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@@sailawaymag I think the reverse in that times catching up. The main bar with its high chairs was like a care home, chintz everywhere else and a back smoking area/deck where freezing cold air blasted into one of the main lounges (Norwegian winter cruise). Also some really sub standard drinks served (I sent a ‘mai tai’ back which was basically coloured syrup and a proper one was served quickly as a replacement, so the barman knew full well he was serving a glass of garbage). All in all not totally impressed though we loved the itinerary, the food quality and the pool decks but we found Ambassador better at a lower cost.
Great video. Loved seeing you both front and centre. I think the podcast has helped elevate your presenting style. Great footage and a fair and balanced review. We have not yet sailed with Fred Olsen, but now have a good understanding of their product thanks to your comprehensive overview. 👍
Thanks for watching guys, this comment means a lot! Fred. Olsen are definitely worth a try. Yes, their ships are old and you do have to adjust your expectations, but the food is generally good, prices onboard are hard to beat and the service could give ultra luxury lines a run for their money. Despite some of our observations in this video, we like them a lot!
Great video. Very honest and believable. Totally refreshing outlook and presentation. Although I will celebrating my 42nd year working in the cruise industry in 2025 I have never set foot onboard a Fred Olsen vessel. Your coverage and comments wouldn't necessarily put me off though. Although continously having cold food is something that might put me off I will be following your channel with interest.
I went on this ship in 2015, with my grandparents (I was 20 at the time). Like you said at 5:20, yes only 4 lifts is not enough. The Braemar also only had 4, but with only 900 passengers and two fewer decks it was fine. And we always had to use them due to my grandparents’ mobility. At general times when the passengers were spread out it was fine (even on sea days), but when everyone was going to dinner, theatre, or getting off in ports at once it was a real issue. Not adding some central lifts during this extension was a fatal error. Bolette and Borealis have 12 lifts catering to the same capacity!!
Thanks for watching Reece. Totally agree with you, it was a flaw. They added the extra stairwell midship, but when you consider the average age of passengers, its lifts that are really lacking on this ship. We really liked Balmoral, but we think Borealis and Bolette had the edge. We do miss Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch though.
We are die hard Cunarders , usually in grills. We have considered Fred Olsen and your honest review hasn't put me off at all. I love traditional cruising and for a short destination led cruise such as the fjords plus the chance to sail ftom liverpool instead of Southampton I think Fred Olsen sounds great
Great video guys we went with a premier suite and we were surprised we had our own Orchid room on Bolette for dining it was the same menu but much faster service and more intimate dining for Suite guests
I prefer an older, smaller ship. I think I'd like Balmoral but also enjoy the Ambassador line ships; older, smaller and interesting itineraries with different ports.
Were Americans who go WAY out of our way to sail on Fred Olsen. It is perfect for us. The only thing that comes close is Azamara which greatly more expensive. We need to try Ambassador soon, though!
Great video! I have never cruised with Fred Olsen and am much more of a budget cruiser but I did think it was surprising that there were food temperature issues with your meals. This is my constant complaint on the mainstream cruiselines and my biggest pet peeve. In addition to having my fiod served hot as a preference, I also believe it's a food safety issue. I appreciate you bringing it up.
Balmoral is the new CEO's favourite Olsen ship, so I imagine she could be around for a while. I'm a regular Olsen cruiser (have been since 2011), and really love the line. Except for Mickey Zaney, whose material needs to be pensioned off..
Lovely video showing how it is. I haven’t considered Fred Olsen, I know Jamie loves them. Micky Zany was on Queen Victoria for New year, he was dire. I’m surprised at Cunard, they normally have good comedians.
I thought your review was fair and balanced. If Fred Olsen based a Ship in Australia I would love to have a Cruise on it. If nothing else I would be the young Buck on board 😁
Thanks for watching. The mini bar isn't included, but the prices were pretty fair. Many cruise lines stopped mini bars all together post Covid for some reason, so at least Fred. Olsen still offer them to their guests. So cruise lines like Marella and Ambassador are ripping out fridges in cabins all together.
Great video guys. I love how honest and brutal at times you were considering you were given this by Fred Olsen. Time and time again, do many others would gloss over the imperfections and call it a masterpiece.
Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. An influencer that isn't prepared to be honest with viewers purely so they can try and get a free cruise has failed in their duty to be a travel influencer, in our opinion. We're on the side of the cruise passenger that works hard to pay for their cruises. We're not interested in being a puppet for the big cruise lines. This approach hasn't always won us favours, but we think it is the right approach :)
I like the traditional smaller old style ships but Balmoral does now look a bit beyond its sell buy date. The cabin prices seem a bit optimistic even if passengers are not stung for lots of extras. The Fred Olsen formula may work well on Bolette and Borealis but perhaps FO should have saved their money on the Balmoral refit and sent the rather tired looking Balmoral to its graveyard.
Thanks for watching, Richard! On the whole, we did like Balmoral - but we do think that Borealis and Bolette have the edge. We felt that her offerings were more than adequate for us, but for those who are accustomed to newer ships, that would probably agree with your comment about being past her "sell buy date".
Sorry but I do take um-bridge at the quote 'a bit inappropriate' re the bathroom window into the room. I've stayed in at least 2 x 5* hotels one a Shangri-La which had an enormous window between the bedroom and bathroom (both as per Fred O have blinds) - does seem rather over dramatic. BTW I love your content, just found this a bit over the top - please accept as valid criticism & keep up the good work & podcasts
I think sailing as a couple it might be less of an issue as opposed to travelling with mother or daughter etc. which makes it more of an issue. I have stayed in exclusive hotels where on occasions the toilet and the bathroom had a tinted glass wall, not ideal.
@@SE23Boy Why take umbrage at his opinion just because you don’t agree with him? Besides, bathroom windows that allow one to be seen in the shower or bath aren’t universally approved of since not all occupants are couples. And even among couples, there are some who prefer utmost privacy when they bathe. What more friends, non-couple relatives (parent/child, mixed siblings or cousins, etc) or tour group members sharing a cabin? It is quite inappropriate in these cases and can put off people from booking these particular cabins.
Thanks for watching. We will have to agree to disagree on this one. Firstly, the blinds didn't completely close so there was a permanent view into the shower. On this cruise, I was with my husband so it isn't the end of the world. But each year, I also travel with my parents, my nan and with friends - so in one of these scenarios, the window into the bathroom is totally inappropriate in my view. Many European hotels have weird designs and many feature showers in the room, or feature a window between the living area and the bathroom, but I think that is inappropriate too. Brit's are different, and Fred. Olsen should have known their market better. Some USB's would have been more welcome than a window looking into the shower, in my opinion. Appreciate you watching our videos, and you taking the time to comment and give your point of view :)
![Fred. Olsen | Balmoral Full Ship Tour [Post-Refit 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_Ixr2e88lpc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Fred. Olsen | Balmoral Full Ship Tour [Post-Refit 2024]](/img/tr.png)
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You wouldn't put me off. Best cruise ever on Balmoral. Wonderful and the staff are a credit to the company
Sounds a fabulous small ship. Really homey.
balmoral is timeless
She is. We felt that even her imperfections and quirks added to her charm. We would certainly cruise on her again :)
@@sailawaymag I think the reverse in that times catching up. The main bar with its high chairs was like a care home, chintz everywhere else and a back smoking area/deck where freezing cold air blasted into one of the main lounges (Norwegian winter cruise). Also some really sub standard drinks served (I sent a ‘mai tai’ back which was basically coloured syrup and a proper one was served quickly as a replacement, so the barman knew full well he was serving a glass of garbage). All in all not totally impressed though we loved the itinerary, the food quality and the pool decks but we found Ambassador better at a lower cost.
Great video. Loved seeing you both front and centre. I think the podcast has helped elevate your presenting style. Great footage and a fair and balanced review. We have not yet sailed with Fred Olsen, but now have a good understanding of their product thanks to your comprehensive overview. 👍
Thanks for watching guys, this comment means a lot! Fred. Olsen are definitely worth a try. Yes, their ships are old and you do have to adjust your expectations, but the food is generally good, prices onboard are hard to beat and the service could give ultra luxury lines a run for their money. Despite some of our observations in this video, we like them a lot!
Great video. Very honest and believable. Totally refreshing outlook and presentation.
Although I will celebrating my 42nd year working in the cruise industry in 2025 I have never set foot onboard a Fred Olsen vessel. Your coverage and comments wouldn't necessarily put me off though. Although continously having cold food is something that might put me off
I will be following your channel with interest.
I went on this ship in 2015, with my grandparents (I was 20 at the time). Like you said at 5:20, yes only 4 lifts is not enough. The Braemar also only had 4, but with only 900 passengers and two fewer decks it was fine. And we always had to use them due to my grandparents’ mobility. At general times when the passengers were spread out it was fine (even on sea days), but when everyone was going to dinner, theatre, or getting off in ports at once it was a real issue. Not adding some central lifts during this extension was a fatal error. Bolette and Borealis have 12 lifts catering to the same capacity!!
Thanks for watching Reece. Totally agree with you, it was a flaw. They added the extra stairwell midship, but when you consider the average age of passengers, its lifts that are really lacking on this ship. We really liked Balmoral, but we think Borealis and Bolette had the edge. We do miss Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch though.
Super informative, super slick, super job! Well Done.
What a lovely comment :) Thanks guys!
We are die hard Cunarders , usually in grills. We have considered Fred Olsen and your honest review hasn't put me off at all. I love traditional cruising and for a short destination led cruise such as the fjords plus the chance to sail ftom liverpool instead of Southampton I think Fred Olsen sounds great
Great video as always, love the new style of the review. We’d both disappear in the swimming pool too!! 😂
Thanks for watching as always! Most people would disappear, it was so deep.
Excellent technical insight. Astonished that a ship is safe being cut in two and stitched together
Thanks for watching! I know, it amazes us too how they can do such a big task with such precision. Really impressive.
Great video guys we went with a premier suite and we were surprised we had our own Orchid room on Bolette for dining it was the same menu but much faster service and more intimate dining for Suite guests
Thanks for watching guys. Wow, you lucky things! That must have cost an arm and a leg, did you enjoy it though?
@@sailawaymagyes but we definitely enjoyed it and had plenty of space for 9 nights
We have completed 2 cruises. Our preference would be a smaller ship.
Thanks for a very complete look at this vessel.
Thanks for watching! We agree, we would choose a smaller ship any day over a big ship.
I prefer an older, smaller ship. I think I'd like Balmoral but also enjoy the Ambassador line ships; older, smaller and interesting itineraries with different ports.
This would be my choice above all others. Thank you for sharing..
Thanks for watching, Doreen!
Were Americans who go WAY out of our way to sail on Fred Olsen. It is perfect for us. The only thing that comes close is Azamara which greatly more expensive. We need to try Ambassador soon, though!
Nothing wrong with using the stairs if you are able.....good exercise - I enjoyed Balmoral and walking around her, including lots of stair exercise!
Great video! I have never cruised with Fred Olsen and am much more of a budget cruiser but I did think it was surprising that there were food temperature issues with your meals. This is my constant complaint on the mainstream cruiselines and my biggest pet peeve. In addition to having my fiod served hot as a preference, I also believe it's a food safety issue. I appreciate you bringing it up.
Balmoral is the new CEO's favourite Olsen ship, so I imagine she could be around for a while. I'm a regular Olsen cruiser (have been since 2011), and really love the line. Except for Mickey Zaney, whose material needs to be pensioned off..
I was fortunate to do a two-night cruise on the Borealis. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the crew were fantastic.
We sailed on Borealis to Iceland in July last year, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time onboard. We was equally as impressed with Balmoral.
Lovely video showing how it is. I haven’t considered Fred Olsen, I know Jamie loves them. Micky Zany was on Queen Victoria for New year, he was dire. I’m surprised at Cunard, they normally have good comedians.
I'm a non-smoker-nothing offends me more! I would never go on a Costa cruise for this reason. I am Cdn. so I am unfamilliar with Fred Olsen.
Don’t think they will be having you back anytime soon
They knew we'd be honest, that's what we do. On the whole, we were impressed. Were things perfect? No, but from our experience no ship ever is.
I thought your review was fair and balanced.
If Fred Olsen based a Ship in Australia I would love to have a Cruise on it.
If nothing else I would be the young Buck on board 😁
Nice video guys, we like the vlog style but also loved the detailed info such as the camber, you learn something new everyday. Great stuff! 👍
I agree no perks with suite is definitely a minus
Is the mini bar included or do you have to pay extra
Thanks for watching. The mini bar isn't included, but the prices were pretty fair. Many cruise lines stopped mini bars all together post Covid for some reason, so at least Fred. Olsen still offer them to their guests. So cruise lines like Marella and Ambassador are ripping out fridges in cabins all together.
Great video guys. I love how honest and brutal at times you were considering you were given this by Fred Olsen. Time and time again, do many others would gloss over the imperfections and call it a masterpiece.
Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. An influencer that isn't prepared to be honest with viewers purely so they can try and get a free cruise has failed in their duty to be a travel influencer, in our opinion. We're on the side of the cruise passenger that works hard to pay for their cruises. We're not interested in being a puppet for the big cruise lines. This approach hasn't always won us favours, but we think it is the right approach :)
I like the traditional smaller old style ships but Balmoral does now look a bit beyond its sell buy date. The cabin prices seem a bit optimistic even if passengers are not stung for lots of extras. The Fred Olsen formula may work well on Bolette and Borealis but perhaps FO should have saved their money on the Balmoral refit and sent the rather tired looking Balmoral to its graveyard.
Thanks for watching, Richard! On the whole, we did like Balmoral - but we do think that Borealis and Bolette have the edge. We felt that her offerings were more than adequate for us, but for those who are accustomed to newer ships, that would probably agree with your comment about being past her "sell buy date".
Not impressed, considering recent refit
Sorry but I do take um-bridge at the quote 'a bit inappropriate' re the bathroom window into the room. I've stayed in at least 2 x 5* hotels one a Shangri-La which had an enormous window between the bedroom and bathroom (both as per Fred O have blinds) - does seem rather over dramatic. BTW I love your content, just found this a bit over the top - please accept as valid criticism & keep up the good work & podcasts
I think sailing as a couple it might be less of an issue as opposed to travelling with mother or daughter etc. which makes it more of an issue. I have stayed in exclusive hotels where on occasions the toilet and the bathroom had a tinted glass wall, not ideal.
@@SE23Boy Why take umbrage at his opinion just because you don’t agree with him? Besides, bathroom windows that allow one to be seen in the shower or bath aren’t universally approved of since not all occupants are couples. And even among couples, there are some who prefer utmost privacy when they bathe. What more friends, non-couple relatives (parent/child, mixed siblings or cousins, etc) or tour group members sharing a cabin? It is quite inappropriate in these cases and can put off people from booking these particular cabins.
Thanks for watching. We will have to agree to disagree on this one. Firstly, the blinds didn't completely close so there was a permanent view into the shower. On this cruise, I was with my husband so it isn't the end of the world. But each year, I also travel with my parents, my nan and with friends - so in one of these scenarios, the window into the bathroom is totally inappropriate in my view.
Many European hotels have weird designs and many feature showers in the room, or feature a window between the living area and the bathroom, but I think that is inappropriate too. Brit's are different, and Fred. Olsen should have known their market better. Some USB's would have been more welcome than a window looking into the shower, in my opinion. Appreciate you watching our videos, and you taking the time to comment and give your point of view :)