.
After 3 cruises with Fred Olsen, I am coming to love the brand for its good service, food and warm welcome.
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| There were 80+ children on board which was more than I expected for this line. A Children's Team were on board and the children seem to enjoy themselves.
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