Parsman

In a round Africa cruise on the "Black Watch" some years ago we called at Madagascar but not at Tamatave we visited Nosy Be (?) in the North of the island. We also called at Reunion. I have visited there more than once on FOCL ships. Indian Ocean cruises are certainly not new.

It is a long way by I got there via many countries in North America, Asia and Africa. Despite everything I still support the Pars.

I am booked on a 27 night cruise in July and there are only four formal nights. I suspect that FOCL are cutting back. It wouldn't surprise if they dropped the idea in future. I think would be a pity.

Very much so - although a supporter from afar. That village with the US currency name was my home for several years..

We do not like the idea of British night at all and often feel embarrassed when in the company of non Brits. The German Lady I mentioned previously did wear red, white and blue on British night and my husband asked jovially if she was supporting France or Holland..........................

I agree with you that it is always an embarrassing event. I have always thought the idea that was used on some long FOCL cruises was to have a "red, white and blue" night which covers the UK, France, Netherlands, USA and many other countries.

That from the wee county with the longest name?

On some of the longer cruises there many more nationalities of passengers. There are often Dutch, Spanish, Scandinavians, Americans and many more

Reply to Parsman.

 

Any chance to release the details?

Fred. Olsen will send you details through the post

Just back from a cruise on the "Balmoral" and have received the new "Oceans" membership details. Glad to say that I am comfortably in the the Diamond Elite sections which looks quite attractive. :D

Cynical but true!

I am very fond of the "Balmoral" and will be sailing on it in early April. Yes, the Neptune lounge floor rises which makes watching the show more comfortable. The main dining room, the Ballindalloch, can be a trifle noisy but you always have the choice of booking a table in one of the more intimate dining rooms, the Spey and Avon, which are on deck 10. The menu is the same. I have often looked to see if the "join" is visible but have so far filed to find it. One major change over the last year or so is that the hull is now painted grey , replacing the white of yesteryear. The ship is undergoing a major overhaul later this year.

I am sure you will enjoy a cruise on the attractive and friendly ship.

Got my copy today

As a regular on Fred. Olsen I have noted that an increasing minority of passengers aren't dressing on formal nights. There are also fewer of these formal nights than there were in the past. I think it is a great pity but I fear it is a sign of the times.

On the recent Christmas and New Year cruise on the "Balmoral" the number "dressing up" was a little better but it was spoiled by many immediately changing into casual wear immediately after dinner.

Gone are the days when all passengers on liners (not cruise ships) wore evening dress on all evenings at sea!

It is quite normal for the drinks package to be excluded from the longer cruises which i think is a pity.

I agree that the charge of £29 pppd for the drinks package is ludicrous. On several cruises I have enjoyed the £10 package but I certainly won't be paying £29 for our Christmas/New Year cruise later this month.

I seem to remember that there was a shuttle bus from the car park. Allow plenty of time to get to the port especially if you are travelling on the M25 and using the tunnel for the traffic can be very heavy. Also remember to go on line to the toll fee.

Many thanks

Does anyone know why the "Balmoral" arrives in Southampton from its "Irish Christmas markets" cruise early on December 19th but doesn't set off on its "Canaries Christmas and New Year" on December 20th? It's unusual for FOCL ships to overnight in Southampton.

I consider Fred Olsen every bit a good as P&O save, perhaps. the choice of evening entertainment. The "Balmoral" is a lovely ship. It is small enough to be friendly but spacious enough to feel comfortable. The food is very good and the staff are extremely cheerful, friendly and helpful. I am sure you will have an enjoyable cruise.

The tipples is effectively replacing the "all inclusive" on these cruises and you can get the selection of drinks included in that package with no charge. I came off the "Balmoral" last month and found that the system worked very well. If you also have on-board credit as well it can be difficult to spend it!

I don't know what all the fuss is about lunch on Fred. Olsen ships. They have never served lunch when sailing from UK ports and nowhere in their publicity do they say so. It makes sense to have a meal en route to the departure port. The quality of the meals on board will compensate for a so-called "missed" lunch.

It is normally available in the cafe as soon as you board. The "eats" might be limited to biscuits unlike the full spread on other days. This was certainly the case when i boarded the "Balmoral" recently.

I hope someone in FOCL reads these comments.

I am a very regular passenger on Fred. Olsen's ships. I am not a fan of so called theme nights and have noticed that fewer and fewer fellow passengers participate in them. The one exception is "Tropical" nights where quite a number of passengers literally let their hair down. Sadly, apart from the longer cruises they seem to have been dropped. I wonder why?

I wish they would drop "British Nights" which I consider embarrassingly awful especially when there is a significant number of non-British passengers on board. If they must have such an evening why not make it a "Red, white and blue" night? This would cover Brits, Americans, Dutch, French etc.

Am I in a minority of one?

I am booked on the "Balmoral" cruise from Dover on 12th September. I notice from the website that my check-in time is 1530-1630. This is much later than usual. Does anyone know the reason for this?