Fred Olsen Cruise Line offer 4 small and intimate cruise ships. Their motto is ‘bringing the world closer to you’. Their ships are designed to bring a level of intimacy and tradition back to cruising. Having smaller ships enables them to call at ports that the larger ships cannot.
Fred Olsen was a line that I was yet to see. Having sailed on and seen many of the other cruise lines, I was really looking forward to getting on board and having a look at what Fred Olsen can offer the cruiser and here is my guide to the Balmoral.
On the 29th October, myself and Louise (also from Cruise.co.uk) set off for Southampton to have a look around the Balmoral. It was a reality check when we got to the Southampton flyover and you could just about see Balmoral in the Mayflower terminal but sticking out like a sore thumb was the Independence of the Seas. It just goes to show how the cruising world has advanced so much over the past 10 years. Don’t get me wrong, I do like the larger ships but as they get bigger and bigger, do they not lose the more traditional charm of cruising?
As we arrived at the Mayflower terminal, she was waiting for us to get on-board. At 43,537 gross tonnes, she’s a little bigger than the Adonia but you can still see she’s a small ship and with 710 staterooms carrying 1350 guests she does seem to give the first impression that for a ship of that size, in comparison to the Adonia which is 30,300 gross tonnes and has only 710 guests, maybe the ratio of space per passenger is a little less of Fred Olsen in comparison, although she did feel rather spacious on board.
As we left the terminal building, we were taken on board and greeted by some very friendly staff and welcomed into the main reception area of the ship. Although a smaller atrium area than I am used to, it was very nicely finished with a brass globe as the centre piece and a brass finished staircase taking you up to the next deck.
Let’s start on Marquee Deck. This is the highest deck – in total she is 11 decks high. On the very back of this deck, it has the most beautiful view out and over the bow of the ship and as many of you who read my write ups will know, I particularly like the cruise ships with the tiered back and Balmoral is not an exception with a 5 level tiered back. This gives lots of extra outside space plus the addition of a second pool and sunbathing deck.
On the back of the Marquee Deck you have a large expansive part of open deck, perfect for long sea days relaxing on a lounger, sipping a cocktail or reading a book. You will also find deck games up here along with the golf net.
This area is wrapped around the funnel of the ship, so just be wary when leaving port for when the Captain sounds the horn!!
Balmoral only has one outside deck. Many ships do have the Pool deck and then the Sun deck which looks down over the Pool deck. Although I don’t think this is too much of a problem as on the Balmoral she has dedicated the outside space for relaxing and not put in huge pool bars which take up lots of space, I think it also gives the ship a much more airy feel. My only concern with this is if you have a really hot day and the sun is beaming down, it may be quite hard to find a shady area. Other than that, the pool area is really nice and open. You have a large pool on the Marquee deck with two Jacuzzis to relax in and watch the day go by. Although I am not quite sure what the statue is, it does bring a maritime feel to the pool.
Further forward we have on outside seating area which leads to the Marquee Bar. This is where you can grab a nice cool drink or if you prefer, a hot cup of tea. They also serve a selection of things to tempt the taste buds in here. The Marquee Bar jets out over the side and gives complete clear views out to sea and over the pool deck – a great place to come for the mid-morning cup of tea or cocktail depending on how you are feeling.
On the very front of the ship you have the Observatory Lounge. This is like the ‘Crow’s Nest’. Because this deck is smaller than the one below, if you sit at the very front you can see the top of the below deck. I am going to be honest here – I thought this was a shame as although it doesn’t alter the view too much, this should be the main viewing platform and give an air of how high up you are. If it was me I would rather have a table on either side rather than right at the front. The bar itself is lovely and has a very nautical theme – the chairs are all blue and gold which compliments the carpet which is blue with gold anchors and the old style steering wheels.
This bar also has an amazing sky light so in the evening you can take in the beauty of the night sky without even needing to go outside. There is a small stage here where you will find evening entertainment and for the late goers even the chance to have a go on the karaoke. This is also where they will serve afternoon tea.
As we go down a deck we reach Highland Deck. At the front you’ll find the Spa and Fitness Centre. This is a lovely area and it did feel much newer than some of the spaces on board. You have a large salon where you can get an array of treatments from manicures to hair treatments.
Next up you have the gym. If you are after that amazing sea view over the front of the ship, this is where you need to come. This is the view I would want from the Observatory Lounge if I am honest, but I must say I was really surprised by the size of the gym – for a smaller ship it had one of the largest gyms I have seen in a long time. The running machines took prime position on the front with those views. There were lots of different machines to use depending on the mood you are in. There was even a separate weight’s room.
Having 21 different categories of staterooms, Highland Deck is where you will find majority of the Suites and up here you have the Premier, Marquee and the Superior Suites. It is worth noting that the Superior suites up here are larger than the rest found on Bridge Deck.
On the back of the Highland Deck you’ll find the Spey Restaurant. You do need to pre-book this restaurant and it is extremely popular. This is one of the favoured areas as although the restaurant is very plain inside, most tables are in a window position giving fantastic views. There are 7 large porthole style windows so the views in here are stunning leaving port or watching the sun set in the evening. Again, the colour scheme in here is blue and white.
The back of this deck is open so in the evening, you may get the option to eat outside but it is worth speaking to the restaurant manager and asking prior if this is possible. As you approach the back of the restaurant there is an area where you will find a buffet in the mornings for breakfast and sometimes during the day.
On the other side of the buffet area you have the Avon restaurant which is similar to the Spey restaurant but it is green and white in here.
The next deck down is Bridge deck. This is an entire deck of staterooms The back of the ship is open and you will find a few seats here to take in the beautiful views of places you will visit. Lido deck, like Bridge deck, is again almost full of accommodation with the exception of the back part of the ship where you will find the Lido Lounge. This is where you will find evening entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere during the day. There is also a selection of gaming tables to be found here.
As we lead to the back of the ship, we have the Lido bar which looks out over the back of the ship. There is outside seating here too and this area also has a fantastic view over the below pool.
Down on the next deck, Lounge deck, you will find the Aft Pool with a large area given for sun loungers. There are also two Jacuzzis here. This is a fantastic place to watch the world go by and at selected ports, they will have ‘Sail Away’ parties.
Inside is the main buffet, Palm’s Café. It is much more informal and relaxed here. There is a large buffet area and lots of seating so should you wish to sit with others you can or grab a cosy table for 2.
You also have the Morning Light Pub which is a light and airy open space with a large bar and seating area. You will find that there is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in here and most evenings they will have some form of entertainment.
On from here, you have the Braemar Lounge. This is another spacious area which is light and airy, perfect for enjoying an evening drink with friends.
Connected to the Braemar Lounge is the entrance to the Card and Internet Room. There are lots of computers which is great for those who like to stay connected whilst away. You can connect to the onboard Wi-FI should you wish to take your laptop.
For those who like card games, there is a large games room with lots of tables and you’ll find lots of bridge competitions to get involved with
Also connected to the Card and Internet area is a vast library complete with a large amount of books and beautifully finished. There is a large amount of seating here with a huge model ship as a centre piece which compliments the room.
As you walk out of here you are back at the Braemar Lounge. This continues to the top of the main atrium where you will find a model of the Balmoral which I think is a lovely touch.
Up at the top of the main atrium area, there is a selection of shops selling a range of jewellery, clothing and lots of goodies.
On the front of the ship you’ll find the Neptune Lounge which is the main show lounge on board with lots of seating to enjoy the evening shows. The stage moves up and down enabling everyone in the lounge to have a perfect view of the spectacular shows and enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
Main deck is the last passenger deck. The decks below – Atlantic, Coral and Marina – all contain accommodation. On the Main deck you’ll find Ballindalloch restaurant which has a beautiful corridor leading up to the entrance complete with lots of photos. As you enter the restaurant you are greeted by friendly staff in a warm and elegant dining room.
Towards the middle of the ship is the main atrium on the lower level with a couple of shops and reception.
So what do we all think? I will go into details on the accommodation in another blog post and cover all from the single insides up to the master suites. If you want any more details on the staterooms in the meantime please let me know.
Have you cruised on the Balmoral? I would love to hear your thoughts on Fred Olsen or the Balmoral.
www.tomstravels.co.uk – 0800 408 6143 – tomh@cruise.co.uk