Braemar Canaries 18/07/09

[SparrowLegs]

Our first FO cruise. After arriving at Dover by coach at 15.15 embarkation was a breeze, swiftly through to our cabin. We had an outside portside on main deck just forward of the front lift, we were pleasantly surprised when we opened the door although I knew it was 140sq ft, it was bright, tastefully decorated, with a large picture window, and spotlessly clean. Ample wardrobe space, limited draws but adequate for us, our traditional suitcases 3 off fitted under the beds fine. The bathroom had not been updated during its recent refit, everything worked ok but the shabby pink suit with part re grouted tiles could have been better. The shower was rather small, toiletries were provided.

We departed Dover whilst we were unpacking and we immediately noticed excessive movement of the ship, the sea looked calm from our window, worst was to follow. We were allocated a table in the Thistle restaurant, but after visiting the Grampian the following day we asked for a change which was granted. Both restaurants offered waiter service for all meals, but for breakfast and lunch a self service was available, so plenty of choice. The Palms restaurant was only self service and open sitting, tried it once but preferred the Grampian, the self service it did get a bit hectic at times. The food was generally very good. Although not 24hr dinning we were never hungry and only had afternoon tea once, that was also hectic, never fancied the late supper. We were on second sitting by choice, down side being you could only see one show, which was enough most of the time! The show lounges are far to small for the amount of passengers, and on occasion had to stand throughout the show. Personally I thought all the resident acts were a bit below par. The Braemar Show Company were boring after a couple shows, plenty of energy, but the same, clap your hands and punch the air routine. Singers good karaoke standard. On the other hand the guest performers were excellent. Magician Andy James, Singer Gavin Murray, and Comedian Don Reid outstanding.

The Bay of Biscay can be a daunting trip we have been on several, this cruise was not to bad though moderate sea with a 4 force wind. But the Braemar could not handle it, we were rocking all over the place, making us ill. We were glad to reach Lisbon for a calm day. On departing we were then told that we could not make enough speed to reach Cadiz and would be having an extra day at sea, hurray !!. Again the ship rolling about all day and night. Very disappointed at missing Cadiz as were many others. We then spent till 11pm in port at both Las Palmas and Tenerife, where a shorter stop would have enabled the Cadiz stop. Much more rolling of the ship back to Dover although the last day and night was ok due to the slow 12 knots we were making. With all that said apart from the illness we had a great time. The crew and staff were superb and the ship spotless a real credit to the way its run. The majority of the passengers were senior citizens but 53 children managed to get on and get in the was as they do. Difficult to get an outside table/chair, shade or swim on sea days. Deck 9 front always had spare beds but open to the elements, wind and sun. Many on board had sailed before with FO and also the Braemar, it is an elegant ship of a nice size, its just to many people on it for my liking and it cannot cope adequately with the Atlantic ocean. Has not put me off FO and willing to try another ship in the fleet.

[glitterbabe]

We were on that cruise and agree with your comments, but you have forgotten about putting our clocks forward one hour on a sea day and then putting them back the next night...how we laughed.....