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Black Watch Iberian Experience 2008 |
| Reviewed By: Collins, Claygate on 1st Dec 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Black Watch |
Sailed:
November,
2008 |
| Destination: Iberia |
Age: 56-65 |
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I have just returned from my first venture onto a Fred Olsen ship and experienced an 8 night Iberian trip. We had booked on Black Watch and departed from Dover on November 23 2008.
Never having sailed from anywhere other than Southampton it was interesting to try the alternative and the experience was different. I dropped my son off with all baggage and then drove about 300 yards in the rain to park in the open and catch a mini-bus back to the terminal.
There was a 15 minute line to the desks of which 6 were open and we were issued with our cruise cards and then went through to a 75 minute wait in the aptly named waiting room until boarding commenced at 3.30pm.
Once on board the security photo is taken and we went to our cabin. It was an outside twin with two portholes on deck 4 and was fine; plenty of cupboard space but the bathroom was cramped. A nice powerful shower but they provided those pump action soap dispensers rather than bar soap. A personal dislike.
The Lifebelt assembly took place and for the first time in my experience a full roll call was taken. It worked fine but I am not sure how it do at 4 in the morning with no lights etc..
The Captain was marvellous; he came on the tannoy twice a day and kept us fully advised on all matters, especially the weather. He had a welcome cocktail party and a farewell party which was a nice touch. The entertainment was not to my taste with a slightly racist comic one night, and a Union Jack waving sing song on another night.
The food was fine, very English but well prepared and served. Afternoon tea was bizarre, on 2 days it was served in the Neptune lounge whereas the other days was self service for food with drinks served in the Braemar Lounge and totally self service on Deck 7 outside the Lido Bar. Both had long queues and to my mind, in this day and age, the method of delivery is outdated. People want to be served I think.
There are several bars on board and all but one allows cigarette smoking only, You can smoke pipes and cigars on deck only or in the cabins. I can say no more on that subject
We hit bad weather and arrived at Dover early, Disembarkation was a breeze, but it would be with only 8 or 900 passengers. Had to get in a minibus with our luggage and were driven in the rain to our car. Of course it wouldn’t start so a fellow passenger came to my aid. Thanks very much.
Sitting here today, I don’t think I will use them again, and that is a pity. They do have a role in cruising and I wish I could go with them but I just want more I suppose. Of course one should never say never.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Glentanar Restaurant, 2nd sitting | | Entertainment |  |
| Not to my taste | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff |  |
| Excellent | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| There were things to do, but nothing really appealed to me. Having said that, I was happy catching up on my reading | | Cabins |  |
| Bathroom too small | | Overall Rating | |
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