Broch

The old times were set to allow each sitting to eat first, then go to the show.

 

So first sitting show usually started around 8:30 - 8:45.

Thanks Mark, that would suit us fine. This is what most cruise lines do and I think we had the same times last year. Everybody can eat first then go to show after. I think it was mostly the late sitting cruisers that were unhappy because they brought their times forward.

Thanks Fred,

So what are the times which are going to be implemented because I think that many first time cruisers on Fred like me, enjoyed the show times fitting the meal times. I never ever heard any complaints, but of course it does work both ways that if you have been travelling with a company and enjoyed times it will be a bother when they encounter a change. So what happens to all these people who have never heard of Cruise Critic or the trial period, rebook, only to find their favourite times changed when they are next on their allready booked Fred Cruise. I am on the verge of booking, but now I think I will wait until I see what the revised times are. it may be that I will book and get used to the NEW times. Am I correct in thinking that the old Show times were 7.30 for first sitting and if so will not affect me, as I was first sitting last cruise anyway

Good afternoon,

 

The decision was taken by Senior Management to collate the information from guests directly, and not on the end of cruise questionnaire.

Please note that we have amended the FOCL website to reflect the message we have been discussing here about the trial of the different show time.

We do appreciate this may be frustrating for some of you, but in order to make a decision which suits the majority of our guests, we do need to give it time to be experienced and therefore commented on, but thank you for your views and comments.

 

Kind regards

F.OCL

You will never please everybody but especially regular cruisers who are used to their schedule. Now I was a first time cruiser with your company and the times we had on May 3rd cruise could not have suited us better and they were common to other cruise lines we have been on. We were on early dinner

I totally agree with previous posters. While it was ABSOULUTLY horrendous for those who suffered let's not take away the devotion to duty of the crew. This was my first cruise which was spoiled a little by some selfish person or persons who did not want to miss their cruise but we're quite happy for other healthy people's cruise to be spoiled. A health questionaire had to be filled out at the port. I would like to see more warnings at the port highlighting the dangers of coming on to a ship with the Norovirus, but I suppose people will still not realise the importance of a spread of this virus. I just hope that Fred will let us use the discount offered to be used with other cruises, not only Norwegian Fjord cruises but this is something I will take up personally with the company. Finally I cannot fault FO for the way that they handled this situation

On our cruise on Braemar in March I asked reception where my laundry vouchers were and was advised that I would receive a discount which would be deducted from my final account. I believe the discount was 10%. I find the laundry charges on Braemar quite reasonable and I use the laundry service for anything that will require pressing and the self service laundry for anything else. I would suggest you talk to the reception staff early in your cruise and establish the laundry benefits available to you.

:cool::cool:

Thanks, I will do that

Well we had snow today, I have booked the trip independently so it won't have cost me so much. It is always nice to see other parts of the world even though we have as you say beautiful scenery on our doorstep. Thanks for taking the trouble to post

In response to your recent post the following information is given on our website regarding laundry services available:

All our cruise ships provide an excellent Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Pressing Service. A full price list and details will be found in your Welcome Pack waiting for you in your cabin. An additional 25% is charged for same day service.

An ironing room and self service launderette is available on all our ships, where a nominal charge is made for the use of the washing machines.

 

For those guests who have booked under our Suite Dream package vouchers for laundry and pressing of formal wear is included.

 

We hope this helps answer your query.

Regards

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

We sail next Sunday and we are in a SS CABIN. Regarding the laundry vouchers I see are included in the Suite packsga but can you please elaborate. Are they for a certain amount of washes and how do you redeem them. Thanks

Of course, not forgetting that at breakfast on Formal Night days, they supply sparkling wine at breakfast too. Never really managed it myself but lots of people do with orange juice - you could try it with your tomato for a change. Have a great time.

Thanks, no harm in trying that, would not have thought of it myself

Just back from Balmoral and they had tomato juice at breakfast :)

Have a good cruise

Thank you so much. Not long now. You have made my day. If I don't get Tomato Juice in the morning I can live without it, but at home it is my breakfast drink so it is a bonus knowing I can have it on board.

Just recently cruised on the Braemar and the juices were ok, carton products. Orange, grapefruit, pineapple, cranberry, and about three various waters

Thank you for your comments. Good selection there. Incidentaly did you notice if they had Tomato Juice at breakfast

Thank you both for your reassuring comments.

I searched the threads for juices at breakfast but only one came up from 2013 and it said juices at breakfast were horrible. What kind of juice is served at breakfast on the balmoral and is it of good quality. Opinions welcome good or bad. Thanks

Last year we needed a train from Southampton port to railway station and we usually used Southampton Central but it was closed due to work being done. We had to travel to Southampton airport station and checked prices to book. When we saw the price we decided to just get one when leaving the ship. There were plenty and the cost was much cheaper. I am sure there will be plenty waiting when you land in Southampton airport. It only takes about 12 minutes. Hope this helps. Carolyn

Thanks certainly does

Broch

 

When we went we sat on one side (obviously) and when the train gets to Myrdal it stops for about 20 minutes and you can get out if you wish. We just moved over to the other side of the train as the seats are not reserved. Quite a few people left the train to take the connection to Bergen.

Thanks for the information

I agree that the train ride is mainly about the scenery. However, places of interest were pointed out in English and Norwegian by the train driver.

Thank you, can you please tell me if there is a best side to sit on the way fro Flam to Myrdal and return

Broch

 

When we were there the Fred excursion was on the 09.00 train if I remember correctly. We caught the 11.00 train. I really don't understand how cruise ships justify the high prices that they charge for their excursions.

Thanx. I have decided on booking the train direct. I understand that FO provide a guide but I forget most of what I get told and I would go on this excursion for a visual experience rather than a tutorial, but a guide can be very beneficial but at the end of the day you have to pay for them in the cost of the excursion

As was said earlier in this thread, check which and how many other ships are in on the same day http://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-flam-norway.html There were three in on my last visit and the train was very busy. I prebooked through Fred, took the train up and cycled down, and had a brilliant day.:D

Yes thanks I looked at the schedules and it would appear that we are the only ship in port that day. I am hoping that early am would be about 9 am or before when the ship docks although it does not give a specific time, we would catch the 11 am train

Thanks so much for the link. I see there is a lot of difference between the prices. Last year I noticed that FO did a ticket only price but probably was not making much off this. I am very tempted to book the train direct. One thing that bothers me is what early AM means. I saw somewhere definitions of what early PM etc but cannot find it now. Can someone tell me what time peramaters early am is. Thanks

Like Mr Mouse......😄

Yes I think it is cute. I have had it for a while. If you right click or press on the mouse you get the option to save image

Thanks to you both for your comments

I am seriously considering taking one of the F O excursions on the Flam Railway I would be interested to hear people's experiences of this excursion and if they would recommend doing this trip thanks.

I did use this company in 2014 and found them to be very reliable. We booked a return transfer from the airport to the dock and they were there to meet us. No problems.[/quote

 

Thank you for giving your experience

Thanks, might try that with your mouse.

 

Have you thought of going to a local hotel, perhaps near the airport, for a couple of drinks and possibly a light snack or early lunch. You may not need fed much, if at all, but would be a relaxing finish to the holiday. We often crash out for a while somewhere not too far from the port, (if it is Southampton), as we can then get ourselves in a better frame of mind for the drive back.

 

It is how we deal with long distance train travel as well. We go on the bus to Liverpool, (about an hour in total from home), then have a nice leisurely large Latte in a local upmarket hotel. It means we can get there in plenty of time yet just wander into the station at the right time. The hotel bars are quiet at that time of day and are happy to see someone.

Yes that is a good idea. We are staying at the Airport Premier Inn the night before the cruise so might go there on the way back for lunch. Thanks

They will want the ship cleared once disembarkation is finished. They disembark from the top deck residents, then work their way down to the lowest deck. We do not always rush to go off with our deck and I think you could hang on for a while if you are upper deck people.

 

It is not that pleasant being on the ships once disembarkation starts to progress - bars will be closed and they start locking up toilets pretty nippy as well. I do not know if you can stay in the cruise terminal though. Best ring Fred and ask, but phone lines will be busy at present as they are in the middle of a staggered release of their new cruise program.

 

I do love your little mouse.

Thanks for your reply. If you want you can right click on the mouse and then save image

Can anyone tell me how long you can stay aboard the Balmoral on disembarkation day. Our flights have beenput back a couple of hours so don't leave Southampton until 15.00 hrs. I appreciate that we wil have to be out of our cabin early but just wondered if we would be allowed to sit in a lounge a bit later