bobby67

We too are staying in the Radisson. We travel by rail as it is comfortable and cheaper than car parking.

Yes you can book with Evesway or Cruise Connect. Details In the brochure. We are being picked up at 8.00am to travel to Southampton. Just to give you some idea. We travel by rail and stay in the SAS Radison close to rail station and coach station

Yes you can book the coach to pick you up at Manchester airport coach station which is between terminals 1 and 2

I would take walking boots. Last year when in the fjords it had been raining and I took my walking shoes and wished I had taken my boots with the better grip as I was slipping when climbing on wet grass.

Hi Barbara in January this year we walked down to the Mayflower terminal at 11.00 and they said you can bring luggage now. I was a little wary it would go missing so we did go back about 2.00 by taxi. I haven't decided whether to use Baggage Handling or not. I have never had any problems with them. In January this year we got train direct but this year because it is Sunday we have to change at Birmingham so lugging 2 cases is a problem. Flying back into Manchester, like you, just have to watch weight allowance. Have you decided what to do in Lisbon, i know you said you wanted to do something different. I think we will have time to visit Estoril and Sintra. I hope to do this. Carolyn

We always take our walking sticks to Austria. I usually pack them in suitcase with the points in bubble wrap. Never had any problems with airport security so don't expect you will on the ship. Visited Kotor last year. Beautiful place

We always travel by rail. It you book 12 weeks in advance when the tickets are released it is a lot cheaper especially with a senior railcard. We travel from the north east to Southampton/Dover and find it convenient and more comfortable than sitting on a coach.

We were on Balmoral for 46 nights January to March and commented on how good the food was. Plenty of choice and even better than usual and not a lot of repetition, apart from the wonderful bread and butter pudding each lunchtime. We ate all meals in the restaurant and only used the buffet for special functions such as Chinese or Indian etc. We had a wonderful time the entertainment was excellent, everything about the cruise was really good. Carolyn

Hi Barbara, we are Carolyn and Bob and we are on Braemar on 7th November too. We, like you, have visited Lisbon several times and I have always wanted to go to Estoril or Sintra, and as we are going to be there a full day and evening as you say it gives much more time. We docked in Lisbon in March this year and they were developing a new port and there seemed to be quite a lot of work to improve the older buildings so I think by November we will see some improvements. Look forward to meeting you. Carolyn

I think it is nice to show appreciation to the waiter that brings food to your cabin.

Hi just returned from South America cruise on Balmoral and looked at some of next years cruises whilst on board. If you can Use the 3 for 2 deal it would be a good deal. Some people booked these onboard. Carolyn

Have had confirmation from Fred that the Rosario trio are on Balmoral next week. Hope it is the trio I prefer. I think the ships passengers would Miss them if they were not performing.

We are on Balmoral next week and I shall be extremely disappointed if the Rosario trio are not included in the entertainment. I agree some trios are better than others and to be placed in a "walk through" area is not the best area for them to play. Previously on the Balmoral they played requests on deck late evening and it was one of the most pleasant and enjoyable time spent on the ship. I was hoping this would be happening on my next cruise to Rio.

Hi glad you got sorted with your cabin. I like the Balmoral, I prefer small ships, but everyone has their own thoughts on this.

Hi Roobydoo (hope I got it right) how was the cabin

Hi Barbara. Just a point about rail travel, you can put an email alert for rail tickets on Trainline, who will email you when cheap tickets are available, usually about 8 weeks before travel. You can put email alert on now. We are travelling Darlington to Southampton and return for £100 for both of us with our senior railcards. You save a third on every journey plus if you book in advance you will get a good deal. Carolyn

Hi Barbara, looks like you are sorted. Dover Castle may be worth a visit. Enjoy your cruise. Carolyn

Hi Tring, we travel from Darlington to kings X walk across to St Pancras and get a direct train to Dover. If you get to St Pancras from Euston it is so easy to get to Dover. Carolyn

Hope the cabin isn't as bad as reviews say. I had read the review on that cabin previously. Where are you going on the Balmoral. It is a lovely ship, I hope you have a good time.

Sorry Coravel. Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. We usually have lunch in the Spey and dinner in Ballindaloch. I do feel with the Spey being smaller you get

more personal attention but have never been offered it for dinner. The wine waiter. Thomas I think, kept the wine chilled perfectly and as soon as we arrived in the restaurant he served us. I agree that the Indian. Chinese etc. are not very good in the garden rest. We have tried them in the past for a change when on a long cruise and thought we may give them another try in January. Hope it has improved. Carolyn

Sorry the service on Balmoral is in decline. Service on all Fred's ships has always been first class. The service and food on Boudicca in September was fine. Our 4 table companions were first timers with Fred and they were satisfied. Going on Balmoral 19th January for 46 nights so do hope standards are back to normal. With regard to the food I do think on a longer cruise you can become tired of the repeat menu. I often find I enjoy lunch in the Spey or Avon more than dinner. Carolyn

We were on Boudicca in September in the fjords and thought the food better than previously. Although we have always enjoyed the food on fred's ships. The staff as usual were so friendly and obliging. Unfortunately the entertainment was extremely poor, both the show team and the duo in the Lido. The entertainment was provided by Mirage and not the standard we are used to. Just returned from Thomson celebration and their entertainment was outstanding in all areas.

I was paying Gordon's and Bacardi prices. Only the waiter knows what you order, the barman pours the drink. The waiter should be asking what has been ordered. I don't think they care.

Hope you are successful in finding your drink. Just returned from Celebration and had great difficulty in getting a Gordon's gin and tonic and a Bacardi and Coke. I was not on a drinks package and was repeatedly given cheaper alternatives. When pointing this out all bar staff did was pour more cheap spirit into my glass. I didn't want a stronger drink, only the correct brand.

I'm not a coffee or tea drinker but do love hot chocolate. Does Fred Olsen offer hot chocolate? If so, is it any good? I'm booked for an Arctic cruise next summer so a hot drink would be good.

 

One thing I like about Swan Hellenic is there espresso machine in the buffet at breakfast that provided hot milk and I could bring my own mix to make very good hot chocolate.

Fred does a great hot chocolate, with or without brandy. You could use the kettle in your cabin and make your own.