Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Balmoral Reviews

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2.3 stars
Average rating for this product is: 2.3 out of 5

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Average Ratings for Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Balmoral

  • Food - quality & variety3 stars
  • Entertainment on board3 stars
  • Value for Money2.8 stars
  • Overall rating2.3 stars

12 Reviews For Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Balmoral

  • Welwyngirl 17th Feb 2009

    Reviewer rating: 1.5 stars


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    Most of the waiting staff on the Balmoral, Fred Olsen Cruise Line, were excellent and the food's not too bad either. There was an outbreak of norovirus on board and it was dealt with very badly. Almost 300 passengers suffered and they (and their travelling companions) were confined to their cabins, in some cases for up to 10 days! We could not land on Cape Verde Islands (which was most people's reason for choosing the cruise!) and went to the Canaries (again) instead! I cannot recommend this ship whatsoever. The Cruise Director treated everyone very badly. Entertainment is very poor.

  • RuthPeter 27th Oct 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    This was our first cruise and, despite the engine problems, and the fact that we docked in Southampton instead of Dover, we absolutely loved it. Problems happen, but it's how they're dealt with that matters. The Captain and crew ensured that follow-on travel was put in place, that any additional expenses caused by the inconvenience would be reimbursed, and generally that we were well looked after.
    I think I would have liked a few more talks or perhaps a film show - sometimes the days at sea ...

  • jones48 20th Sep 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    Before embarking on Balmoral my favourite ship was the Braemar. First impressions were very good and Balmoral became my favourite - decor, spaciousness, deck layout. I will definitely book again on this gorgeous ship. Fred Olsen excelled themselves again with their staff who cannot do enough for you. Especially during the very difficult days when we experienced engine problems and our final port of call had to be cancelled and our home port was changed from Dover to Southampton. The captain ...

  • mcbrearty 4th Sep 2008

    Reviewer rating: 1.5 stars


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    We booked last minute so price was good. Captain was very funny at the cocktail party. Staff ignored customers, food overcooked and boring, comedian was rude and jokes from 1970's, no wow factor. Having been with RCL and Star Cruises I was very disappointed

  • Grendad 25th Jul 2008

    Reviewer rating: 5 stars


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    Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Balmoral was our first cruise, taken with some apprehension, we can hardly wait for our second. Fred Olson company has a magic way of staff selection and training, the service is truly out of this world and we shall be spending our next holiday back on the Balmoral, hopefully going to the Baltic. Sincere thanks to everyone responsible for our wonderful experience.

  • anitaray 12th Jul 2008

    Reviewer rating: 2 stars


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    I've cruised with Fred Olsen before, on the old Braemar to the Fiords. Pretty ship, great food, well designed and a Captain who did everything possible to make the trip a memorable one.
    Decided to go to Norway again, this time from Dover to Bergen on the refurbished Balmoral for a week of waterfalls and glaciers. Spectacular scenery, but with regard to the ship - how different! 70's style decor, found it uncomfortable and thought it was badly designed.
    With regard to the food, this was a source ...

  • frankbrown 23rd Jun 2008

    Reviewer rating: 2 stars


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    Spent 3 weeks in this noisy cabin 2nd June to 22nd June travelling from Rome to Dover. Friendly crew, excellent entertainment. However we found the noise and vibration when the ship was docking/departing/maneuvering to be horrendous.

  • ladyrare 16th Jun 2008

    Reviewer rating: 1 stars


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    Flew from Gatwick to cruise from Miami to Rome April / May 2008

    Generally not an enjoyable cruise. Captain only informed if it suited him. Didn't advise on other ships on the horizon or the fish in the locallity. Entertainment directors only supported football so no other sports were advised on. St Georges day questions were centred on Scottish topics!

  • Guest 5th May 2008

    Reviewer rating: 1.5 stars


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    Dress code was very confusing as apart from two formal nights every other night was smart casual. Having brought cocktail dresses and evening dresses I had no choice but to wear them as did a lot of people but at the same time other people were too casual.

  • Guest 17th Apr 2008

    Reviewer rating: 1 stars


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    At present I would not recommend this cruise line to friends or family, and as this was my first cruise I feel disappointed with the experience. The places visited and majority of crew on board were the only positive aspect. This review is based on our opinions and experiences during cruise to the Caribbean.

  • joego53 4th Apr 2008

    Reviewer rating: 1 stars


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    How and where do we start?...Having been on two previous cruises with Fred Olsen on the Braemar which we enjoyed immensely we decided to give their new ship the Balmoral a chance. Big mistake, first the ship is based in Miami so after a 9 hour flight we then spent 3 hours in US immigration standing in line in an over crowded and chaotic room waiting to be processed. This meant we did not get to the ship until late by this time everybody was in a foul mood and that set the scene for the whole cru ...

  • Guest 6th Mar 2008

    Reviewer rating: 2.5 stars


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    This was my 6th Fred Olson cruise.....We were forced to spend the last two nights in Hotels in Miami instead of onboard. The ship had NOT been passed by the Americans as seaworthy. They had apparantly run out of time at Dover and had to complete their checks in Miami....Fred Olson directors admitted that they had known about this before we left Dover....
    We could not fault the crew or the entertainment onboard, but most passengers were very angry with Fred Olson lines for NOT keeping us informe ...