Balmoral Review

Were we really on the same ship?

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Balmoral
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David Wheeler
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jan 2017

I was brought up to say nothing, if I couldn't say something good about someone or something. So I will not have much to say about this ship. Built 28 years ago by the German builders Meyer Werft as one of the most luxurious ships of its day. It certainly is not that now..

It was very early in the year to travel north. Too early. The daylight hours are very limited. The weather is often very poor. As indeed it was. That does make a difference.

We had chosen a Junior Suite. A rather too grand description for a standard balcony cabin. Pleasant enough. Except the bathroom. No soap. Just two bottles with plungers which sent out a thin stream of coloured fluid. The bath would have disgraced the average budget hotel. The bathtaps were bent so that water sprayed onto the floor. The mirrored cabinets doors showed rust and opened when the ship rolled. Which it did. The most irritating: a notice on the swimming pool towels, that they were to be returned, used, to the cabin. If not, a £10 charge added to your account.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

Molde

Molde is served by a variety of ferries, and it is fun to take them - even if when you arrive, there is little to do but to come back. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile. But if you have in mind a trip on the Rauma Railway, then take it, if you can, from this port. The travel to Bjorli will take through deep tunnels and fine suspension bridges and across two fjords by ferry. This adds enormously to the enjoyment of the day. At least it did for me.

Bergen

There is much to see and do in Bergen. If the weather is fine, then the funicular is cheap and easy to find. But when they says that it rains on 80% of the days, have that in mind. A bit of homework and really no need for an expensive excursion unless you have seen enough of Bergen and want something else....

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