Parsman

I have cruised with Fred Olsen for many years and I have always had a horror of British nights. In my view it is more like a BNP/UKIP rally then a fun night. If we must have these nationalistic events why not call them re/white/blue nights which could embrace Americans, French, Dutch and many more. It would be even better if they reverted to tropical nights which were always popular. 

It's a wonderful cruise. The ship is very stable. If it is like it was when I took this trip the efficient air conditioning is a most important factor. Enjoy the cruise.

Al;though I haven't boarded at Rosyth I was on a Fred, Olsen cruise which called there. The facilities were very good and the shore staff friendly.

Yes. On the final morning you get the bill. Unless you have any queries on it there is no need to contact reception. On longer cruise you may get an interim statement. You can trace your spending on your cabin's inter-active TV.

There are reports that P&O are dropping their £7 gratuities charge from May 2019. The cut throat competition is hotting up. I wonder if FOCL will be following suit?

How can you accidentally fall off the stern of a modern cruise ship?

That's what i did on two occasions in Norway

On a recent cruise on the "Boudicca" they were advertising RIB trips. I took two of these on a cruise to Norway last year and thought they were great. I was hoping that they might have the opportunity to take RIB trips on the "Braemar" cruise to the Adriatic in early October but there is no mention of these in the tours book or on the website although they are advertising them for cruises in 2019..Does this mean they will not have these until next year :Dor can they only be booked on board? Any ideas?

I have the same problem but I have never been able to find subtitles on the TVs on any of the Fred. Olsen ships.

The change in dining arrangements on Fred. Olsen ships is interesting. I have been cruising with them for 25 years and, in the past, late sitting was always the more popular. Personally, I prefer the 2030 dining time as 1815 is much too early especially if you are in a port.

The other change is that on the many cruises I have taken with them (46 so far) the ships were virtually full. On the two in recent months there have been many empty cabins and tables in the restaurants. I fear the cut-throat competition is taking its toll.

We got off the "Boudicca" in Dover on 13 July at 0750, collected the luggage, got the van to collect the car from the terminal car park and drove home (22 miles) arriving there at 0830. I have sailed many times from Dover. This was the very best.

I strongly suggest you liaise with Fred. Olsen direct and I know they will be most helpful

Most unusual. Sometimes if the seas are rough these parties can be cancelled.

It's not the first time this or similar offers have been made. If you are quick they are good value.

A lovely country and most friendly people. The weather can be changeable. The locals boast of four climates per day. Wear layers of clothes. Take local Krona with you. It's a place for sightseeing not shopping. Most things are expensive, especially alcohol. Some of Fred. Olsen's excursions are excellent. The most popular often fill up quickly so it can be better to book before you sail - you can do this on line. Have a great trip.

I was in Bremen in April on board the "Boudicca". We stayed overnight in Bremen. On arrival I took the free shuttle bus for a brief visit to the very attractive city. I know I get free shuttles as am in Oceans Diamond Elite but I am sure that nobody had to pay.

These Northern German cities are amazing. After being virtually obliterated in WW2 they have been restored brilliantly. They are also very clean.

I, too, have missed ports especially in the Pacific but never had compensation. I think if you look through the masses of small print of your contract with FOCL the company are well covered. I wouldn't build up your hopes.

In the "old" days bingo used to take place in the Neptune lounge but as numbers dwindled I gather it was moved elsewhere.

As a regular on FOCL ships I was surprised that people still play bingo.

I think the drinks package is good value for money. If you do not drink alcohol this wouldn't be so.

If you look at your confirmation document it will show you the number of theme nights. On the longer cruises there will be a "British Night! (Ugh) or if there are lots of non-British passengers on board they might have a Red, White and Blue night which is much preferable. If you are sailing in warm climes tropical Nights are always a success as are Rock & Roll Nights. Participation isn't compulsory! Quite a number of people opt out.

On most cruise lines including FOCL tips are the main income for the domestic staff. Personally I would prefer that they were paid a decent wage and any tips would be given for service above and beyond the norm.

The food is still very good. Perhaps not quite so much salmon as in the past (there used to be a full salmon on the buffet at lunchtime). The soups are still excellent, probably the best items on the menus.

Hi Parsman - digressing, however I doubt you'll mind.

 

We drove past EEP yesterday and that reminded me the second pair of playoff games are on BT Sport - if we get there.

 

https://spfl.co.uk/news/article/play-off-dates-and-tv-selections/

If the Pars can't get one point on Saturday they should be shot!! If only they hadn't had so may draws they would have been challenging for the top.

On long cruises I know many of the staff like the new system. On,say, the "Round Africa" cruise their tips are paid to them at changeover ports eg Capetown, Mombasa, Dubai rather than at the end of the cruise. I am certain that their families in the Philippines, Thailand and India (and many other places) really appreciate this.

Just completed my 43rd cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.