Exploring the Balmoral: Emma's Day at Sea

We were introduced to everyone briefly before making our way to a room where we were told the itinerary for the day.

While getting briefed on the day's plan, the fantastic Fred Olsen staff brought pastries and treats and provided us with drinks of our choice.

The staff was extremely friendly, and the treats were yummy (especially the croissant!).

We had this time to get to know everyone, relax, and enjoy food before the ship tour!

With four people to a table, there was more than enough pastries to cater for everyone!

After enjoying our pastries, it was time to tour the ship! Laura, a manager at Fred Olsen, walked us around and told us facts and information about the facilities we were viewing, which was very helpful when trying to get a feel for what it would be like to be a passenger on the cruise.

We viewed many rooms, including those on the lower deck and those higher up the ship with balconies. It was great to see the difference in the rooms across the ship.

The lower deck rooms were on the smaller side; however, they had everything you could need. The rooms higher up were significantly more extensive and more updated. Some even have a walk-in wardrobe, a large lounge area, a dining area and a balcony.

In addition to viewing the rooms, the staff showed us other areas on the cruise, such as restaurants and bars, the spa and gym, the pool and lounge area on the top deck, and entertainment areas where shows and bands play, as well as bingo and other entertainment.

We also had the opportunity to visit the ship's bridge and ask questions about the technicalities, including the critical question of where the steering wheel is.

It looked like there was always something to do on the cruise, especially for their main demographic of customers, who are 50+. However, the facilities would also suit younger demographics.

After touring everything on the ship, it was time for lunch! If the pastries weren't enough, I'm sure the 5-course meal would fill us up after all the walking.

Firstly, the Fred Olsen waiting staff were exceptional and very attentive.

Secondly, the food was extremely fancy, like dining in a palace. Looking out the window, I saw the beautiful views, elevating the experience.

I recommend the sirloin steak, which I ordered. It was cooked well and exactly as I requested! It also didn't take long to arrive, mainly because you focused on the other starters and appetisers!

Other members and I highlighted how the food was still scorching when it came out, which was terrific and made the meal more enjoyable than if it came out lukewarm!

There are other restaurants and food options aboard the Balmoral, so you would never be hungry on the ship! The Fred Olsen staff told us that the only hours you can't order food are between 9 pm and 10 pm, meaning you will mostly always be able to have food.

The main restaurants aboard the Balmoral are the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey restaurants. They cook fresh food and prepare dishes based on your location, according to what's popular in that destination.

After enjoying our food, we returned to the room we were briefed in at the beginning of the day to review everything we had been through. Here, staff aboard the ship asked us if we wanted more drinks and refreshments.

We talked about the ship's favourite features, what our first impressions were, and if the visit had changed the initial impressions we had before visiting the cruise.

A group conversation and discussion were excellent ways to end the day and reflect on it. The Fred Olsen team gave everyone chocolates to take home to show their thanks.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

This trip would be suited to the older demographic, but this cruise can fit wider than that demographic. It could fit every one who enjoys a more relaxing holiday, as there are enough facilities to cater to everyone.

This cruise would also be very well suited to solo travellers, as groups are formed for all, meaning you never have to dine alone if you don't want to. In addition, excursions for solo travellers are planned when reaching destinations, meaning you would never have to do anything alone and always feel safe.

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

I loved the pastries and tea (or drink of your choice) and getting to know everyone at the start of the day! The room was filled with the excitement of many of us who hadn't been on a cruise ship before or in a long time. It was also a great way to get to know some of the friendly staff and see what the service was like on the cruise.

General Comments and Tips:

I had previously heard that the staff and service on the cruise were personal and friendly. However, I didn't realise how much until I experienced it myself.

The Balmoral was set to sail at 5 pm that day, meaning passengers were boarding nearing the end of our visit, allowing us to see how the passengers interacted with the staff. It was clear from this how much the staff caters to the passengers and knows many of the passengers on a first-name basis. Many passengers looked forward to boarding the cruise to visit the staff members and catch up with them. It was lovely to see such genuine reactions between the staff and passengers.