Balmoral Review

4.5 / 5.0
242 reviews

First and last cruise with Fred Olsen

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Balmoral
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Martyn 33
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2019
Cabin: Outside

Cruise L1917 Isles of Scotland 1.8.2019

This was our first ever cruise and we had expected much better considering the cost. The M.S. Balmoral had its last refit some 10/11 years ago and it is looking very tired. Our cabin was showing the signs of wear and tear with the bathroom being particularly poor - cracked tiles in the shower and not very clean. Soundproofing between cabins was below acceptable levels.

The food was of a good standard but nothing exceptional. Waiting staff were very efficient albeit there was a sense of being rushed.

Response from ShonaM, Digital Marketing

Thank you for taking time to provide us with feedback following your recent Fred. Olsen cruise - we're sorry that you felt certain aspects weren't as you were expecting. Balmoral has had...

Cabin Review

Outside

Cabin D

Tired in appearance and the bathroom was in need of repair - cracked and loose tiles in shower. Inadequate soundproofing between cabins - our neighbours were in the habit of operating their TV at high volume until after midnight!

Port Reviews

Kirkwall

Kirkwall is a lovely city and we enjoyed wandering around the shops and museums. Our Orkney Highlights tour included one hour in Stromness - nothing much to see or do there so a bit of a waste of time.

Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

Unfortunately we docked on a Sunday so very few shops were open. However our excursion to Jarlshof and Sumburgh was very good - especially being able to see the puffins

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