Boudicca update and tips please !

[STEPHEN LARKIN]

Hi guys , my father and I will be on Boudicca in early June and its getting to the " ask questions " time . Firstly we have both cruised quite a bit before and have also been with Fred , cruising on Braemar in 2007 .

It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has returned from a recent Boudicca cruise , to hear your views of the ship , the crew , entertainment and of course the food . Any tips on how to beat the crowds etc would be handy . Cant wait to hear from you ...

 

Many thanks ...:cool::cool::cool:

[STEPHEN LARKIN]

Have they fixed the hole at the bow yet , i`m a welder and could do with a few extra jobs ! Only joking but it would be nice for the photos if the ship looked right .

Cheers ...

[Robbo123]

Hi Stephen

 

Just got back yesterday, 17 daus on board, from the Carribean, across the Atlantic, to the Canries and back to Southampton. Can only say how great it was.

 

As with all Fred.Olsen boats the crew are very helpful - we could not have asked more from either the cabin staff or the restaurant staff, all helped out as soon as they could. A problem wirth the air conditioning was resolved with in a few minutes.

 

The Hosts led by Rikki Shaw, were about the best, if not the best we had on many F/O cruises, again all in vision and all helpful

 

The entertainment for us was great - Comedian (Don Reid); Singer, Magician / Comedian (Andy Leech); Guitarist / Duo with flute; Concert pianist, all very professional.

 

Having quite a few sea days had some good lecturers, as well as Comedian, there was a former Police Superintendant; one on Jazz, - we enjoyed the topics, but they not have been to everyone's liking. One downside were a couple of radio presenteres from Chorley Radio - the passengers voted with their feet - they were appalling

 

Food - as good as all other F/O cruises, a good range on the buffets at lunch time, inside and out, not forgetting the excellent fish and chips way up on deck 9 - not all remember that. Also a good menu for all meals, and if there is nothing on there for you liking in the evening there is always a very good 'Secret Garden' restaurant. Cabin menu is limited, but we asked a couple of times for items not on the menu and got them no problems

 

The crowds are always fun - seems a lot of german mentaility, saving sun beds and chairs, but find someweher away from the back decks - thats where the smoking areas are on decks (7), 8 and 9, as people congreagate there and also at times, decks 6 and 7, where food is served lunch times and tea and coffees morning and afternoon.

 

The Observatory is also a good place to go, forward, deck 9, never was busy any evening we were there and a good back ground pianist.

 

Hope this helps you out, and have a great cruise

[curlywurly]

Have they fixed the hole at the bow yet , i`m a welder and could do with a few extra jobs ! Only joking but it would be nice for the photos if the ship looked right .

 

Cheers ...

 

Hi Stephen,

 

They have fixed it by welding an extra chunk of metal at the front so you can still see where it was. Whether they carry out more repairs now they are back in European waters......

Having been on the same cruise as Robbo123 I can agree with all his comments.

The ship, although not as "glitzy" as the Braemar (which we managed to have a look round as we were docked along side each other at a couple of ports) is still bright and airy and spotlessly clean and maintained.

Food was of a high standard with everything arriving piping hot despite some reports I'd read before going about food only being luke warm. There was plenty of choice and although not 24hr, with morning tea and biscuits, afternoon sandwiches and cakes and late night snacks, bar-b-ques and buffets you're never that long until there's an opportunity to eat.

The staff were very friendly, extremely hard working and, apart from a couple of long waits in the main lounge for drinks at night, very efficient.

 

 

You'll have a great time.

[STEPHEN LARKIN]

Many thanks guys , very informative :)

[STEPHEN LARKIN]

Hi Hefner666 ,

 

This is a dads and lads cruise 67 and 46 respectivley , we can still cut a rug as the " olds say " , and are looking forward to a wonderfull cruise in waters that are unexplored for us . We are up for anything and will actively take part in everything from quiz`s , bingo , deck games to the casino and surfing ! So it could be a good one . I hope you enjoy your day aboard .

 

Cheers ...:)

[MissBabs]

I'm just back from a wonderful 8 night cruise to the Fjords on Boudicca. Service on board was excellent, food tasty & great weather with plenty of space on the open decks.

 

Your cruise should be even better now that the one black mark to Fred Olsen has left the ship, namely the absent Cruise Director! Almost vampiric, you only saw her briefly before a show, never during the day, but always heard her rambling & somewhat patronising public announcements. She ended every announcement with "come home safe & sound" in a tone that made us feel like not to be trusted schoolchildren.

 

I'm sure this is just a minor blot though as we heard great things about other Fred Olsen Cruise Directors, particlularly "Priscilla from Manila".

 

Have a wonderful time - I loved Boudicca, her crew & my fellow passengers. The atmosphere was attitude & snobbery free unlike some lines that cater to the UK market ;) For once a company live up to their marketing slogan.

 

Babs x

[sw18]

Hi Babs,

 

I think I was on the same Boudicca voyage as you (24th May from Soton??). Apart from the odd light shower in Bergen we were so lucky with the weather & actually managed a sunburnt nose! The Boudicca really is a lovely ship with lots of space for everyone. I found the bar costs very reasonable & love the fact that you can buy a bottle of duty free gin to enjoy in your cabin at the regular duty free price, rather than paying silly money for a "Liquor Package" a la Celebrity.

 

Flam was wonderful & Gudvangen even better, but the highlight must have been Farsund on Boudicca's maiden call there (and only the second cruise ship call there).

 

The brass band welcome was a lovely touch, even if it was marred by your favourite Cruise Director's announcement about busses into town - no tact or thought there!! :mad: Captain Larsen was standing on the promenade deck just below our balcony & looked visibly irritated as he was welcoming the Mayor of Farsund on board, just as the CD was regaling everyone with the joys of unlimited shuttle bus trips for £4, drowning out the band on the quayside. Many seemed to like her, but I think she's like Marmite - you love her or you can do without her! I only ever saw her once in person at the Crew Show & she was quite dismissive of one of the more esoteric dance acts, so you can probably guess that I'm more of a Bovril person myself ;)

 

Boudicca is a classic ship with a very hard working crew, of note were the restaurant team in the Heligan Room & Elmer & Anne in The Observatory. I'm note sure whether to go back to Boudicca next time or try Balck Watch -any pointers anyone?

[MissBabs]

Hi Babs,

 

I think I was on the same Boudicca voyage as you (24th May from Soton??). Apart from the odd light shower in Bergen we were so lucky with the weather & actually managed a sunburnt nose! The Boudicca really is a lovely ship with lots of space for everyone. I found the bar costs very reasonable & love the fact that you can buy a bottle of duty free gin to enjoy in your cabin at the regular duty free price, rather than paying silly money for a "Liquor Package" a la Celebrity.

 

Flam was wonderful & Gudvangen even better, but the highlight must have been Farsund on Boudicca's maiden call there (and only the second cruise ship call there).

 

The brass band welcome was a lovely touch, even if it was marred by your favourite Cruise Director's announcement about busses into town - no tact or thought there!! :mad: Captain Larsen was standing on the promenade deck just below our balcony & looked visibly irritated as he was welcoming the Mayor of Farsund on board, just as the CD was regaling everyone with the joys of unlimited shuttle bus trips for £4, drowning out the band on the quayside. Many seemed to like her, but I think she's like Marmite - you love her or you can do without her! I only ever saw her once in person at the Crew Show & she was quite dismissive of one of the more esoteric dance acts, so you can probably guess that I'm more of a Bovril person myself ;)

 

Boudicca is a classic ship with a very hard working crew, of note were the restaurant team in the Heligan Room & Elmer & Anne in The Observatory. I'm note sure whether to go back to Boudicca next time or try Balck Watch -any pointers anyone?

 

Looks like the posters here feel the same way......

 

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/read_review_12268/

 

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/read_review_11524/