Fred. Olsen Cruises | Balmoral | Magical Memories

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Sunday 5th July 2009

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Magical Memories
Reviewed By: Cudby, Sth Ockendon on 19th Nov 2008
Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Balmoral	Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Norwegian Fjords	Age: 46-55

My parents, brother, his wife and myself set sail on this cruise as although my parents have cruised many times, they are getting to an age where they may not be able to do so for much longer and my Father had always wanted to do a Fjord cruise but my Mum being a chilly mortal had never agreed before, hence it being the month of August. We have all cruised before, my parents with several companies and my brother, sister-in-law and myself only with P & O. Embarkation was far easier than I, certainly have experianced before and within minutes we had our onboard ship's card, through security and on our way to our cabin. These were of a comfortable size with almost everything you could need, except maybe a fridge which would have been very useful. The window was indeed large enough that we had ample views as we cruised the Fjords. The cabin service was warm friendly and efficient, indeed the bed was made and the cabin tidied almost as soon as we left it in the mornings. The cruise itenery was excellent giving us some spectacular views and visiting towns that gave a true insight into the Norweigan Fjiord way of life. In particular we visited Flam and the trip on the railway was very memorable especially when half way up and down we stopped at a breath-taking waterfull that was full of mystic and magic that is connected to a Norweigan legand that was played out in a truely wonderful way - If you go to Flam it is a must. The ship, I found, to be a better size than some of the P & O cruises I have been on, yes they are wonderful ships, but so large, walking from one end to the other was a chore. The Balmoral on the other hand was big enough that there was everything you could want on it but not so massive that it made it hard work. The food was excellent, infact I can honestly say that somewhere or another there was always food on offer. Although we only ate breakfast and the evening meal on board these were of a very high standard. The choice was ample and at breakfast you could ask for what you wanted, within reason. The staff, were friendly, courteous and very obliging. The entertainment again was of a very high standard and as a group ranging with ages from 50 - 80, there was definately always something for everyone, very often suiting all age groups at once. The crew in general were also excellent, they were ALL kind, friendly and very caring and it didn't matter what there station was, whether they were the Captain or the engineering crew, if they saw you needed help or assistance in any way, they went out of their way to provide it, they were truely exceptional. All in all we had a thoroughly wonderful holiday with some truely magical memories that were not only bought about by the amazing scenery but also to the Fred Olsen crew members. I would most certainly recommend Fred Olsen and the Balmoral to anyone and fully intend to travel again with the Fred Olsen Cruise Line and hopefully even on the Balmoral again. Oh it was really wonderful, I want to go again - tomorrow !
Quality of Food
Spey Restaurant - Deck 10 For breakfast and evening meal. With floor to ceiling windows you can enjoy the most spectacular views while you eat and cruise. Both breakfast and evening meal were of a high standard as indeed were the staff.
Entertainment
Al the shows in the Neptune Lounge were of a high standard from the classical music to the comedians, they could not be faulted. Even when the day to day staff did their turns, they were full of fun and enjoyment.
Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff
All the staff were excellent to the point that you really couldn't point one out more than another. They were not only efficient at their independant duties but went out of their way to help you with anything they could even if it wasn't their role.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
What ever you wanted was there. If you wanted to sit quietly with a book, you could on the other hand if you wanted to line dance or stay fit with wii console, you could too.
Cabins
Yes the cabin was of a comfortable size, although I was a single person in a double cabin and I believe my parents found it a tad tight. Facility wise the only thing I can thibk of the make a improvement would be to add a fridge.
Overall Rating