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What a refreshing post. That's why we cruise. We enjoyed the Azura when we cruised on her around 16 months ago.

So where is your next cruise. The Eastern Med is fantastic.

If I recall on our Ryndam cruise we did dance RnR or Jive but not particularly to dedicated RnR music if you see what I mean.

Interesting how it can be magic to politely ask for what you prefer which you can often get as luxurysailor did, rather than ragging about what you did not get after you are off the cruise. Quite often, all you have to do is ask....

We did ask repeatedly, and they didn't respond. But I agree entirely with your comment.

We used to look forward to the theme nights. Tropical, Western, Rock and Roll and British nights.

Those plus the AI and the good Ballroom Dancing was one of the many reasons we cruise with Fred.

Nobody forced anybody to participate so not sure why Fred have dumped them.

Can't be money or can it.

Cruised on Ryndam three years ago and found the Dancing opportunities very poor.

A three piece played in a lounge but seemed more intent on showcasing rather than playing suitable music to dance to.

Ok cruise ship floors only lend themselves to very basic waltz or quick steps but you do need the music.

The Hal Cats on the cruise were the worst popular band we have ever heard on a cruise. Usually popular music bands on a cruise we can dance jive, cha cha and rumbas but that cruise the Hal Cats were the screetching band from hell.

Think we were just unlucky maybe.

It's quiet on here because Fred gives its customers what they want.

Also we have been on around 6 Fred cruises and never gone to bed before midnight. It's as quite as you make it we have always found.

Might not be "rock and rolling" but always found like minded people to make the cruises great.

Cruised with RCI, PandO, Thomson and Holland America, so able to make comparisons.

Ok many older guests on Fred, so maybe not forum people.

But Fred folk don't complain when the carpet is a bit worn, or rust on a handrail, or they had to wait 10 minutes to get off the ship, or wrong kind of tea bags, or they can't smuggle booze on to the ship.

Just read the other forums it's full of keyboard warriors complaining just about anything.

We don't even get wound up when somebody asks can they wear flip flops, shorts and vests on Formal night...😀

Well maybe just one or two of us.........😀😀

Forgot to say we are on the Balmoral to the Baltic in September. So maybe that answers your question.

Didn't consider PandO as we got such great deals on three Fred cruises plus the AI..😀

We are early 60's and have cruised on both ships.

Balmoral is our favourite Fred ship, and Arcadia our favourite PandO.

So I would have no worry with either.

We think food is better on Fred, overall entertainment is better on PandO.

Fred has AI which as we do drink quite a lot is a plus.

Crew overall a touch friendlier on Fred.

Fred a little more Formal for Dinner which we like.

Arcadia a bigger ship.

Age of passengers will probably be wider on Arcadia.

All in all could be the ports of call that would decide.

Not much help really is it as they are both top class, but as we are on the Fred site go Balmoral, we love it.

Thanks for that information and warning. I didn't know there was difference.

Shame.

 

Then again, there's nothing stopping anyone from wearing a jacket on those nights.

That's true, I wear a jacket or light suit every night on a cruise. Tux on Formal. This will not change just because other people don't.

Hi think you are in the wrong line......😄

Hope she says "yes"......😄

Just had a look at the price if you booked on your own against a Fred Trip.

Wow what a difference.

All you get extra with the Fred trip train trip is cakes and coffee. Ok if I recall there are day trips that include the train that also travel further afield.

As is said above its a real easy walk over to the Station.

As long as there is only one ship in then would certainly suggest you book yourself.

It's a great train ride.

There are other trips if I recall available from the dock side.

Also bikes for hire.

Have a great cruise, if we can pick up an anchor fare this year we might just be there soon.

Like Mr Mouse......😄

We did the Fred trip when we were there.

We just booked the train trip, up and down with a snack at the top.

We enjoyed it.

Many people on this site would suggest booking independently on the train.

It is an option, but other passenger told me, when we were there, that to fit in with the ships departure, they couldn't book as the train was full with cruise passengers on trips.

Not much else to do in Flam, apart from walk amongst the beautiful scenery.

We are also going to the Baltic in September, but on the Balmoral. It's our favourite Fred ship by the way.

Looking forward to it, but if i have to write lots of lines, I may have to miss some Ports of Call.........😄

Pondering over the three for two offer from Fred at the moment, it's a hard life..........🍹

Goodness, I thought I was on the P&O site for a minute :rolleyes::D

Like it...😄

I'll drink to that

Tring as always your post is reasoned and thoughtful.

Next time I'm in London can I buy the drinks........

Happy Cruising people.......

Forgot to add this...😄

Read post 7, I apologised there. Not everybody can be perfect all the time.

You a teacher by any chance.

How many lines do you want me to write ?

My opinion of St Petersburg was that, my opinion. If you don't agree fair enough.

We have cruised on the Splendour of the Seas.

We enjoy Thomson, Fred Olsen and P and O.

We didn't think the Splendour was a mega type ship. Ok it's got a climbing wall and a bigger casino but we felt really comfortable on it.

Did a Eastern Med cruise on her.

Would cruise on her under the Thomson flag without question.

"Onboard tourist attraction"....... Cruising around the world and you think the people find the gym a tourist attraction. More likely they are lost and end up there. I speak from experience...

Your right tho I suppose using those machines does need care.

Not having a pop at gym people or anybody else just found the quote amusing.

Cruise with Fred Olsen and am amazed at the space they free up for a gym. As you walk around the deck you can see into the gym and on Fred it's usually deserted.

Happy cruising and sit ups whatever takes your fancy.....😄

I thought the question was between a Fred Tour or DIY.

On reading the original post I see they were referencing a pre booked guide.

Having never done that I would bow to to other posters with experience.

Sorry should pay a little more attention.

What ever you do, remember the if you don't go with a Fred tour you will need to organise a visa yourself.

We visited St Petersburg and Moscow for a 10 day holiday around 10 years ago.

No way would I recommend doing tours yourself.

St Petersburg was really scary, as there was a Russian Ship in and the Sailors were roaming the streets, it was like the Wild West.

We went in to the centre one evening on a courtesy bus, we spent 10 minutes there and got the bus back.

We always pre book the tours we want. On any cruise it's usualy 25% ships tours to 75% doing it ourselves. Don't think they are cheaper on board.

As for changing tours after the talks no idea, but wouldn't put my pension on it.😄

We are on the Balmoral in September to the Baltic and it will be 100% ships tours in St Petersburg.

Have a great cruise.