70’s On Fred Olsen

The title might be a little misleading but then again so were my perceptions of Fred Olsen before I sailed last week with them. It was cruise.co.uk annual conference which was my first with the company and the first time I had sailed with Fred Olsen. The 3 night mini-break on the Balmoral was a 70’s themed cruise sailing from Southampton and overnighting in the port of Zeebrugge which serves the beautiful and picturesque town of Bruges.

As I stated before I had never sailed on Fred Olsen before and  I have got to admit they did not disappoint. Having sailed on larger ships with other companies my feelings beforehand was that the ship would be too small and that the entertainment and amenities would be not to my liking and geared up to the mature clientèle. I have to hold my hand up – I was wrong!

The Balmoral which held our conference is Fred Olsen’s largest ship in their fleet with a gross tonnage of 43,537 it has 710 cabins and can accommodate up to 1,300 passengers. They are 3 formal restaurants on-board the Ballindalloch which is the main restaurant and then the Avon and Spey. As there was a 100 plus people from cruise.co.uk we were allocated the Spey restaurant for our dining which was a intimate restaurant with panoramic views looking out to sea.

The cabin I was allocated was an outside cabin on Deck 5, and although a bit dated it very spacious and clean. There was an abundance of wardrobe space the bathroom was a decent size compared to other ships I have been on. I think they make the most of the size of the room as the beds are in a L-shaped design, so instead of the beds dominating the main space of the room, one is against the side of the wall with the other occupying the side against the window. So you have a decent area of space, so you are not shuffling round  on your tip-toes trying to get round the beds.

I have to say overall I was very impressed with Fred Olsen and the Balmoral, the staff and service was first class, the food and choice was fantastic. I have certainly changed my opinion about Fred Olsen and would definitely sail with them again.

Well have fantastic Christmas and a wonderful New Year!