Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' largest vessel joined the company in February 2008. She sailed on four Caribbean cruises from Port of Miami, making her the first Fred. Olsen ship to be based in the U.S. Sister-ship Braemar will take her place at Port of Miami in the fall. The cruise line, popular in Europe, especially with British passengers—Fred. Olsen is based in the U.K.—features itineraries throughout the British Isles and Europe. Although officers are Norwegian and the crew multi-national, there's no way of missing this is a British ship.
Summer 2008 will find Balmoral sailing Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia (Rome.) In February 2009 Balmoral will undertake a 104-night around-the-world cruise eastward from the U.K., via Suez to the Indian Ocean, Asia, the Pacific and homeward via the U.S. and the Panama Canal. Incorporating many old world traditions (a British country house decor, daily tea and many rooms with Scottish names) and modern technology (Internet room and interactive TVs), Balmoral is an excellent addition to the U.S. cruising market for smaller vessels.
The former Norwegian Crown debuted in 1988 as Crown Odyssey, built at the Meyer Werft German shipyard. Fred. Olsen purchased the ship from Norwegian Cruise Line in May 2006 and used it as a charter. She was stretched and completely refitted at a Blohm Voss Repair GmbH, Hamburg in 2007. The procedure involved cutting the ship apart and inserting a 99-ft mid-section, extending the vessel to 714 ft. Additional—and very spacious—public areas and more cabins and suites were created in the new section. Verandas were added to some existing cabins. She joins four other vessels: Black Prince, Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar in the Fred. Olsen fleet. The company is into the fifth generation of the Olsen family. Fred. Olsen operates companies in the cruise and passenger shipping trade as well as aviation, ships' crews, shipbuilding and offshore industries. The company is based in Ipswich in Suffolk, U.K.
Passengers are mostly British, many 65 and older, who seem a happy bunch of campers enjoying shore excursions, sail-away parties, sing-a-longs and varied night time musical performances. These are active, fairly well-traveled men and women who have been on other Fred. Olsen vessels and enjoy the informality and mix of modern and traditional. These travelers also enjoy their peace and quiet so don't expect loud music or repeated announcements on loudspeakers. The line is hoping to increase the numbers of North Americans on board. Balmoral doesn't carry a lot of kids—during school holidays there may be some—but this is an ideal ship for singles and couples of an age. Announcements are all in English.
Shore excursions tend to be "softer" tours with beach days high on the priority list in the Caribbean. Cruising regions dictate the offerings but you won't find many mountain hikes on the agenda. Balmoral does offer a golf program, quoits and bowls, plus a steady schedule of entertainment from daytime enrichment programs (history and culture of the region, for example) to nightly productions and musical entertainment highlighting show tunes.
During the refit, the ship added a huge and beautifully furnished library, Internet room and card room mid-ship. The areas are sprawling, with no feeling of being crowded or shoved into a tiny space. Show venues include the Neptune Lounge where main entertainment is scheduled every evening ; the elegant blue-and-yellow Lido Lounge with a pianist and, off to the side; a tiny two-table casino; and the Morning Light Pub which offers music in a setting reminiscent of a British Pub. Pool areas are attractive and the informal Palms Cafe offers dining alfresco as well as indoors. The Observatory Lounge features cocktail tables covered with sea charts under glass and a soothing decor, wonderful windows for observing the sea and a delightful pianist who performs nightly. The Braemar Lounge with its cushy over-stuffed chairs and couches should carry a warning: easy to fall asleep here!
The 80 single cabins are on the smallish side, but well-fitted and they sell out quickly. The ship offers a good amount of storage space throughout, and these single cabins—created from mulitiple occupancy cabins—are no exception. A total of 121 cabins and suites offer private balconies. Standard cabins are adequate and include a hair dryer and TV. Amenities include bath and body products, and coffee and tea service. Nine cabins are equipped for disabled passengers. Soft goods are new and offer high-quality duvets and linens.
For potential cruise ship passengers who are eager to try something new—especially if they are Anglophiles—Balmoral is a good choice. She is a pretty vessel, with lots of comfortable spots for reading, plenty of space for bridge players, two pools, a small spa and fitness center, and a pleasant decor throughout. Don't expect neon or late-night programming, but do look for quality service and plenty of space. Her itineraries are interesting, well-planned and well-paced. Caution to U.S. travelers: Everything is priced in British pounds—even the two casino tables—so let the buyer beware.
