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This trip was another cruise to get to the smaller canary islands so we thought small to get into the ports of call. That said everything on the ship was small, it does not help that the ship was fit to bursting with an unexpected abundance of very senior citizens. The number of those who exhibited infirmity and incapacity and unaccompanied led to the inevitable conclusion of what would happen should there an emergency at sea. There was clearly no administrative checks by Fred Olsen as to the needs of these individuals or indeed sufficient staff on board to cope. Fred Olsen appeared to have an insurance policy condition to limit wheel chairs to six in use on board. The indignity of seeing incapacitated people being pushed backwards on wheeled zimmers clearly exhibited blatant greed by the shipping company to maximise passenger occupancy.
The good points of the ship firstly the staff particularly cabin stewardess and our table waiters. The food was good with our limited requirements. The ports of call were excellent with an abundance of time in them.
The in house ships musicians and singer were way above our expectations. Such a pity about the rest of the entertainment. This is a personal choice and does not make or mar a cruise for us.
The bad points the cabin was the smallest we have had, it was cramped and difficult to negotiate without bumping into fittings ie overhead bunk beds etc. The shower toilet and basin were designed by some one who will never have to use them. It goes without saying that every passenger had a very intimate experience with his her shower curtain. Thankfully we are slim!
All the public rooms were small especially on sea days and required occupation of a seat in most at least an hour prior to event to ensure a seat was to be had.
The refit last year does not appear to have considered the layout of the buffet area to prevent people causing an obstruction to other passengers when getting their meals.
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