nb125

Yes, it just seems strange to change it after the cruise tickets have gone out. Not everyone checks their bookings on line.

Further to my original post the information on our cruise has changed from 5 smart casual to 1 x formal and 4 smart casual. This withjust two weeks to go.

Yes, it has only happened once to us but it was a complementary double upgrade from a Superior Balcony to a Superior Suite.

I was surprised to read there is no formal night on our upcoming 5 night cruise to the Fjords. Is this a sign of things to come.

I have never met any passengers other than British on a Fred cruise but we don't do anything longer than 15 days if that makes a difference.

I think they have just managed to get them working half round the world cruise. The biggest complain seems to be the cessation of waiter service at breakfast and lunch. Maybe a sign of things to come on all the fleet.

I would suggest you ask this question on the Fred Olsen Facebook Group as there a couple of people who post regularly from the current world cruise on Black Watch. From what I gather the TVs have not been working for most of the cruise.

We used Relyon at Dover and they were very efficient. I would say from arriving there we were at the terminal in 20 minutes.

Hi Jean

I had never cruised before, unless one counts crossing from Liverpool to the Isle of Man 1960 or the Mersey Ferry to Bebbington. :D

The formal nights were a joke,:D in the Palm Cafe, I commented on a man and woman in slacks and a polio, "we are having starters here as we are on second sitting and will dress for the Avon, was her reply he said nowt, perhaps they thought as those eating in the Palm were just the 'steerage' (like on the Titanic).

I met some really nice people on the cruise - pity it, the cruise, did not live up to my expectations.

I was the 'Nutter' running around (walking very quickly for the first week or so) as I had not walked for a few years due to a stroke, and my Daughter and Grandchildren not letting me - I left my power wheelchair in my mates van, so I had to walk, by the end of the voyage I was walking O.K.:) So that is something I have to thank Fred for, if nothing else:(

I was surprised by this post as I was under the impression that slacks and a polo shirt was perfectly acceptable in the Palms.

Thank for the replies. We were not sure about this so we ended up booking 6061 instead.

Has anyone been in these cabins. They are a different shape to the others and I am curious as to how the layout works and whether they are noisy with the marquee bar alongside and the sun deck above.

We have had Balcony cabin, a Junior Suite and a Superior Suite. On the whole I think the storage space was pretty similar except that the Superior Suite seemed to have less long hanging space.

This is the only review of that cabin on the CC site.

Cabin review: BS8017 Balcony Suite

Deck Plans

Actually a DC deluxe balcony cabin on Marquee deck. Location of wardrobes and beds made it difficult for two people to dress at the same time but good room otherwise, and a roomy private balcony. Quiet location. TV interactive menu had to be repaired twice and the fridge struggled to keep things really cold for the first week. Loo roll holder remained out of action throughout the holiday.

Which cruise was this?

I am really not surprised that I have not received an answer to this question as this is often the case with these "one off" posters.

Recently back from a cruise on Balmoral. Code red special measures in place from day 2 because of outbreaks of gastrointestinal problems so cruise experience affected - jacuzzis and gym closed, many toilets around ship closed, table top sales cancelled, serve yourself buffet changed to staff service, gaming tables closed etc. Fred customer service dept very unhelpful, accept no responsibility and won't entertain a compensation discussion despite an apparent history of similar problems on this ship. Have others had similar experiences? Very disappointing.

Which cruise was this?

I know of two people on the Facebook page who have expressed the same opinion so unless one of them is you that makes at least three of you.:)

I did speak to a few people on our last cruise who hated the whole idea and refused to take part but a lot of people love it so unless more and more refuse to participate they will probably keep them.

I agree, the one we wanted to do next year is just a stupid price that we are not prepared to pay.

I would not exactly call it a casino, just two tables in one of the bars not open much.

"FWIW, this is the reply I received from HAL about my comment on smoking. On our most recent HAL cruise, on the Prinsendam, we unfortunately had prolific smokers on the verandah of the cabin next to us.

"Thank you for contacting Mr. Orlando Ashford. Mr. Ashford has reviewed your feedback and asked me to respond on his behalf.

We understand your concerns regarding smoking on board, and truly regret any negative impact this had on your recent sailing. We endeavor to balance the needs of both our smoking and nonsmoking guests. Currently, our policy is to allow guests to smoke on their stateroom verandahs and designated areas on deck, as well as in the casino on select evenings each sailing; cigar and pipe smoking is restricted to outside decks and verandahs. However, guest input is always welcome and as attitudes toward smoking continue to change we will revisit this policy with comments such as yours in mind."

I would not read too much into this. I had exactly the same e-mail two years ago and I was complaining about the lack of outside smoking areas that are supposed to exist according to the policy.

Thanks Tring re boarding times. With regard to the information about Liverpool we are sailing from Dover. Any confusion is entirely my fault for jumping in on someone else's thread:o

That's good, we have a check in time of 1.00 pm so if we get on fairly quickly we can class this as lunch :)

Sandwiches and cakes are usually available in the buffet/café restaurants during boarding.

What time do they start serving this? Is the normal afternoon tea time or earlier?

That was the time we were given last May when they were doing a deep clean. Maybe they are pre-empting the need to do this after every cruise as once it starts it seem to continue for several cruises.

Of course, HAL will eliminate balcony smoking, sooner or later. Most of the other lines have done so and for a very long time. It's inevitable. There are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking, so you can enjoy your smokes and the folks on their balconies can enjoy themselves, too.

 

There are very few places left in the world that embrace smokers. Most all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico restrict smoking to a few small areas. You can, however, still go to a casino in Vegas and smoke as much as you want. That being said, the hotel rooms are predominantly non-smoking. Here in Canada, smoking is pretty much a thing of the past....not allowed basically anywhere in public spaces, even outdoors.

I would question your phrase "there are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking" One small corner of one deck, ie the Seaview Bar, does not equate to plenty of areas.

Pretty steep, I think.

• 30 minutes ‘pay as you go’ - £13

• 90 minutes ‘pay as you go’ - £34

• 120 minutes ‘pay as you go’ - £41

• 5 days unlimited - £50

• 7 days unlimited - £63