Sir Cumference

Sorry, yes, I'm quite happy to update you on my first experience of Fred Olsen. I was on Black Watch and was allocated a table for one in the main dining room. It was a "stand alone" table and not one of those in a row with only a few inches between them. It was ideal and made me a very happy bunny. 

Also, at breakfast & lunch I was able to secure a table to myself for which I was grateful.

I have another cruise on Black Watch booked for Spring 2020 and had a word with the MD before leaving my last cruise and he undertook to allocate me a table for one on the upcoming cruise too.

I had a balcony cabin and there was not the slightest indication of anyone smoking nearby.

Thank you all for your comments and good wishes 🙂

I always ask for the last possible disembarkation slot then usually wait in the Crows Nest until a final announcement is made asking all remaining passengers to leave the ship - a very civilised experience. My cases are usually the last in the baggage hall and easily identifiable. The car park too, is usually empty by then and a safe, trouble-free drive off. I am always off the ship between 10.00 and 10.15.- so, as advised, booking a taxi for 10.30 would be just about right.

Are the TV's interactive?

Thank you so much 🙂

I'm about to embark on my first Fred Olsen cruise. Could someone please tell me where the Muster Drill is held - somewhere inside, or outside by the life boats? 

Many thanks in anticipation

Thank you for your helpful  comments - I now understand why you asked where and when I was going. On P & O I have always requested (and got - sometimes with difficulty) a table for one. I have requested a table for one on the upcoming FO cruise and will wait with nervous anticipation on the outcome - if necessary, I will have to eat in the buffet or, even, room service.

The other thing that bothers me about FO is the fact the smoking is allowed on the balconies. I really do not like the smell of cigarette smoke and it would totally spoil the holiday for me. How rife is smoking on balconies?

Thank you, again, for your response.

Does that matter? I'm going to the fjords in August

I am taking my first cruise with Fred Olsen in August (2019) and, although I have cruised a number of times before, it has always been with P & O. My Travel Agent has persuaded me that I should try Fred Olsen. I'm a little reluctant to leave the perceived safety of the familiar and step out of my comfort zone into the unknown. I am in my mid 60's, travel alone and prefer my own company.

Will I enjoy the Fred Olsen experience and what will the main differences be to P & O?

Every time I'm on board, I think to myself that I really must bring a couple of better quality rolls with me on my next cruise - trouble is that I always forget when the time comes!

I always choose the latest possible disembarkation time (usual about 9.45-10.00) and the just wander leisurely off the ship to find that my luggage is standing all on its own in a large empty shed. I simply collect it and wander to the car park where, again, my car is the last and easy to locate. As the traffic jam has, by then, gone, it gives an easy drive back to the motorway. I find that a most relaxing way to end the holiday.

However, I do accept that it might not be an option for everyone - who maybe, has traveled by coach or public transport - or has a particular reason to be home early.

The other drawback is that by the time i get to the baggage reclaim, there has been ample opportunity for someone else to have taken my cases!!

Many thanks for the list - much appreciated :-)

Please could someone tell me where t find that chart - many thanks in advance :-)

Hello. I'm going to be brave and abandon P&O in favour of Fred Olsen and I have my first cruise (with them) booked from Liverpool, Could someone please advise me as to the arrangement for parking there.

CPS provide parking but it appears the actual car park is some distance from the terminal and requires a mini-bus service between the two. Is there any parking actually at the terminal?

I, too, had this small amount added a few days after my return. I put it down to an erroneous charge for mini-bar items. I didn't question it with P&O because it was such a small amount I never used any items from the mini-bar and had asked the steward to remove the items - however, he only removed then from the fridge and not the cabin. I intend to insist on them being removed form the cabin on my next cruise in September.

I have always cruised alone and, like some of the previous posters, am quite introvert and am happy with my own company. The last few cruises, my TA has priced up occupancy of a single balcony cabin ans opposed to single use of a double balcony cabin. To my surprise the single occupancy of a double cabin was cheaper every time. Moral: don't always assume that a single cabin is going to be the cheapest option.

Hello there - I'm thinking of booking the above cabin and wondered if anyone had been in it and could comment of whether it was noisy because of it closeness to the Crown Nest and the lifts. Many thanks in advance