Braemar Review

4.0 / 5.0
186 reviews

Braemar - Southern Caribbean

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Braemar
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jwfhunts
First Time Cruiser • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Nov 2003
Cabin: Superior Twin Outside

The Braemar is one of three ships operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. She entered service in 1992 she has sailed under various names such as Norwegian Dynasty, Crown Majesty, Cunard Dynasty and Crown Dynasty before transferring to Fred Olsen in 2001 after a major re-fit. The ship is 163.81m in length and has a width of 163.81m. The maximum speed of the vessel is 21.0 knots. The ship is kept in an immaculate condition and one would tend to think that it had just been built recently and had just entered service. Somewhat smaller, than most of today's cruise liners, there is a warm friendly atmosphere on board, more akin to a fine country house hotel. The atmosphere on board can best be described as elegant and captivating without being snooty.

The ship sails in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Canary Islands in the summer and transfers to the Caribbean and Amazon away from the cold wet British winters. Fred Olsen operate a series of fly/cruise from various regional UK airports during the Caribbean season. Their arrangements in this regard can only be described as outstanding. You check your luggage in at the airport and you next see it in your cabin. On arrival by air at the departure port, coaches meet guests at the bottom of the aircraft steps and transfer them directly to the ship, thus avoiding the associated airport hassles. At the end of the cruise, Immigration procedures are carried out on board the vessel, as is the airline check-in - luggage is security tagged on board and transferred directly to the aircraft's hold. At the airport passengers enter through a special airport security screening area directly into the departure lounge.

THE SHIP - Braemar is 19,098 tons, has seven passenger decks, carries 727 passengers (standard occupancy) - maximum 819 and has a multi-national crew of 320. There are an assortment of cabins - there are a number of cabins for single guests. Cabins are somewhat small (approximately 140 square feet) but are extremely comfortable and feature television, hairdryer and safe. There is limited drawer space. Soft furnishings, the use of mirrors and discreet lighting tends to make them seem larger. En-suite shower rooms are compact but adequate. There is good shower pressure and piping hot water. High quality soaps and shower lotions are provided but no shampoo. Bathrobes are not provided in the lower grade cabins. Towels are large and fluffy. No ice is provided in the cabin nor is drinking water, though one can purchase bottled water. They say that it is perfectly safe to drink the tap water. There is also a very limited room service menu which is not available 24 hours a day or on the days of embarkation or disembarkation. Bed coverings are by means of duvets.

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Superior Twin Outside

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