July morning

I'm not going to do a detailed review but thought I'd give an overall impression of the cruise.

Embarkation: Like the other FO ships we've been on was a breeze no need to take your own photo etc they used our passport. On board an hour early no waiting. It was a cold day so decided to wait at the terminal but were boarded almost immediately 

Disembarkation: It always suits us to DIY we were off the ship in our car ready to drive home at 7.15am which meant we were home before 11am we did have a stop for 20 minutes.

We booked this cruise quite late and there was only interior and outside (porthole windows) available.  We choose (or I did) an interior cabin and were happy with the cabin twin with two chairs kept spotless. Cabin steward was pleasant and helpful deserved her extra tip.

When we booked there was only second dinning available with wait-list for first.  We were given second but when we got on board we were able to change this to first without any problem.  We shared a table with another couple and had a nice time. The food was good did not disappoint always the correct temperature.  For breakfast and lunch we used the Palms buffet and the fact that you get shown to a table when you arrive takes away a lot of the hassel with buffet as you didn't have to find a table.  We pre booked Colours & Taste and that was excellent.

I'll add more later hope your not bored!

Yes we were able to order drinks as well as the coffees. We liked that room and a variety of different chair types/styles to suit everyone, I'm a shorty at 5ft 0in ha ha I was able to choose chairs that meant my feet touched the floor 😂

Just back from Balmoral and nothing was missing turn down, choc, tissues face channels etc had a lovely time and always managed to get somewhere to sit and read. We liked the earth room for reading not too noisy and you can use the coffee card in there

Almost time, I have been gathering everything together ready to pack cases tomorrow. Driving to Newcastle on Monday to make it nice and easy 🙂

Sounds like you all enjoyed the cruise and a lovely memory for your wife/their mother bet you were all chatting about her and so making more memories 🙂

Jennizor, as others have said "what a beautiful garden" if I was moving into a garden sharing those plants they would definitely be staying in place.

After having a few showers this week it's a lovely sunny day here 🙂

I've been gathering everything together ready to pack suitcases tomorrow ready to drive to Newcastle on Monday to join FO Balmoral on Tuesday it's 8 nights round the top of Scotland (coals to Newcastle ha ha ) we choose it because it doesn't leave UK waters so it helped to reduce the price of insurance for my Husband (cancer) and although still expensive for what it is at least we didn't need a mortgage!

Have a fantastic time

When we went to the Giants Causeway we wore sketchers it's a paved path only when you go on the "stones" but they weren't slippery we had great weather and a very good excursion there hope you have the same

I live in central Scotland ( near Stirling) and we've been having good weather and even if it's overcast it's definitely not cold. I have put away my winter jackets and jumpers a few weeks ago!  Jeans haven't been worn either too thick. As happy v said light weight trousers and t-shirts long and short sleeves should be ok with a jumper or cardigan. Sketchers and a pack amac at least that's what I've been wearing recently. My husband always says May and June is Scotland's summer😂😂

Good luck with the weather and have a great time 😁 

I'm going on a cruise on Tuesday from Newcastle round the top of Scotland so have been keeping an eye on the weather forecast 😂 

Good review, glad you enjoyed it  😁

lovely photos Megabear, it 26degrees here all the windows and doors are open.  We've had a nice spell of good sunny weather for about 10 days so far long may it continue 🙂

We're looking forward to our cruise on Balmoral in two weeks time, haven't been on Balmoral before but have sailed with FO previously

Thanks for the reply, I was expecting to take an a adapter just wondered if there was a 3pin UK socket 🙂 

I seen the link for FO answer they don't give much away 😂

Thank you again

28 minutes ago, vitrocmax said:

All clear now, we're moving again thankfully. There were just 2 cars involved and the damage, although significant enough to block  the M1 it looked like the occupants were ok.

Driver has revised the arrival time to nearer 4.30, which is the all aboard time.

At least your on a coach and not travelling by car that would be even more stressful! Hopefully the driver will make up some time. Enjoy your cruise 🙂

A question about the cabins, what plug sockets are there on Balmoral?

Perhaps if you never asked for them to be put away the cabin steward took advantage and thought one less to do in the evening 😉 

Well done, I'm looking forward to the next instalment 😁

I will be disappointed if this is true because when I travel with my daughter and grandson we take a bottle each (as allowed) which we use on the balcony when the grandson is in bed the rest of the time we order in the bar and restaurant. 

We don't use casino on any ship but on Bolette there was a card table that we walked past in the evening, for the life of me I can't remember what games they had just know some people were betting and had casino chips! It was near the Morning Light lounge, Sorry can't be more helpful 😂

The wine ? For dinner 😂

When we were on Ventura in November for 10 nights we had 2 formal nights

On our recent loyalty lunch mostly smart casual with some men wear a jacket shirt and tie and before anyone says trousers as well😂😂

I wore a nice dress 

We've done this, disembarked one ship as usual, then embarked later in the day as usual.   We didn't get any benefits from P&O or assistance if that's what you were wanting to know.  It was pre "c" 

That's me all sorted for the cruise have booked parking with CPS (used before) also two excursions and Premier Inn for the night before. I know we could drive down on the day takes about three hours but better safe than sorry 😂 just start the holiday earlier!

We are soooo looking forward to this holiday with what's happening to my husband shall be nice to just relax and hopefully have some fun 🙂

I use both FO & P&O