Olsen have given the soon to be ex NCL Crown...

[Goldryder]

Balmoral

 

 

Although Scottish by name, on board the décor and design concepts of Balmoral will reflect a British atmosphere in keeping with the other vessels in the fleet, says the line. Public room names include Blenheim and Ballindalloch named after a stately home set in the heartland of Scotland in the Grampian region.

 

http://www.cruise-community.com/ShowStory.asp?ID=9916

 

 

Excellent name for a beautiful ship :D

[Druke I]

I agree, she was a lovely ship, BEFORE NCL took out the indoor pool, cinema, and added cabins.

 

What a shame to bastardize a ship like that.

[Goldryder]

Olsen are making 60 of her cabins single occupancy, removing the hideous casino and making it a nice quiet lounge, adding a few more balconies and generally turning her back into a proper ocean liner again.

 

The first cruise in January may well sell out quickly, but I am hoping to get aboard her mid to late 2008 and see just how much they have ripped out the razzle dazzle and replaced it with the elegance that is more fitting for her.

[tom_uk]

There is a slight possible problem - the name 'Balmoral' appears to be already taken. She's the MV Balmoral, a small pleasure ship that sails around the coast of the UK. She's owned by the same organisation as own the PS Waverley, the last Clyde paddle steamer. Here's a link to their website:

 

http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/

 

So I don't know what's going to happen. I know the ships are very different, but they are both 'pleasure ships'; you can imagine some confusion if someone says 'I'm going on Balmoral next week'.

[Goldryder]

There is a slight possible problem - the name 'Balmoral' appears to be already taken. She's the MV Balmoral, a small pleasure ship that sails around the coast of the UK. She's owned by the same organisation as own the PS Waverley, the last Clyde paddle steamer. Here's a link to their website:

 

http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/

 

So I don't know what's going to happen. I know the ships are very different, but they are both 'pleasure ships'; you can imagine some confusion if someone says 'I'm going on Balmoral next week'.

 

The classic Balmoral is British registered, Olsen are keeping their Balmoral Bahama registered and they have both agreed that there are no conflict of interests. So its quite legal and above board. It will be fun to see both Balmoral's in port together though, which is sure to happen. :)

[gm3272]

Balmoral will do a 13-14 night canaries island cruise, before doing a transatlantic crossing to Miami where she will do Caribbean fly-cruise out of there.

Should be interesting.

[tom_uk]

In May/June 2008 Olsen are going to use Balmoral for fly/cruises in the Med. That'll be a first for them - up until now their european cruises have all been ex-UK.

[runboy]

Goldryder

 

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but as you are a fan of Fred Olsen cruises you may know the answer!

 

We are going on our first Fred Olsen cruise later this year and I was wondering if a "normal" suit jacket, but worn with a winged collar shirt and bow tie, will pass OK for the formal nights?

 

On my last P&O cruise I wore a "normal" suit with a reserved tie for the formal nights, but Fred Olsen rules do not make mention of anything other than black tie for the formal night.

 

Thanks.

[Jimsgirl]

Does anyone know if Fred Olsen have a USA office, which will quote prices in US$, also any information on the "Balmoral" especially fly cruise to Med or info on the Caribbean cruise out of Miami. Meet and greet, hotel package etc.

are the ships "traditional assigned tables dining"

 

Please reply to rafex1@earthlink.net

 

Thank you

[dthompsond1]

Hi Runboy, a dark suit will be fine on Fred Olsen.Although alot of people wear dress suits many, myself included, just wear a normal black jacket with dress white shirt and bow tie, do'nt feel out of place. On other nights most people tend to wear jacket and ties, even on informal nights, Dennis

[runboy]

Thanks.

[Post Captain]

Does anyone know if Fred Olsen have a USA office, which will quote prices in US$

 

Hello,

 

There is one TA in the U.S. that serves as the exclusive North American booking agent for Fred Olsen; they quote prices in $ U.S.

 

Go to the Fred Olsen website and click "How to Book" at the top of the page. This will take you to another page, where (partway down the page) you will see "For customers outside the U.K." Click on the words "Travel Agent Locator" there, and then follow the instructions on the Travel Agent Locator page. You'll find the information you're looking for.

 

Cheers,

 

John

[Goldryder]

I am now booked/confirmed aboard Balmoral for her inaugural cruise on January 30th 2008 :D:D

[Goldryder]

The new deckplans are now available from the Olsen site...there are LOTS of changes being made, the main one being the total removal of the spa above the bridge...

 

http://www.fredolsencruises.com/fredolsen/process/fleet/fleet_index/ship=balmoral.html