Balmoral Review
Rating by category
Additional details
My partner saw the cruise advertised as a last minute deal via Iglu so it was booked on the Monday and we sailed the following Sunday. I have to say that both Iglu and Fred Olsen were brilliant. My other half had a 'significant' birthday on the Wednesday of the cruise and I told Fred. I thought I could maybe sort out a cake but I discussed it with the company and a very helpful young lady called me back about 10 minutes later to say that we would have breakfast in our cabin with a bottle of cava and then in the evening, at dinner, there would be a cake and the crew singing 'Happy Birthday'. How much? With the compliments of Fred Olsen - I was super impressed!! I bought a bottle of champagne to go with dinner but my other half was very, very impressed with what Fred Olsen had done.
We sailed from Dover so that was a 4 hour drive and I arranged parking at the terminal so, with an excellent run down, we arrived in good time on the day of departure. The parking and booking in could not have been easier and my other half is now a confirmed sailer out of a UK port - she hates the fuss of airports.
I had checked the deck plan so I knew where our cabin was - 4011 - starboard side, two single beds, one with bunk over for a stow-away and two portholes. Very adequate and loads of wardrobe space as it was no doubt designed to cater for the third body.
Cabin Review
Outside with Porthole
Very adequate. Super maid service, she really looked after us. Comfortable bunks, plenty big enough for me at over 6 foot tall. Standard variety of modular bathroom, no water leaks and the ventilation in the bathroom was so good that the mirror cleared of condensation very rapidly. Two portholes, really nice!
Port Reviews
Olden
We booked the Kjenndalen Glacier and Lovatnet Lake boat trips on board. Our guide was excellent and also knew his stuff. The scenery was breathtaking! The visit too the lake started with tea/coffee and waffles in a little restaurant before boarding the boat to cruise down the lake before meeting up with the coach again. Lovely way to see the place. Back at the ship we decided to have a wander around Olden. Not a large place by any means but some interesting places, especially the white church, to look at.