For our first cruise, there were positive experiences, including the (expensive) onshore excursions to the stunning Norwegian scenery, the good choice of on board food and dining, the lovely flowers and gifts from Fred Olsen Cruises for our silver wedding anniversary, and the high standard of housekeeping in our room by our cabin stewardess.

Unfortunately there were many negative experiences for us that including waiting up to 25 minutes for a drink in various bar areas around the ship, the overall amateur standard of entertainment (namely the live music and shows), dull on-board activities and talks, a charge for drinks room service (we just took our own drinks to our room), no free wi-fi, and a feeling that despite paying a premium for our cruise package (deck 10 suite with balcony), we did not have a premium holiday experience. Then on arrival home in our final bill we were charged a non refundable gratuities charge of £80 (barely mentioned that this had to be opted out by filling in a form while on board the ship).

We asked ourselves would we book a cruise holiday again with Fred Olsen, or recommend them to friends and family, and the answer was no.