Chrisifab

If you’re ok with wearing a mask in public areas, you could book a Warner’s break? Very similar to cruising, but on land. No testing required as far as I’m aware?

Or is wearing a mask also a no?

If so, you might find a B&B in Blackpool or Southport that’s privately owned where the owner doesn’t believe in masks and stuff?

If you don’t mind self catering, you could hire a caravan.

I’m sure you’ll find a holiday to suit. Just have to get creative with ideas.

Best of luck.

2 minutes ago, ISS said:

Far from being afraid of a test I am just opposed to the principal of it. I have always worked on the basis if I feel well I am well. There are quite a few people out there who have similar views to myself and one doesn't have to look hard to find this strategy of testing wrong. 

I think the issue is that many people with Covid do actually ‘feel well’. They can present no symptoms at all. 
 

If a person with Covid, albeit no symptoms, were allowed to board a cruise ship, it could lead to a major breakout across all of the passengers and crew.

This would result in cruising being set back again, and possibly some passengers or crew dying needlessly, just like last time.

I was going to suggest you go with MSC instead as they’re not requiring any vaccines, but then I realised you are also refusing to have a test.

Even MSC are requiring simple tests before boarding, so it looks like you might not be cruising for a while unless you can get over your fear of the tests. They’re really not uncomfortable, and I’d hate to think I’d be losing an opportunity for a great cruising holiday because I was afraid of the test.

They take about 20 seconds to do.

Maybe try a HomeKit first so you can see what to expect?

I wish you the best of luck.

2 minutes ago, wowzz said:

Just sorting out the logistics for 3 or 4 one off cruises (check in staff, reprovisioning etc) makes it uneconomic to use any other port other than Southampton.  

Let’s imagine (in a dream summer) Southampton - Bristol - Liverpool - Belfast - Dublin - Southampton.

Repeat 3 times, allowing guests to embark in their local port for a round trip back to their local port. That could be done quite easily, a la MSC.

I can but dream! 😁

34 minutes ago, joeecco said:

As said multiple times, P&O are doing Southampton sailings only and they will have no port stops. 

But things can change in an instant, and we all know that based on the year we’ve just had.

Never say never. 🤞

Southampton is a long drive for those of us up North.

P&O could attract a ton of new customers if were to offer special cruises from local ports for these initial cruises, e.g. Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle and perhaps Rosyth? 
 

Or even have 2 ships sailing in opposite directions to eachother doing round trips, where you can board for the entire sailing, or can switch at a port and make your way back (if time was of the essence).

I’d book tomorrow if I could do a local cruise sailing from Liverpool. CMV and Fred Olsen have done very well with this model. Perhaps a cruise from Liverpool that goes around Ireland? That would be maybe 5 days? Perfect! 

Really enjoyed the programme, but have a question...does anyone know which ship the Presenter filmed her pieces in? Looked like a smaller ship?

Also, for Po Go, as an ex crew member, I can assure you we were never given photos of previous passengers. If we remembered you, it’s because you stood out to us as a lovely person.

I haven’t blowdried Mrs Rosenberg, Mrs Sanderson or Mrs Welch’s hair for over 20 years, but I’d spot them in the street if they passed me today and I’d be excited to hear about how they are doing and what they’ve been upto!

On 10/1/2020 at 7:40 PM, Sir PMP said:

Yes, I would, but the itinerary is not the best I have seen, plus I don't understand why they picked this ship with only one small pool for a long trip. The Amsterdam, Bolette, would have been much better for this.

I’m considering the itinerary as my travel mate is a first time world cruiser. I think the itinerary is ideal for that, as it includes the likes of Australia and New Zealand, which HAL have missed out.

On 10/1/2020 at 9:42 PM, Mickb said:

Bear in mind that the Fred Olsen product is very much aimed at the British market.

The food and entertainment will not be what you would be served on an American ship. It will be good but perhaps lacking the finesse that HAL can offer. The lead in price is very attractive but bear in mind in this world - you get what you pay for!

Haven’t HAL sacked all their in house dancers and singers lately though? Isn’t entertainment more or less, “as you make it” according to reviews (sadly)? MSC aren’t American, and they have some of the best entertainment at sea out there currently.

Your post slightly irked me, as you’ve judged a product before it’s even launched, based on it being “not American”. I’ve sailed HAL and thoroughly enjoyed it, but it’s a bit of a stretch to presume the exact same ship will be better or worse based on the nationality of the staff, who were mostly, let’s face it, from the Philippines anyway?

On 10/1/2020 at 9:59 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

If planning a 2022 world cruise, I would seriously consider it if my research would indicate that it would be a "good fit" for me.  

 

Sir PMP, I share your thought about "why the Rotterdam" and not the Amsterdam.  Maybe Fred. Olsen has some plans for changing that aft Lido Deck?  Maybe they plan on utilizing the Borealis' speed potential as compared to the Bollete?  

Fred Olsen are definitely focusing on the Rotterdam’s speed as being a plus point in their marketing.

On 10/1/2020 at 11:02 PM, Cruise NH said:

Wow, you got me excited there for a minute. I would love to pay less for the 2022 world cruise but Fred Olson's really doesn't look much like the HAL 2022 cruise.  There is no Japan, China or Amazon among other things.  

 

I would certainly look at them in the future though.  We're on Cunard frequently so we're used to and actually prefer more international passengers.  Maybe 2023!

I’m sailing with a new world cruiser, and I think that the draw of Australia and New Zealand etc. rather than China and the Amazon will be a huge bonus for them.

With the money saved, we could do a Far East cruise independently. I quite like cruising Japan, but there’s only so many times you can visit the aquarium in Osaka and/or take a bullet train to Yokohama or Tokyo. It certainly isn’t worth double the price in my opinion, at the sacrifice of seeing a kangaroo, or an overnight in Sydney, especially for a first time cruiser. 😉

On 10/2/2020 at 12:11 AM, sail7seas said:

Seeing you asked........  NO, it does not tempt me even a little

 

 

 

 

 

Short but sweet. Like a Carnival dessert 😂

8 hours ago, FredT said:

Basic "meat and potato's" style foods , blander fish dishes, pie's, and (Surprisingly to me anyway) a lot of Indian cusine. 

 

Are you sure it was Fred Olsen you sailed, and not CMV? 🥴

I do appreciate the comment about the Indian cuisine though. We had an influx of immigration from the Indian colonies in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and we’ve embraced their culture as part of our own. Chicken Tikka Massala is the most popular English takeaway meal. It’s lovely! 🙂 

6 hours ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Fred Olsen Cruises has certainly caught our attention by acquiring the Rotterdam and Amsterdam.  I just went to their web site and noticed the ex Rotterdam, now Borealis, world cruise is possibly booked as it reads: "call for details", rather than a price.  Most of the prices listed are considerably more than 100 pounds per day or $130 US for an inside room pp. Gratuities are extra.  A glass of house wine is 4.35 pounds or about $5.70 US.  I would seriously doubt dining and service is equivilent to Holland America's.  So if the fares are about the same as HAL, I guess there would not be enough incentive to "jump Ship" to Fred Olsen.

Why would you ‘seriously doubt’ the dining and service is equivalent to HAL without actually trying it? HAL is Carnival. You do realise that? The fares on Fred are half the price. And they’re British. Where we queue, and say sorry all of the time. I think you’d be surprised. 🥴

2 hours ago, ScottishMaid said:

I learned a huge amount from the Fred Olsen website. The “from” price for an inside cabin is for a segment not the whole cruise. However it appears to include port taxes and there is a tips included offer just now. The tips are only 5 pounds per person per day anyway. Currently that is about $8.50
On the website under “ships” there is a sample main dining room menu which looked very similar to HAL’s but no prime rib. It looked delicious - it is too long since I’ve taken a cruise! You can also see a wine list and bar list.
I did some dummy bookings. My favorite cabin was available in segments but I must call for back to back bookings. However my interpretation is that the deposit is 15% and that is NONrefundable. They say to take out insurance and I think you are allowed one change of cruise. Lots of things to find out for a U.K. based cruise line.

The price is for the whole cruise, not just a segment. I did a dummy booking myself for the cheapest interior cabin for 2 people. I’ve attached a screen shot. 🙂 

59 minutes ago, whogo said:

"Borealis, like her sister ship Bolette, has capacity for less than 1,400 guests..."

 

"Fewer" is the correct word to use here. I will not be sailing on a cruise line that exhibits such a cavalier attitude toward grammar. 

This comment got me laughing out loud! We must forgive them Mr Shakespeare, for they are Norwegian, and they know not what they do! 😂😂😂

Hiya folks,

Just looking for feedback here. Fred Olsen bought the Rotterdam this year, as most of you know, and today they’ve launched their 2022 World Cruise itenary and pricing for the ship (now renamed Borealis).

It’s more or less the same itenary as Zaandam for 2022 world cruise, but half the price. Zaandam starts at £19,400. Borealis starts at £9,999.

That’s a huge price difference for what is essentially the same ship and itenary.

How many of you would consider 2022 with Fred Olsen on the old Rotterdam vs Zaandam with HAL?

I’m trying to figure out how long I’ve got before I have to jump in and book for a good cabin! 🥴

So the World Cruise 2022 has been announced for Borealis (ex MS Rotterdam), and prices start at just £9,999.

I had a sneak peek over at HAL, and the sister ship to Borealis, MS Zaandam, has prices beginning at £19,400 for the 2022 World Cruise, and it’s more or less the same intenary...on the same class, layout and style of ship (except Borealis is slightly bigger and a bit faster too).

It’s seriously tempting me to book now, as I’m fearful places will go fast. HAL seasoned world cruisers know this ship well, and might just be tempted to “cross over” to Fred to cruise on their favourite ship at half the price for the World Cruise.

My issue is this: The OH. He hasn’t taken a cruise yet. He’s desperate to travel, and I planned to book 2 or 3 cruises in 2021, starting with a short one to see how he liked it? I’m sure he’d love it, and I know (having done a world cruise before I met him) that he’d love the destinations. I’m just not sure how he’d handle the sea days? I’m 43, and he’s 58, so we’re still relatively young. We took a Warner’s break recently, which he really enjoyed, and when I told him this is what a cruise feels like (entertainment included every night, food on tap, activities, spa etc., no need to pack and unpack throughout the break) he said he’d finally be up for trying one! He loved the Warner’s break!

Should I wait and see how he is after his first cruise (or 2), and take the chance there’ll be some good cabins left, or should I book now and risk losing a deposit for the worldie if he hates the shorter ones?

So anxious! 🥴

42 minutes ago, Britboys said:

You won't be missing anything with the town of Stornoway but the surrounding countryside/landscape is lovely. I tendered in to Stornoway from Queen Elizabeth 4 years ago at the end of June. With uncooperative weather, it wasn't exactly fun...

I wonder how the tender process will work with social distancing requirements, plus more passengers to move relatively, as opposed to how it would have been on the smaller ships?

11 minutes ago, tring said:

 

Thanks a lot for those tips, as there is an open deck above the Crows nest, that makes a major change for us and is the sort of place we head for on a good day at sea, strange it is not given on the deckplans I have printed out as they seem to be the official HAL ones  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 

 

 

It is strange, I agree.

I’ve prepared this to give you a better idea 🙂 

3 hours ago, tring said:

 

Thanks a lot for your insight, perhaps I am just in an umpty mood 🙂 

 

It is only with being on the ship we will actually make our own minds up, so will likely try one of them, though I do see Amsterdam has some public space to the rear of a couple of decks, which is taken up with cabins on Rotterdam.  TBH we are not lovers of any ship that we would call big, and that includes the P&O mid sized ships, though we do sail on them sometimes, we found Arcadia particularly closed in.  None seem to have the spaces that can be found on Fred ships if you go up to the very top decks (e.g. deck 9 on Boudicca as well as the wings above pool deck and the two decks above pool deck).  It all depends largely on how many people are on board and the climate, so will have to see.  There is a large pool area which has the optional cover, so it may be that a lot of people use that space and there will not be the competition for the rear deck, that I fear.  We much prefer an open aspect rather than a closed in pool deck, but perhaps just our choice.

 

We also make good use of observation lounges, but proportionately, they do not seem to be as big as the ones in Black Watch, Boudicca and Balmoral, but again we shall see.  Fred has started having fancy afternoon teas and "cheese and wine events", (which are spaced out right across the front of the observation lounges) when in scenic locations so it can be very difficult to find a place to sit, even before and after the events as they keep the area set up for quite a while before.  We have come to the conclusion that the only way is to pay for the "event" even if we do not really want to partake, just for the sake of getting a chance to sit there.  They are the sort of areas when balconies do not totally work as most only have the view on one side of the ship.  The aft facing balconies would be of interest to us regards that, but can I ask if there is much vibration at the back of Rotterdam (I have seen reports of that)?  I am thinking it would mainly be a problem at lower levels and not bad on Amsterdam as she has pods, which I think are better regards that. 

I’m unsure about vibration, but both ships were built for world cruising, so I’d imagine they’re both still very sturdy. Perhaps minimal vibration when docking?

If you like private space and a good view, there are 3 good options that most new passengers won’t be aware of until well into the cruise.

The first is the crows nest. Once you’ve had breakfast in the Lido, come straight past the pool until you get to the entrance of the spa. Take the elevator or stairs one deck up, and you find yourself in the crows nest. It’s used as the nightclub.

During the day however, it offers the best views of anywhere on the ship...even better than the bridge! It’s wider than the bridge, with much bigger windows that give an almost 360 degree view in any weather.

If the weather is nice, you also have an observation deck directly above this (not shown on the deck plan for some strange reason), which is a huge expense of open deck space with glass windbreakers surrounding the entire space. You can set up a deck chair anywhere here and pretend you’re ‘navigating the ship’! 😉

My third and final place for you (and this ones kind of a secret), is that if you come back down the stairs to where the entrance to the Spa is again, you can march right through the gym, and on both the right and left hand side is a small glass door. If you go out of either of these, you will come out into a quite reasonably sized ‘open bridge’ style deck. It’s actually directly above the bridge, so you even have the ‘wings’ as viewing platforms on each side of the ship! You could hide here all day and hardly ever see a soul, as not many people ever find out about it!

You’ll not feel like you’re on a big ship at all, apart from in the beautiful 2 storey dining rooms. They are the only part that I felt gave me an impression of scale; like stepping into a grand ballroom from the 1930s. So beautiful. 

6 minutes ago, tring said:

I am thinking that there will be no equivalent to the terrace balconies on Black Watch and Boudicca.  We have booked these a number of times as smoking is not allowed on them.  If Fred continues to allow smoking on all the balconies on the new ships we would not be interested in one, so more likely to go with another cruise line for itineraries like the Boudicca fly cruises in hot climes. 

 

It also makes me wonder if it the chance of smoke drifting from the balcony next door, would put a lot of other people off booking Fred's balconies as well.  We were told by an Oceans/sales rep on Boudicca a couple of years ago that they were looking at changing the policy in a few years, but not happened yet. They would need to leave some smoking balconies for smokers who have booked cruises on the older ships already, but could easily do that.

 

I have also been looking at the deck plans for Rotterdam and there is not much open deck space on the top of the ship, like with the retiring, smaller ships.  Mainly just the pool deck which has a retractable roof. I do not like those as they never open completely and they are often kept closed even when it is dry and a fairly reasonable temperature, so not much access to fresh air.  Now begining to  feel the new ships are perhaps not for us as we could feel quite closed in.

I haven’t sailed the Rotterdam or Amsterdam, but I have extensively sailed the Ryndam when she was with Holland America (identical layout, just slightly smaller in size), and I can say that there is plenty of outside space on these ships.

Terrace balcony equivalents would be the Lanai cabins and veranda decks. 
 

The layout of these ships is honestly the best I’ve experienced; everything just ‘flows’. You never feel like you’re far from where you need to be, and everything feels like it’s ‘where it should be’.

The gym, spa and salon give amazing morning workout views, after which breakfast is just a stroll past the pool. The sports deck (one deck up) is surprisingly huge, with lots of open space. The promenades are beautiful. The Lido decks have huge open spaces just beyond the marketplace.

I like open deck space, and was lucky enough to sail on the Southern Cross when she was Ocean Breeze. That ship had tons of open deck space up top, but it was mostly unused. Ryndam felt more utilised.

Majesty of the Seas had a bigger atrium than these ships (I do like space), but outside space was wall to wall sun lounger.

QE2 felt surprisingly cramped in bad weather when the pools were closed and we are all forced inside.

I believe these ships will enable Fred to be more competitive in their pricing and offer a better overall product. 
 

Regards the smoking, I definitely agree (even as a smoker) that smoking on balconies should be restricted to either port or starboard, if at all. Not only is it a fire hazard, it’s downright rude to expect others to breathe in smoky air that can kill them or give them cancer. I wouldn’t choose to smoke on my balcony regardless, as the lady next door might end up having to wear a formal dress that stinks of smoke that evening, and that’s not nice at all. Just give me a smoking area and I’ll make my way to it.

I’m saddened to learn that Michael Rosenburg passed away in 2015, survived by wife Jocelyn.

The couple were a much loved instalment for every World Cruise on the QE2. I did a search for information here, but could find no posts, hence me making this one.

Does anyone here remember them? Such a great couple. Very down to earth, and Michael had the driest sense of humour! He also loved his routine.

Such exciting news! Can’t wait for cruising to start back up again.

Fred have bought the 2 flagships of the Holland America line, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

We’ll be booking as soon as we can.

https://www.bonheur.no/latest-news1?SelectedRelease=http://publish.ne.cision.com/Release/GetDetail/7CDB812CA7F9D5C5