Hey all!!! Thanks so much for watching this video, it was such a fun adventure. *** The T-shirt shown in the video is from my new shop: EmmaCruisesShop.com. 😎💕 For the next 24 hours you can get a discount on the t-shirt shown in this video using the code ILOVEHUDSON. 🥳🥳 I made the store and all the designs myself so I hope that you like them! I tested a lot of t-shirts and factories to find the best and am happy to be able to offer free postage in the USA! (The factory is in Miami) ❤👌 *** If you're interested in booking this cruise, or any other. Please get in touch: emmacruises.com/book-a-cruise/
Hi Emma I have just booked my 1st cruise with MSC don’t usually do cruise but thought I give it a go I’m a shorts and flip flop guy when I go on holiday and no way am I going to dress up just to eat in some speciality dining When on holiday I just chill could you please give me any tips on dining when on a cruise
Regarding table sharing. Princess still has it. Especially I and my mom like dine when we actually ready for dinner. And we travel as solo cruisers so for us it's normal to share table...
Oh my goodness, this might be the kindest comment ever. That’s all I want really, people to feel better because of my contents existence. You made 4 days of editing worth it! 😅🙏
Perfect! Also love Emma's consistently honest, positive vibe -- especially her ability to have a laugh about all the little oddities that would irritate a younger soul.
This actually feels like a cruise that might tempt me. I like the more upscale vibe, socialness, and frankly feeling like I am on a boat is nice. I don’t want to be a giant crowded city on the water.
Royal Caribbean was like this 30-35yrs ago. Back then wasn't a Family Line, didn't have many Cabin's hold more then 2 passengers and at 22yrs old was only 2 other passengers onboard younger then Wife and me. It had Tea Time. Buffet during day and nite required shirt/pants, no Swimsuits even with cover ups. At nite it had Waiters, tables had Candles and Table Clothes. Been sticking with Ships that Cruise with 2000 or less and on longer 10+ nites and never feel crowded. At least until is no more smaller ship left.
Its funny I was just thinking the same thing and I was trying to ponder why, because I'm not crazy about small spaces, so I always assumed if I went on a cruise bigger would be better, but a giant crowded city at sea doesn't sound much fun!
I agree if there was an option like this , but with out sharing a table at diner I would be well up for it. Those large cruise ships look like they are defying physics and I am not a boisterous party person.
You've sold me. I would definitely love to travel on this ship. Cold weather, no kids roaring around, beautiful decor, good food. Checks all the boxes for me.
Lol the “my way” comment surprised me! I’ve never been to a funeral that this song is played in the US. As a nj/nyc person, it’s known more as a lounge or piano bar song. Or karaoke! Def no death association.
My friend’s celebration of life had a slideshow set to My Way this January in Virginia. Hadn’t heard it at a funeral before, but her celebration was secular and beach themed. Her sister told us all that the deceased planned everything for the celebration down to the toothpicks. Yep, she did it her way.
Came down here to say this! Prompted me to google it, and apparently My Way is ranked 75th in popularity for funeral songs. I've never heard it, and I certainly still wouldn't call it a funeral song but... okay. The things you learn on cruise-tube.
I was looking for this comment!! Same sentiment from me as a US citizen :) And I'm from the Southeast but definitely think of it as a lounge/casino/rat pack/movie song. Never at a funeral!
Eurolander here, it's definitely a funeral song for me. Especially with people who died young, though it's most often the Herman Brood version that's played. I've heard it at at least 7 or 8 funerals, again mostly people who due to chronic illness didn't make it to 30.
The two duvets are actually common in Scandinavia - each person gets their own! I think it's brilliant, and my husband and I adopted this at home in Chicago.
Forget watching any other cruise reviewers. Emma's attention to detail and clear and balanced accounts are really excellent and will give you all you need to know.
About 2 separate duvets - in Finland and partly in other Nordic countries it is rare for a couple to share a duvet, everyone wants to wrap up into a duvet 😄When I was married to a British man for over 20 years, that was one thing we often argued about! After we moved to Finland there was no longer a question about it, always separate blankets!
We came back to the U.S. from 2 weeks in Scandinavian. We adopted the 2 duvet system. No more tug a war over the covers. It's right up there with slice bread😅.
That ship looks lovely! I’ve never had any interest in the big cruise ships (too many people for my introvert self) but this is something I could enjoy. I’d say it definitely looks vintage rather than dated.
With two friends, I went on my first ever cruise (with Fred Olsen) earlier this year and we booked the earlier dining time without problem or charge. We didn't have to table-share. The food was excellent and the service exemplary. I believe there were a few children on the cruise, but I never saw them. Everything was so relaxed yet totally efficient. The friends I travelled with were experienced cruisers, but much prefer the smaller ships such as Fred Olsen. I'd thoroughly recommend them.
I found your channel not to long ago and I have never been on a cruise and I don’t really plan on going on one either but I love your content none the less I just can’t stop watching it’s all so interesting!!
Madison, my husband hated the idea of going on a cruise, but I finally coaxed him on a 5-day round-trip Baltimore to Bermuda, saying if he was really bored it was just 5 days. Well after we boarded he sat on the balcony for two hours just looking out at the ocean going by, and he said he could just feel the tension - tension he didn't realize he had - just draining away. He loves cruises and we've been on many since, always the smaller ships and usually Royal Caribbean. I'm liking what I'm seeing at Fred Olsen though.
That looks absolutely charming… I love a ship with personality and as much as I love the new contemporary styled interiors, there’s a real romance about these more traditional ships that’s super appealing
You are exceptionally good at making multiple videos from the same cruise without it being repetitive. I have to keep reminding myself this is the same cruise as the northern lights video I watched haha.
I’d imagine if you are British this would be a perfect cruise. They really catered to the English culture. As an American 🇺🇸 I’d love a cruise like this. It’s unique and not typical.
On a cruise I prefer the late dining shift. When the ship is moored until evening, you can spend more time outside the ship without having to hurry for your dinner. And on days where you have a full day excursion, it's nice to have time to take a shower and put on clean clothes before going to dinner.
@TheRocco96 I prefer late dining too, and for the same reason. If you're hungry you can always grab a snack off the buffet to tide you over until dinner.
And the bad kids all go to the early seating. Late seating on Royal Caribbean ou of FL was adults, families with well behaved children mostly European and South American and lucky Americans.
As an English guy married to an American for 15 years, and having lived in the states for 20 years, I never realized that the Americans used "quite" differently than us! It had my wife and I cracking up lol!
Put it this way; if you came up to me at a restaurant and said how is your meal, and I said oh yeah it’s quite good, you probably wouldn’t order it because it’s alright, but not good. 😂❤️
I've worked in America and didn't realise there were different meanings for quite, I guess it's like canny, which has multiple meanings. But I do know slated yes a US meaning and a British meaningUm
I think I'm a bit old before my time, but I love chilling on a Fred Cruise. The smaller ships just wind up feeling homey, and you bump into and chat to people around the ship. Fred's biggest asset though is their staff, they honestly can't do enough for you.
Back in 2000 I sailed to Alaska for 10 days on the Holland America ship Maasdam, which is a sister ship to the Amsterdam, which is now called the Bollette. I loved my time on that ship and am glad her sister ship is in such good hands.
Cruising is in my past, though I did love it. Somehow I ran across Emma when her cruise blogs were part time...then she made it a full time gig. How eonderfull. She is a marvelous guide to cruising! She even makes mega ships (almost) exciting. I'm fromer earlier cruise days. This cruise blog about Fred Olson was captivating. If I could, I would go! Emma is excellent in her reviews! Even if I can't go, Emma describes the experience like being there. Thank you, Emma.
If I were to cruise, I’d much prefer a smaller ship. Those big ones look hellish to me - like a city without any nature. The small ones look like a nice hotel. Recently saw a review on Royal Caribbean’s new menus that was NOT good. Apparently the food is almost cold too. The food on this ship looked delicious. Btw you kissed a trick. If you have a late table, go to the buffet first and then have a second dinner in the restaurant!
I think the Norwegian Kit Kat’s name translates as Quick Lunch! It’s even pronounced kvik lunch! Ask for a quick lunch in Norwegian and you’ll no doubt get that!
Emma, your channel is without a doubt one of the best travel channels I’ve watched. Always great content and never boring! And thank you for translating metric to the imperial system for us Americans.
I suffer from severe seasickness so I always get a patch from my doctor. They are called scopolamine transdermal patches and they work beautifully. You just wear them behind your ear and they have allowed me to cruise without any seasickness at all.
I would have been so annoyed, but if I liked the dining room food I would have probably paid the £2/day to change because I am also an early eater. I like dinner 5-6pm. By 8:30 I'd definitely be hangry ☠️
On MSC Virtuosa our assigned dining was 9.30pm !!....which meant that when we'd finished our meal, all the drinking venues were full, and there was nowhere to go so we ended up back in our cabin.
I agree with you about the shared tables. Nothing more awkward than going to sit down your first night only to be stuck with some strangers. I'm glad they are getting out of doing that.
Ah.. another armchair cruise with Emma. So relaxing and interesting. You're talented at this! Giving your money back and flying you home if you didn't like it after 2 days. That is amazing...... respect.
17:26 I love how Emma's fellow cruisers can at all times rely on her absolute discretion and commitment to the 'What happens down the red light staircase, stays down the red light staircase' rule.
I love watching your videos because you add your personal opinion and tastes and somehow they seem very close to normal. Very impressed with the videography and the sharp lens. After watching this video I'm definitely adding this cruise to my wish list. The only thing I would offer is maybe to show a little more interaction with your travel companion, like during dinner or walking the deck. Great work 🙂
Still not been on a cruise and almost 60 , maybe Fred Olson would be the right place to try :) I like the laid-back style this seems to have , thankyou for posting
I wish it had discouraged me, but I saw it after I put down umpteen $thousands. But you don't need a utube-prez or any such complexity to decide this. Simple: Do you love travel? Yes => never do a cruise.
I don’t know if you see new comments on old videos, but I thought I would comment anyway 😊. I love your videos. You are so easy to listen to and you give the best information. I truly appreciate you. 💕
I like late dining on a cruise that has many stops so you have time after the shore tours to change for dinner without rushing--- On the Queens, the fancy afternoon tea is free, so you don't get hungry unless you go on a really long shore tour. This ship's pubic rooms and your cabin looks like the same size as a Holland American I took in October around the East Med- I love that they took out the casino-- I have no use for that or the expensive spa.
Good review. We've given up on ocean cruising on these large floating tower blocks and instead have switched to river cruising on small boats (150pax max) on Rhine, Danube etc, so much more relaxing and civilised that the white casino buckets where you are man handled and ships are too large to dock inside town ports and city centres.
Thank you for sharing this Emma. I've never wanted to go on a cruise before having suffered the crossing to the Scilly Isles one summer afternoon many moons ago but your report has been very tempting. All my best and keep enjoying
I've been on a dozen cruises now and never the same line twice. But Fred Olsen hasn't been on my radar. My mum and dad nearly always went for FO (and occasionally P&O), but they loved the formal nights and shared dining tables which I usually avoid. Having watched your video I've now added FO to my todo list, especially for the reasonable drinks and extras prices. Thanks for the interesting video, which RUclips randomly recommended! I've now subscribed. 🙂
Maybe a coach trip? I much prefer the freedom of car trips, if you want to stay longer, you can. On the Calais/Dover ferry after a run to Holland, I bumped into a man I had worked with in the 80s. He was on his way home after a coach trip to the Amalfi Coast. He and I were getting dirty looks from a woman. When he walked away, she asked me if he was a friend of mine. I explained that he wasn't, just an ex-colleague. She then told me that on the outward trip, most people were ready to kill him. With 40 people on a coach and maybe 1,000s on a ship, the chance of being stuck with an idiot is pretty high.
I like the idea of doing it with small children or older people, any situation where it’s hard to move them/their stuff. Or for a relaxing beach kind of vacation where you don’t plan on doing much of anything. Otherwise, I prefer to explore on my own time!
I’m not British and I have no interest cruising and yet I found your video totally fascinating. Thank you for sharing this. It was very interesting to see a slice of life that I might not do in person but at least get to appreciate.
Thanks for the video. We've cruised on the old HAL Amsterdam and it's sister ships many times and it's very interesting to see the Fred Olsen changes to the interior. We may have to try one.
@@EmmaCruises The white napkins with the orange stripe is a HAL thing . . . so you will feel right at home. 😊 Seriously though, how have you never done a HAL cruise??!! They are the best.
Nothing more insightful to add besides “YES I SEE RACCOONS!” 😂 Thank you though for all your videos. My parents are going on their first ever cruise for their 40th wedding anniversary on the QM2 in May. (They are thrilled, their cat Figaro less so as he will be checked into a cattery! 😂) I’ve sent my Dad links to your videos and they have both enjoyed watching a lot! Certainly has made my mum feel more at ease, so thank you! One day, I hope to overcome my reservations and enjoy a cruise too. Will keep watching your videos for inspiration and courage! ❤
I just stumbled across your channel - your mix of entertaining observations, factual clear reviews, and full-sensory descriptions of food and entertainment was so delightful. I'd never considered a cruise before but you definitely were able to present it in a way that was so appealing. Thanks for sharing your journeys and observations with the world.
I didn't know that Frank Sinatra song was a popular funeral song. I've been to quite a few funerals and have never heard it played but it could just be a cultural difference. Love the video as always. 🥰
@@EmmaCruisesYeah I’ve never heard of that, either. In the US the standard is generally ‘Amazing Grace’. As far as pop songs go, I guess ‘My Heart Will Go On’? 🤷♀️ But ‘My Way’ is a song people usually play here whenever they get drunk and celebratory.
Top tip! Book your room on a low deck, near the center of the ship if you get seasick! The higher the deck, the more to the outside your room the more it accentuates the motion of the ship. The more "premium" the room, the worse the ride. A window, porthole, sliding glass doors will make your seasickness worse. So at least spend the time in your room in comfort, not feeling ill. Retiring when you feel ill to a high outside cabin will not improve how you feel. Most ships have a virtual window on the TV if you need a "view". Good project for your kids science fair, relative motion on board a ship.
Traditional isn’t my style as a person but I definitely prefer it aesthetically and also how things are done. It seems more human! Not having to do everything through a computer or filling stuff out yourself. I think humanity might have peaked in the 90’s!!
I cruised on the P&O Aria 8 years ago in Australia. It had also been a Holland America ship and was very similar to this one. It had been refurbished by P&O but not well. This looked like a great cruise.
It was lovely to meet you, we ended up eating at that restaurant every night 😂gutted we didn't get to see you again but glad you had a good time, the seasickness was awful, we weren't prepared either hahah but it was a brilliant cruise and will definitely be going on another 😀 x
There you are!!!!!! Hahaha. So lovely to meet you. Was a rough one for sure, trust me no cruise after that will feel rough to you. So glad the seas didn’t put you off. 🤣❤️
Looks like a lovely ship. Restful and tasteful. But like you, we can't do the late dining. It would not cost FO anything to ask customers for their early or late dining preference. It would be the difference between us booking or not booking. And I actually enjoy meeting other people at the dining table. I'm happy to share so it's not a problem for me. Thanks for the review.
We always have every meal in the buffet, so we can have what we like when we like. It's also faster than the restaurants; with no sitting around waiting to be served. We especially enjoyed the curries and stir-fries, and things with the little salads in pots.
I think this cruise line would be a blast the different lounges looked so cool like the tea room and garden room I dont think the ship showed its age really at all im also a late diner so the 830 would have been great for me I am curious what the over all cost was as a American this looks like a cruise I would love to take but yeah definitely not smoking on the balcony seems like they would have seen from past events thats not a good idea
I have booked my first Fred Olsen cruise on the Bolette to Iceland and Greenland next year. Your video has provided a great deal of assurance that I have made the right decision. The tips about the dining options will be particularly helpful. Thank you very much.
Bloody marvellous Emma 👏👏👏 Prior to watching this, I would never, never have considered a cruise. Now I might...specifically that one. 👍👍👍 Well done cast and crew 🤗🤗🤗
We love shared tables. We met two lovely couples from Manchester on our San Francisco to Hawaii and back cruise (pre-pandemic). We still keep in touch. We didn't always have dinner together, but the men took ukelele lessons together. The other ladies took hula lessons, but having to be at a lesson was WAY too structured for me. So I was the designated photographer for the final performance. We aren't a just sit and chat with random people sorts, so this kinda forces us to interact with other people. I dont' know why we don't...we always enjoy meeting new people when we do.....
Awhh, that’s nice!! I think it’s a bit different for me now people come and talk to me all the time so dinner is the only time I have ‘alone’ sometimes (although people do come up at dinner too) 🤣❤️
I used to work for a couple of cruise lines out of the UK, and loved our smaller ships and primarily older British clientele. (The family orientated ones were no better than a summer-sun holiday in Majorca, complete with unmonitored kiddos running everywhere.) But I rarely got to travel on other companies' vessels, and this video really makes it clear what I missed! Great review and very tempting ship and itinerary. 💯
Even though I'm not really interested in cruises I still find this channel to be really really pleasant it has a very wholesome vibe to it the way you present things is just fantastic so I want to thank you because now I have lots of videos to watch and I'm looking forward to them. subscribed.
What a culture shock. Not the cruise, but the fact that for many people 20:30 is late for dinner. In my country, the first dinner in restaurants is at 21:00, and the second at 22:30.
Thats super late for my country Australia. What time do you all start work? I start at 6am so my bed time is around 9pm. Most restaurants busy/kitchen times here would be 6-10.
I've only cruised once and that was with Fred Olsen from Newcastle to Norway on the Balmoral. I would always go for a smaller ship like the Balmoral, the large ships you seem to like would be my worst nightmare! I'm 59 so not completely past it yet! Hoping to cruise again maybe next year.
I agree with you: You don't need four, five, six things happening at one time; too many things competing for your attention, and you don't concentrate on enjoying the moment. Simpler is best. And some things are worth paying extra for: Like having your afternoon tea with that view of the sea behind you, that was well worth every penny...
Hey all!!! Thanks so much for watching this video, it was such a fun adventure. *** The T-shirt shown in the video is from my new shop: EmmaCruisesShop.com. 😎💕
For the next 24 hours you can get a discount on the t-shirt shown in this video using the code ILOVEHUDSON. 🥳🥳
I made the store and all the designs myself so I hope that you like them! I tested a lot of t-shirts and factories to find the best and am happy to be able to offer free postage in the USA! (The factory is in Miami) ❤👌 ***
If you're interested in booking this cruise, or any other. Please get in touch: emmacruises.com/book-a-cruise/
Hi Emma I have just booked my 1st cruise with MSC don’t usually do cruise but thought I give it a go
I’m a shorts and flip flop guy when I go on holiday and no way am I going to dress up just to eat in some speciality dining
When on holiday I just chill could you please give me any tips on dining when on a cruise
Is there really a new castle at Newcastle?
@@fredashay Well, it depend on what you call new! It was a new castle in 1080....🤣
How much did this cruise cost?
Regarding table sharing. Princess still has it. Especially I and my mom like dine when we actually ready for dinner. And we travel as solo cruisers so for us it's normal to share table...
Your videos are like a TED Talk on how to be a pleasant human being. I always feel better about the world after watching.
Excellent comment.
Oh my goodness, this might be the kindest comment ever. That’s all I want really, people to feel better because of my contents existence. You made 4 days of editing worth it! 😅🙏
I agree. I have no desire to ever go on a cruise. But I find the presentation to not just be informative, but very pleasant.
Perfect! Also love Emma's consistently honest, positive vibe -- especially her ability to have a laugh about all the little oddities that would irritate a younger soul.
Best comment on the internet!!!
This actually feels like a cruise that might tempt me. I like the more upscale vibe, socialness, and frankly feeling like I am on a boat is nice. I don’t want to be a giant crowded city on the water.
Try Oceania, all smaller ships, all about service. Very nice
Me too!!!
Royal Caribbean was like this 30-35yrs ago. Back then wasn't a Family Line, didn't have many Cabin's hold more then 2 passengers and at 22yrs old was only 2 other passengers onboard younger then Wife and me. It had Tea Time. Buffet during day and nite required shirt/pants, no Swimsuits even with cover ups. At nite it had Waiters, tables had Candles and Table Clothes. Been sticking with Ships that Cruise with 2000 or less and on longer 10+ nites and never feel crowded. At least until is no more smaller ship left.
Its funny I was just thinking the same thing and I was trying to ponder why, because I'm not crazy about small spaces, so I always assumed if I went on a cruise bigger would be better, but a giant crowded city at sea doesn't sound much fun!
I agree if there was an option like this , but with out sharing a table at diner I would be well up for it. Those large cruise ships look like they are defying physics and I am not a boisterous party person.
You've sold me. I would definitely love to travel on this ship. Cold weather, no kids roaring around, beautiful decor, good food. Checks all the boxes for me.
Lol the “my way” comment surprised me! I’ve never been to a funeral that this song is played in the US. As a nj/nyc person, it’s known more as a lounge or piano bar song. Or karaoke! Def no death association.
AGREED! 😁 😉👍🏽
My friend’s celebration of life had a slideshow set to My Way this January in Virginia. Hadn’t heard it at a funeral before, but her celebration was secular and beach themed.
Her sister told us all that the deceased planned everything for the celebration down to the toothpicks. Yep, she did it her way.
Came down here to say this! Prompted me to google it, and apparently My Way is ranked 75th in popularity for funeral songs. I've never heard it, and I certainly still wouldn't call it a funeral song but... okay. The things you learn on cruise-tube.
I was looking for this comment!! Same sentiment from me as a US citizen :) And I'm from the Southeast but definitely think of it as a lounge/casino/rat pack/movie song. Never at a funeral!
Eurolander here, it's definitely a funeral song for me. Especially with people who died young, though it's most often the Herman Brood version that's played. I've heard it at at least 7 or 8 funerals, again mostly people who due to chronic illness didn't make it to 30.
The two duvets are actually common in Scandinavia - each person gets their own! I think it's brilliant, and my husband and I adopted this at home in Chicago.
I don’t like it much, keep getting cold in the night but I understand the logic 😂❤️
My friends in Germany do this and I agree, genius!
Separate rooms even better for when his snoring becomes too much…
That works in our house.
I think it isn't nice. Next step, separate beds.
This would work for my husband and me.
Forget watching any other cruise reviewers. Emma's attention to detail and clear and balanced accounts are really excellent and will give you all you need to know.
Thanks so much, I don’t know everything though so definitely recommend the others too!! 😂❤️
About 2 separate duvets - in Finland and partly in other Nordic countries it is rare for a couple to share a duvet, everyone wants to wrap up into a duvet 😄When I was married to a British man for over 20 years, that was one thing we often argued about! After we moved to Finland there was no longer a question about it, always separate blankets!
And yet, she said she kept getting cold by having her own duvet.
@@beccacarrillo Good point! :)
Definitely in Sweden too!
We came back to the U.S. from 2 weeks in Scandinavian. We adopted the 2 duvet system. No more tug a war over the covers. It's right up there with slice bread😅.
That ship looks lovely! I’ve never had any interest in the big cruise ships (too many people for my introvert self) but this is something I could enjoy. I’d say it definitely looks vintage rather than dated.
Yes!! I like that. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I agree
The smaller boat does have a great feel about it, but I was worried I'd get bored with it if I was on board longer than say, two weeks
The ship had a complete refit when it was bought by Fred Olsen 2 years ago so definitely not dated. It has a classic look.
@@bsimpson6204 I was on it 93 days. Be worried. Be very worried.
Your unapologetic frugality is refreshing.
Haha, Thank you! 😁❤️
With two friends, I went on my first ever cruise (with Fred Olsen) earlier this year and we booked the earlier dining time without problem or charge. We didn't have to table-share. The food was excellent and the service exemplary. I believe there were a few children on the cruise, but I never saw them. Everything was so relaxed yet totally efficient. The friends I travelled with were experienced cruisers, but much prefer the smaller ships such as Fred Olsen. I'd thoroughly recommend them.
Jill, I also like the smaller ships. What other cruise lines do your friends like?
I found your channel not to long ago and I have never been on a cruise and I don’t really plan on going on one either but I love your content none the less I just can’t stop watching it’s all so interesting!!
Thank you so much this is very kind 🥹❤️
Me too. I just love listening to Emma talk.
Same girl same
Madison, my husband hated the idea of going on a cruise, but I finally coaxed him on a 5-day round-trip Baltimore to Bermuda, saying if he was really bored it was just 5 days. Well after we boarded he sat on the balcony for two hours just looking out at the ocean going by, and he said he could just feel the tension - tension he didn't realize he had - just draining away. He loves cruises and we've been on many since, always the smaller ships and usually Royal Caribbean. I'm liking what I'm seeing at Fred Olsen though.
That looks absolutely charming… I love a ship with personality and as much as I love the new contemporary styled interiors, there’s a real romance about these more traditional ships that’s super appealing
So true! 😀❤️
You are exceptionally good at making multiple videos from the same cruise without it being repetitive. I have to keep reminding myself this is the same cruise as the northern lights video I watched haha.
I thought the same thing. I like that Emma provided us 2 videos in such a short time. I fully support this approach.
Thanks so much, it took a lot of planning!!! And feels like the editing took me months (it didn’t) 🤣❤️
I’d imagine if you are British this would be a perfect cruise. They really catered to the English culture. As an American 🇺🇸 I’d love a cruise like this. It’s unique and not typical.
Hmm, I prefer a max when I cruise. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I agree, Jennifer. The huge ships are like being trapped in Disneyland. Give me a bit of culture and a chance to relax.
I love everything about it. Haven’t been on a cruise yet, but this British “style” is what I’d like.
Fred Olsen is great. They often offer cruises with a free drinks package as well. The food is great too.
On a cruise I prefer the late dining shift. When the ship is moored until evening, you can spend more time outside the ship without having to hurry for your dinner. And on days where you have a full day excursion, it's nice to have time to take a shower and put on clean clothes before going to dinner.
Hey, those are good points.
@TheRocco96 I prefer late dining too, and for the same reason. If you're hungry you can always grab a snack off the buffet to tide you over until dinner.
And the bad kids all go to the early seating. Late seating on Royal Caribbean ou of FL was adults, families with well behaved children mostly European and South American and lucky Americans.
@@michaelplunkett8059 Good Point!
Early dinner for me. I'd rather not be eating at the hour I normally bed down.
As an English guy married to an American for 15 years, and having lived in the states for 20 years, I never realized that the Americans used "quite" differently than us! It had my wife and I cracking up lol!
Put it this way; if you came up to me at a restaurant and said how is your meal, and I said oh yeah it’s quite good, you probably wouldn’t order it because it’s alright, but not good. 😂❤️
Quite being like part way, so it’s sorta good, not bad, but definitely not very good. 😂❤️
@@EmmaCruises love it, you enlightened me to something I had no idea about !!!!
American here and quite good means very good.
I've worked in America and didn't realise there were different meanings for quite, I guess it's like canny, which has multiple meanings. But I do know slated yes a US meaning and a British meaningUm
You are such a lovely human being. No ego involved in any of your vlogs. Superb!
I think I'm a bit old before my time, but I love chilling on a Fred Cruise. The smaller ships just wind up feeling homey, and you bump into and chat to people around the ship. Fred's biggest asset though is their staff, they honestly can't do enough for you.
I love table sharing. It’s a great way to meet new people. Wish it was more common place.
Me too. Much prefer table sharing because of the people you meet.
Same. Out of the 17 cruises I've been on only 2 didn't have it.
You have sold me on a Fred Olsen Cruise! This has to be your best video that I have watched. Very well done.
Awh thanks so much!! If you need any help booking or inspiration we are here: emmacruises.com/book-a-cruise/ 😀❤️
This ship has got character. I love it. ❤
Back in 2000 I sailed to Alaska for 10 days on the Holland America ship Maasdam, which is a sister ship to the Amsterdam, which is now called the Bollette. I loved my time on that ship and am glad her sister ship is in such good hands.
I was on the Noordam to Alaska last year. I wonder if it is the same design. The pool area looked identical. 🤔
I knew that I recognized that ship! We’ve been on both the Masadam and the Amsterdam.
Cruising is in my past, though I did love it. Somehow I ran across Emma when her cruise blogs were part time...then she made it a full time gig. How eonderfull. She is a marvelous guide to cruising!
She even makes mega ships (almost) exciting. I'm fromer earlier cruise days. This cruise blog about Fred Olson was captivating. If I could, I would go! Emma is excellent in her reviews!
Even if I can't go, Emma describes the experience like being there.
Thank you, Emma.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I've been on the big ships and it's not for me.
But this small one YES
If I were to cruise, I’d much prefer a smaller ship. Those big ones look hellish to me - like a city without any nature. The small ones look like a nice hotel.
Recently saw a review on Royal Caribbean’s new menus that was NOT good. Apparently the food is almost cold too. The food on this ship looked delicious.
Btw you kissed a trick. If you have a late table, go to the buffet first and then have a second dinner in the restaurant!
Really enjoy your channel, allows me to cruise without cruising lol
Ha ha, I like my side of the deal here too!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I like table sharing good chance to meet new folks.
Cocktail pianist here - I know exactly why they played "My Way" - it gets requested way too often! Love your videos Emma!
If it was mostly Midwestern Americans, it'd probably be "Sweet Caroline" instead....
Oh yes I can imagine!!! It’s always at karaoke too! 😂😂😂
I think the Norwegian Kit Kat’s name translates as Quick Lunch! It’s even pronounced kvik lunch! Ask for a quick lunch in Norwegian and you’ll no doubt get that!
Yum yum!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I’m 33 and have never ever desired to go on a cruise. Until now. This is basically my dream cruise! 😂😂😂
Emma, your channel is without a doubt one of the best travel channels I’ve watched. Always great content and never boring! And thank you for translating metric to the imperial system for us Americans.
I suffer from severe seasickness so I always get a patch from my doctor. They are called scopolamine transdermal patches and they work beautifully. You just wear them behind your ear and they have allowed me to cruise without any seasickness at all.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I would have been so annoyed, but if I liked the dining room food I would have probably paid the £2/day to change because I am also an early eater. I like dinner 5-6pm. By 8:30 I'd definitely be hangry ☠️
Me too. I'm such an early eater, I can do dinner at 5
On MSC Virtuosa our assigned dining was 9.30pm !!....which meant that when we'd finished our meal, all the drinking venues were full, and there was nowhere to go so we ended up back in our cabin.
like she said you dont HAVE to eat in the main dinning room
I would loathe eating that early! In fact, I wouldn't.
Yes! Same for me. Late eating is for the Spanish, French and Italians.☺
I think that looks like a wonderful ship!
Yay! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I agree with you about the shared tables. Nothing more awkward than going to sit down your first night only to be stuck with some strangers. I'm glad they are getting out of doing that.
I'd never heard that 'My Way' was played at funerals. I guess that's my daily new thing learned.
Really? Maybe it isn’t as popular as I think. Every time I google most popular funeral song my way comes up! 😂😂😂
@@EmmaCruises This must be a British thing because I have never heard it at an American funeral. But I can see how the association would be strange.
Ah.. another armchair cruise with Emma. So relaxing and interesting. You're talented at this! Giving your money back and flying you home if you didn't like it after 2 days. That is amazing...... respect.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼 You’re very kind!
The interesting artwork was by the late much missed Beryl Cook who lived for many years in Plymouth uk. She was one of a kind.
Well, I never imagined I would like to cruise again, much less in frigid, rough waters, but this looks utterly delightful!
17:26 I love how Emma's fellow cruisers can at all times rely on her absolute discretion and commitment to the 'What happens down the red light staircase, stays down the red light staircase' rule.
😂😂
I love watching your videos because you add your personal opinion and tastes and somehow they seem very close to normal. Very impressed with the videography and the sharp lens. After watching this video I'm definitely adding this cruise to my wish list. The only thing I would offer is maybe to show a little more interaction with your travel companion, like during dinner or walking the deck. Great work 🙂
Still not been on a cruise and almost 60 , maybe Fred Olson would be the right place to try :) I like the laid-back style this seems to have , thankyou for posting
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
This was the perfect video to discourage me from ever going on a cruise, though Emma is a delightful personality.
I wish it had discouraged me, but I saw it after I put down umpteen $thousands. But you don't need a utube-prez or any such complexity to decide this. Simple:
Do you love travel? Yes => never do a cruise.
I love cruising and that is why I l❤️ve watching Emma. Why are you here?
This is the ONLY cruise that I have ever been tempted by. Thanks for such a fabulous in-depth video.
I don’t know if you see new comments on old videos, but I thought I would comment anyway 😊. I love your videos. You are so easy to listen to and you give the best information. I truly appreciate you. 💕
Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I appreciate it 😀❤️
So nice there were so many chairs with arms all around the ship for disabled and elderly people.
I like late dining on a cruise that has many stops so you have time after the shore tours to change for dinner without rushing--- On the Queens, the fancy afternoon tea is free, so you don't get hungry unless you go on a really long shore tour. This ship's pubic rooms and your cabin looks like the same size as a Holland American I took in October around the East Med- I love that they took out the casino-- I have no use for that or the expensive spa.
Good review. We've given up on ocean cruising on these large floating tower blocks and instead have switched to river cruising on small boats (150pax max) on Rhine, Danube etc, so much more relaxing and civilised that the white casino buckets where you are man handled and ships are too large to dock inside town ports and city centres.
The activities, decor, and meals look tasteful rather than tacky. I would be tempted into my first cruise with the said Fred.
Hands down, your cruise sounded amazing and worth a visit.
Thank you for sharing this Emma.
I've never wanted to go on a cruise before having suffered the crossing to the Scilly Isles one summer afternoon many moons ago but your report has been very tempting.
All my best and keep enjoying
Oh my yeah this is very different haha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I've been on a dozen cruises now and never the same line twice. But Fred Olsen hasn't been on my radar. My mum and dad nearly always went for FO (and occasionally P&O), but they loved the formal nights and shared dining tables which I usually avoid. Having watched your video I've now added FO to my todo list, especially for the reasonable drinks and extras prices. Thanks for the interesting video, which RUclips randomly recommended! I've now subscribed. 🙂
Listening to you is better than actually cruising, no sea sickness! 😅 Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Awwwh,,Thank you! 😁❤️
I can’t imagine anything worse than a cruise ,just travel and be free ,no one telling you when you can eat and finding locals is so much fun
Maybe a coach trip?
I much prefer the freedom of car trips, if you want to stay longer, you can.
On the Calais/Dover ferry after a run to Holland, I bumped into a man I had worked with in the 80s. He was on his way home after a coach trip to the Amalfi Coast. He and I were getting dirty looks from a woman. When he walked away, she asked me if he was a friend of mine. I explained that he wasn't, just an ex-colleague. She then told me that on the outward trip, most people were ready to kill him. With 40 people on a coach and maybe 1,000s on a ship, the chance of being stuck with an idiot is pretty high.
I like the idea of doing it with small children or older people, any situation where it’s hard to move them/their stuff. Or for a relaxing beach kind of vacation where you don’t plan on doing much of anything. Otherwise, I prefer to explore on my own time!
I think it all has it place! Some of us have limitations that make cruises a bit of a relief. Isnt it nice the world is full of options?
I’m not British and I have no interest cruising and yet I found your video totally fascinating. Thank you for sharing this. It was very interesting to see a slice of life that I might not do in person but at least get to appreciate.
Found this video by accident. Thanks a lot. Looks like a great cruise. I've never taken a cruise, but this one definitely looks interesting. Thanks!
your britishisms make me smile and everything you do is so adorable
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
Thanks for the video. We've cruised on the old HAL Amsterdam and it's sister ships many times and it's very interesting to see the Fred Olsen changes to the interior. We may have to try one.
Cruising has never been a thing,like a mall, until this one, seems very nice, thanks to everyone.
It was so fun to watch how Fred Olsen changed the ship. We typically cruise on HollandAmerica and your ship was like home with differences.
YEAHH!!! I’d like to try HAL. 😀❤️
@@EmmaCruises
The white napkins with the orange stripe is a HAL thing . . . so you will feel right at home. 😊
Seriously though, how have you never done a HAL cruise??!! They are the best.
Thanks!
Thank you! 😁❤️
Nothing more insightful to add besides “YES I SEE RACCOONS!” 😂
Thank you though for all your videos. My parents are going on their first ever cruise for their 40th wedding anniversary on the QM2 in May. (They are thrilled, their cat Figaro less so as he will be checked into a cattery! 😂) I’ve sent my Dad links to your videos and they have both enjoyed watching a lot! Certainly has made my mum feel more at ease, so thank you!
One day, I hope to overcome my reservations and enjoy a cruise too. Will keep watching your videos for inspiration and courage! ❤
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
So much of this makes this GenXr hope they have 'new older people' cruises sometime!
There are older person cruises, named Saga. One spouse needs to be over 50.
I am 110% with you about baths!!
Yesss team bath!! ;)
Always wanted to be able to book a Jr or grand suite just to have a tub 🛀 😊
I just stumbled across your channel - your mix of entertaining observations, factual clear reviews, and full-sensory descriptions of food and entertainment was so delightful. I'd never considered a cruise before but you definitely were able to present it in a way that was so appealing. Thanks for sharing your journeys and observations with the world.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I didn't know that Frank Sinatra song was a popular funeral song. I've been to quite a few funerals and have never heard it played but it could just be a cultural difference. Love the video as always. 🥰
Maybe, it’s top of every ‘funeral song’ websites I can find!! 😂😂
@@EmmaCruisesYeah I’ve never heard of that, either. In the US the standard is generally ‘Amazing Grace’. As far as pop songs go, I guess ‘My Heart Will Go On’? 🤷♀️ But ‘My Way’ is a song people usually play here whenever they get drunk and celebratory.
I have never heard of this cruise line until I watched this video. I am very tempted. Thank you for the information.
Thank you for all you do. I've only been on one cruise but I always feel like I learn so much from your videos.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I think I may be seriously looking to get this cruise booked! Thank you for your informative and upbeat post.
Woohoo! My recommended agents are here to help anytime emmacruises.com/book-a-cruise/ 😀❤️
Top tip! Book your room on a low deck, near the center of the ship if you get seasick! The higher the deck, the more to the outside your room the more it accentuates the motion of the ship. The more "premium" the room, the worse the ride. A window, porthole, sliding glass doors will make your seasickness worse. So at least spend the time in your room in comfort, not feeling ill. Retiring when you feel ill to a high outside cabin will not improve how you feel. Most ships have a virtual window on the TV if you need a "view". Good project for your kids science fair, relative motion on board a ship.
We are on the Bolette 2 weeks from today on the fjords cruise, you have made the anticipation even greater. Thanks
Always love your videos and really love the "Captain Hudson" T-shirt and the fact that you designed it yourself is fantastic!
Thanks so much!!! I have some other designs here too and hopefully I’ll be adding a new design every week: EmmaCruisesShop.com 😀❤️
You are an awesome presenter. This looks like a great cruise. I’ve never been on one but this looks really pleasant and comfortable.
You should do a video on how you stay fit while cruising full time! Don’t know how you do it with all the buffets, drinks, sodas… 🤯
Traditional isn’t my style as a person but I definitely prefer it aesthetically and also how things are done. It seems more human! Not having to do everything through a computer or filling stuff out yourself. I think humanity might have peaked in the 90’s!!
I love smaller ships. I really think I would love this ship and itinerary.
I like the way you say, "more on that later". It keeps us interested and you don't go on detours. Your tours are excellent.
Ha ha, Thank you! 😁❤️
I cruised on the P&O Aria 8 years ago in Australia. It had also been a Holland America ship and was very similar to this one. It had been refurbished by P&O but not well. This looked like a great cruise.
Ok I’ve become addicted to your videos, well done. Love cruising and appreciate your enthusiasm, and of course the British perspective. Safe journeys.
Thank you! 😁❤️
It was lovely to meet you, we ended up eating at that restaurant every night 😂gutted we didn't get to see you again but glad you had a good time, the seasickness was awful, we weren't prepared either hahah but it was a brilliant cruise and will definitely be going on another 😀 x
There you are!!!!!! Hahaha. So lovely to meet you. Was a rough one for sure, trust me no cruise after that will feel rough to you. So glad the seas didn’t put you off. 🤣❤️
I am 70 and have never heard my way at a funeral
Looks like a lovely ship. Restful and tasteful. But like you, we can't do the late dining. It would not cost FO anything to ask customers for their early or late dining preference. It would be the difference between us booking or not booking. And I actually enjoy meeting other people at the dining table. I'm happy to share so it's not a problem for me. Thanks for the review.
They did ask I think, just saved rate guests get less priority 🤫
I just found this channel and I'm hooked already, I love how positive you are :).
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
Dinner time in my household is between 5-5:30 pm, so eating at 8:30 pm would bother me too. Usually by that time I'd want to be just relaxing
The "View" restaurant opens at 6pm, and everyone soon learns to eat nowhere else.
We always have every meal in the buffet, so we can have what we like when we like. It's also faster than the restaurants; with no sitting around waiting to be served. We especially enjoyed the curries and stir-fries, and things with the little salads in pots.
I think this cruise line would be a blast the different lounges looked so cool like the tea room and garden room I dont think the ship showed its age really at all im also a late diner so the 830 would have been great for me I am curious what the over all cost was as a American this looks like a cruise I would love to take but yeah definitely not smoking on the balcony seems like they would have seen from past events thats not a good idea
I have booked my first Fred Olsen cruise on the Bolette to Iceland and Greenland next year. Your video has provided a great deal of assurance that I have made the right decision. The tips about the dining options will be particularly helpful. Thank you very much.
Loved the decor on that ship! Everything looked so nice, including the food :)
Yum yum
Bloody marvellous Emma 👏👏👏 Prior to watching this, I would never, never have considered a cruise. Now I might...specifically that one. 👍👍👍 Well done cast and crew 🤗🤗🤗
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
We love shared tables. We met two lovely couples from Manchester on our San Francisco to Hawaii and back cruise (pre-pandemic). We still keep in touch. We didn't always have dinner together, but the men took ukelele lessons together. The other ladies took hula lessons, but having to be at a lesson was WAY too structured for me. So I was the designated photographer for the final performance. We aren't a just sit and chat with random people sorts, so this kinda forces us to interact with other people. I dont' know why we don't...we always enjoy meeting new people when we do.....
Awhh, that’s nice!! I think it’s a bit different for me now people come and talk to me all the time so dinner is the only time I have ‘alone’ sometimes (although people do come up at dinner too) 🤣❤️
We are the same. I really missed it last cruise.
I used to work for a couple of cruise lines out of the UK, and loved our smaller ships and primarily older British clientele. (The family orientated ones were no better than a summer-sun holiday in Majorca, complete with unmonitored kiddos running everywhere.) But I rarely got to travel on other companies' vessels, and this video really makes it clear what I missed! Great review and very tempting ship and itinerary. 💯
Yaaayyy been looking forward to this video for so long!! Amazing video!!🥳🥳🥳
Yay!! Thanks so much. :)
Even though I'm not really interested in cruises I still find this channel to be really really pleasant it has a very wholesome vibe to it the way you present things is just fantastic so I want to thank you because now I have lots of videos to watch and I'm looking forward to them. subscribed.
Thanks so much that is very kind ❤️
This would definitely be a cruise I’d like!
What a culture shock. Not the cruise, but the fact that for many people 20:30 is late for dinner. In my country, the first dinner in restaurants is at 21:00, and the second at 22:30.
Thats super late for my country Australia. What time do you all start work? I start at 6am so my bed time is around 9pm. Most restaurants busy/kitchen times here would be 6-10.
I've only cruised once and that was with Fred Olsen from Newcastle to Norway on the Balmoral. I would always go for a smaller ship like the Balmoral, the large ships you seem to like would be my worst nightmare! I'm 59 so not completely past it yet! Hoping to cruise again maybe next year.
At 59, you would be the youngest passenger on the Bolette by a decade.
I love an old fashioned cruise. Dress up and all. Cards, reading and deck walking.
Thank you, Emma! I've just discovered you and find you just adorable! So much fun to watch!!!
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I agree with you: You don't need four, five, six things happening at one time; too many things competing for your attention, and you don't concentrate on enjoying the moment. Simpler is best. And some things are worth paying extra for: Like having your afternoon tea with that view of the sea behind you, that was well worth every penny...