Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Balmoral Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★☆☆
“Where we missold this cruise?”
Written on: 20/11/2011
Christmas Markets Cruise – Balmoral 10th to 17th November 2011 My wife and I have travelled with most of the major cruise lines with the exception of Fred Olsen so when we noticed they were advertising a Christmas Markets Cruise to Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Amsterdam and Antwerp we thought that was an ideal opportunity to assess some of the very positive comments that we had heard from some of their previous passengers. I booked direct with Fred Olsen because I had received poor service... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“could be improved. BALMORAL CRUISE SHIP.”
Written on: 18/11/2011
BUFFET WAS GOOD CANT GET HUNGRY. Sit down resturant was HORRIBLE. Entertaimnemt was laid back not very good. The shows could be better. Not enough going on in the day time people just read books all the time. Not enough time a shore only a few hours it should be all day. The cabin is a nice size with hairdryer and shower stuff. I'm 38yrs old would not go on it again. FROM Wisbech (read more)
★★★★★
“Overall Balmoral exceeds expectations”
Written on: 05/09/2011 by Quicksand56 (2 reviews written)
Still relatively new to cruising we avidly read the on line reviews of The Balmoral and were quite concerned at some of the comments made. We needn't have worried.Overall, the Balmoral delivered a high standard in practically every aspect. We were pleasantly pleased with the standard of cabin (we had a superior outside)although on a minor note the air conditioning was a bit noisy and difficult to control. Our cabin stewardess was excellent. Very helpful and attentive. We enjoyed the food but... (read more)
★★★★★
“This was our first cruise and we were not...”
Written on: 03/09/2010
This was our first cruise and we were not disappointed. It was everything we had hoped for and more. Our accomodation was lovely, spacious and spotlessly clean. Our only fear was sitting at a table with strangers but by the end of the cruise we had become friendly with a lovely couple from Surrey. The food was outstanding, presented to a high standard and delicious. We enjoyed the shows each evening and particularly the formal evenings, the Captains cocktail party was a splendid... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Most of the waiting staff on the Balmoral, Fred Olsen...”
Written on: 17/02/2009 by Welwyngirl (1 review written)
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... (read more)
444424_Mikenmarn's Response to Welwyngirl's Review
Written on: 28/02/2009
We were on the same cruise and contacted the norovirus.
<br/>We are in the process of trying to get some compensation from Fred. Olsens company, but arn't building our hopes up too high.
<br/>
<br/>The virus was on the ship before we boarded.
<br/>
<br/>
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Johndoe's Response to Welwyngirl's Review
Written on: 19/10/2009
I found this review not helpful because...i cruised on this ship at the same time and had a great time ..the crew worked very hard in trying circumstances life is what you make it ..
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Billwatson's Response to Welwyngirl's Review
Written on: 19/02/2013
I have found that passengers in general, have no sense of hygene and do not respect the precautions in place. People are using toilets and not hand washing
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★★★★★
“This was our first cruise and, despite the engine...”
Written on: 27/10/2008 by RuthPeter (1 review written)
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...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Before embarking on Balmoral my favourite ship was the...”
Written on: 20/09/2008 by jones48 (1 review written)
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... (read more)
405758_Keith Bow's Response to jones48's Review
Written on: 30/09/2008
Handling of Engine problems was poor, told we would be one day late at dover then dumped at Southampton on correct day but several hours late.
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★★☆☆☆
“We booked last minute so price was good. Captain was...”
Written on: 04/09/2008 by mcbrearty
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 (read more)
★★★★★
“Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Balmoral was our first cruise,...”
Written on: 25/07/2008 by Grendad (3 reviews written)
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. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I've cruised with Fred Olsen before, on the old...”
Written on: 12/07/2008 by anitaray
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...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 16 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“Spent 3 weeks in this noisy cabin 2nd June to 22nd...”
Written on: 23/06/2008 by frankbrown
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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Flew from Gatwick to cruise from Miami to Rome April /...”
Written on: 16/06/2008 by ladyrare (1 review written)
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!
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Dress code was very confusing as apart from two formal...”
Written on: 04/05/2008
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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“At present I would not recommend this cruise line to...”
Written on: 17/04/2008
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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“How and where do we start?...Having been on two...”
Written on: 04/04/2008 by joego53
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... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“This was my 6th Fred Olson cruise.....We were forced...”
Written on: 06/03/2008
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...
(read more)
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Fireman999's Comment
Written on: 30/12/2011
This is the reply from Fred Olsen:
Firstly, please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your initial correspondence.
The advertising of this cruise under the title of Christmas Markets by any external body remains a mystery to us since, as you will see from our 2011/2012 brochures, the title has always been ' Hamburg Weekend and Amsterdam ', and the only reference to Christmas being the opportunity to acquire some early Christmas shopping in Hamburg over the two full days in port, within the ' Cruise Highlights ' description. Similarly, your confirmation invoice states ' Hamburg and Amsterdam ' as opposed to Christmas Markets.
Indeed it is only Balmoral cruise L1122, that departed 30 November, that speaks specifically of Christmas Markets. Even more bizarre however, is the on board cruise administrators reference to Christmas Markets on the sheet detailing ' Speakers and Instructor Biographies '. I regret she too cannot explain this misinformation, other than mis-editing the L1122 sheet that she also had in obeyance at that time.
I can however confirm that a technical problem with the starboard reduction gear was experienced 14 November, duly delaying our departure from Bremerhaven by some 5 hours, and thus very regrettably enforcing the cancellation of Amsterdam, for which I reiterate our apologies.
As a result of the apparent confusion over cruise description, and disappointment of missing Amsterdam, the Directors would like to extend to you a 15% future cruise discount that can be combined with any other advertised tariff available at the time of future booking and is valid for a 15 month period from date of this email.
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your comments and photographs relating to ' working at heights ' which have been sent to Fred.Olsen Maritime Services in Oslo for their information and remedial action where required."
I am personally not happy with this reply and have taken legal advice so if anyone wishes to join me please feel free to get in touch. (mail@alanfcox.co.uk)