Sunday, March 31, 2024

Fred Olsen Balmoral: Cruise Ship Tour & Review

balmoral cruise ship

We are experienced cruisers, and after cruising predominantly on the larger ships, are tastes are changing. In the last two years our favourite cruises have been on the smaller ships with Marella cruises. This got us thinking what else was out there and the reason why we wanted to see what Fred Olsen Cruise Lines had to offer.

Cabins on the Balmoral

The passengers may generally be mature, but they are lively and enthusiastic and throw themselves wholeheartedly into shore excursions that range from standard city walking tours to some exciting and unusual activities. On our Spain, Portugal and Madeira sailing these included a RIB boat whale and dolphin watching excursion, an evening tour in motorbike sidecars and even the chance to drive your own electric-powered bubble car around the streets of Funchal. The onboard nationality is predominantly British, but the ship also attracts a smattering of mainland European, American and other nationalities.

Fred Olsen Cruise Line

The vessel's one main dining venue and two satellites all offer set-seating, set-tablemates evening scenarios. Part of Fred Olsen Group is also Timex Group BV - parent of several watchmaking companies, including the subsidiaries in the USA, India and Philippines). On 25 May 2006, NCL Corporation announced that its parent company, Star Cruises, had agreed to sell Norwegian Crown to Fred. Olsen and NCL continued her deployment through to November 2007.

THIS WEEK IN NORWAY

Layers, including a light rain jacket, are best in destinations where the climate can be changeable and comfortable walking shoes are always a must. For shore tours that include visits to churches, museums or cathedrals, it is advisable to dress a little more conservatively. Solo travellers are offered a warm welcome with a higher-than-average choice of solo cabins, including balcony cabins, and special events such as social gatherings and teas. In 2017, Fred Olsen (for the first time ever) scheduled "Mardi Gras Cruise" combining the Caribbean with North and Central America.

The company is headquartered in Ipswich (Suffolk England) and is owned by Bonheur and Ganger Rolf. The company was founded in 1848 (in Hvitsten, Norway) by the three Olsen brothers (Petter, Andras, Fredrik Christian) who bought their first ships and established an international shipping company. Today, Fred Olsen Group is in its 5th family generation and operates subsidiary companies specializing in cruise passenger shipping, trade, shipbuilding, aviation, offshore industries. Olsen’s RIBs have capacity for up to 12 guests and excursions last approximately one hour.

While our RIB tours are available to all, guests must be physically able to step aboard the boat. This includes being capable of lifting their leg over the seat and sitting comfortable in their allocated seat. If you are interested in booking a RIB tour, we advise that you speak to our Destinations Team to view and trial a sample seat before you book. Between the outdoor deck and the Observatory is the Marquee Bar. This poolside bar is part inside and part outside and so a relaxing place to enjoy a drink with some fresh air, whatever the weather. As I mentioned earlier, these restaurants have an outdoor terrace overlooking the back of the ship, which seemed especially popular at breakfast time.

Fred Olsen announces themed cruises for 2024-2025

balmoral cruise ship

This was our first post-Covid holiday abroad and, after seeing chaos at airports over the last couple of years, we were delighted to find that we could sail from Rosyth, just over an hour's drive from home. The itinerary took us up the coast of Norway before heading well into the Arctic Circle, to Svalbard. Please explore our interactive deck plans above, or click on the virtual tour below to explore Balmoral. Food is a mix of British fare and global cuisine and bar prices are extremely reasonable; possibly another reason why passengers are so happy. Prices started from GBP 3450 pp (based on double occupancy/twin-bed Superior Interior cabin).

Cabin Review

Although the line is destination-focused—itineraries are seldom repeated within any cruise season—itinerary planning is versatile. Join us for an invigorating Walk a Mile session or a relaxing sunrise pilates or yoga class out on deck. Or, treat yourself to Personal Training sessions with our fully qualified, friendly trainers, where you can receive a one-to-one programme tailored just to your needs. Situated on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9, Balmoral's Balcony Cabins feature a private balcony on which guests can enjoy the sunshine and scenery in their own outdoor space. Inside, the cabins are spacious and welcoming, and feature all the amenities needed for comfortable stay.

Our Verdict of Fred Olsen and the Balmoral Cruise Ship

The front of the ship sometimes got a little crowded but there were many other good vantage points on the ship for all the scenic cruising on the itinerary. Deck 7 is also the promenade deck and while the promenade isn’t as wide as the other ships in the fleet, you could still walk around the entire ship. Previously, I travelled on the Borealis for a winter northern lights hunt, and then did a similar journey on the Bolette. This time, it was time for me to “complete the set” and join the oldest ship in the fleet, the Balmoral. I can’t pretend we are health nuts because we are not, however, we are always interested in what the health spa has to offer. The Atlantis Spa has a well equipped gym with excellent views out of the front of the ship.

The 120-minute package for £13.00, the unlimited 5-day package for £50.00, and the seven-day package is £63.00. Entertainment can also be found in the main theatre called the Neptune. A lounge with graduating seating so it appears wherever you are sat there is a good view.

balmoral cruise ship

Ballroom dancers outnumber the late-night disco set, and evening entertainment is more cabaret than Vegas. Particular favorites with most passengers are theme nights and the crew show. Cruises range from four-night “mini-breaks” to lengthier 7- to 78-night sailings.

Southampton-Newcastle cruise cancelled after - The Independent

Southampton-Newcastle cruise cancelled after.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

MS Balmoral offers a variety of amenities while also presenting a cozy ambiance. There are lots of places to sit, relax, read and nap without feeling pressure to buy drinks or merchandise. Some aspects of the cruise ship, such as the inflexible bed setups (that offer either a double or 2 twins that can not be converted into the reverse), found in older rooms, might feel a bit dated. Balmoral also features a high-tech, in-cabin interactive TV, and Spa and fitness amenities with state-of-the-art equipment and services.

On the first day I visited one of the self-serve laundry and ironing rooms, but later in the cruise I also took advantage of the housekeeping service for laundry. This area also played host to the occasional grill as part of the buffet restaurant when weather allowed, and a sailaway party as we left Honningsvåg, which went ahead despite the plunging temperatures. If that's you, check out this full ship tour video before scrolling down.

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