Fred Olsen Cruises, Braemar Review

Good Points
Small and intimate

Bad Points
Feels the sea more

General Comments
This was our 3rd cruise on the Braemar, and so we had high hopes for a pleasant and enjoyable cruise.



However, we did have a couple of problems; starting with the miserable flight out from Manchester to Barbados with Monarch Airlines.



Even though we paid for the Premium seating, the aircraft is obviously old, with no modern video screens etc (these are individually provided to premium passengers as a separate unit). They desperately need newer aircraft.



Two of the toilets packed up within 5 minutes of taking off, causing long queues throughout the flight.



If I did a fly/cruise with Fred Olsen again, I would make my own travel arrangements, as the so-called Premium is not the same standard as other airlines by a long way.



As for the ship - it was fine, but starting to look tired and in need of a refit.



One of the ports of call was changed at short notice, which prevented a tour we were looking forward to.



The 2 Jacuzzis on-board were closed down for 5 days; supposedly for maintenance, and I was sick for 3 days with tummy trouble. Plus it cost me £117 to consult the doctor!



So after 2 previously happy cruises, this one was not so good, and we had intended to book another whilst on-board, but we decided against it, and we are now considering other options.



After complaining to Fred Olsen on our return, we have just heard that as a 'one off'' they will refund £85 medical charges. As we paid around £6500 for the cruise and similar for the previous 2 cruises each, we will not be using the Braemar again.