Myself and 2 colleagues were lucky enough to experience a Fred. Olsen cruise to Amsterdam and Rotterdam for 5 nights! This was my first ocean cruise and I found that it was a perfect "taster".
Day 1
We travelled by train from Yatton to Southampton Central. We found that the train was a very convenient way to travel to Southampton as it was cheaper than driving and parking. When we arrived, we took a 5-minute taxi journey to the Horizon Terminal. From here, it was a very smooth check-in process. First, we dropped our bags just outside the terminal, then went through passport control and checked in for the cruise which was where they gave us our room cards.
As soon as we stepped on board Balmoral, we were greeted with big smiles and fantastic service from all the crew. They make you feel like you’re an old friend. After embarkation and a buffet lunch, we had an orientation tour of Balmoral to get our bearings. We located our cabins which were spacious, private balcony suites. My room, cabin 9094, consisted of a large dressing table and wardrobe, a double bed, a seating area, and a shower over a bath. To start the trip off, we had a "sail away party" hosted by Fred. Olsen which was located on Marquee Deck 11, where the entertainment team created a lovely atmosphere with live music. We had great weather and it was a perfect sun spot to sip on a refreshing cocktail.
On the first evening, we ate at the Ballindalloch restaurant. This is the main restaurant on board Balmoral. If you like something a bit smaller and quieter, I recommend eating in either Avon or Spey restaurant. The menus are identical. They have so much to choose from. To start, they have a range of starters, soups, and salads. Under “main courses”, they have five dishes which change every day. They also have “taste of the region” which is where the dish is inspired by the destination. If these choices don’t tempt you, they have a set menu which doesn’t change. I had the rump steak, and it was the best I’ve ever had! The service was quick, and the drinks were flowing.
To end the first evening, we made our way to the Neptune lounge and watched a live 60’s swing show. The Neptune Lounge is used during the day for Culture and Nature Guides to share their fascinating knowledge on Fred. Olsen's Signature Experiences - designed to give you a deeper understanding of the destinations you'll visit on your Fred. Olsen cruise.
Day 2
We started off day two with a buffet breakfast in Palms cafe. You can also have breakfast in the Ballindalloch restaurant, but Palms cafe is a bit smaller. For breakfast there were cereals, yogurts and fresh fruit, pastries, fresh ham, cheese and smoked salmon, and so much more. If you go for the cooked breakfast, you can ask for a freshly cooked egg to your liking or even an omelette.
The rest of the morning was at leisure, so we decided to explore the ship a little more. There are many facilities on board Balmoral that you can use in your free time. For example, there are swimming pools and Jacuzzis on deck 11 (forward) and deck 6 (aft) and the spa which is where they have a range of treatments such as massages, hair and nails. There is also a library and a card room. We personally loved going to the bookmark cafe as “Ali” does the most amazing coffee art you will ever see! The cakes are out of this world too! They also have a “morning light pub” where they often do quizzes and light entertainment.
Around mid-day, we were able to see behind the scenes in the Neptune lounge, where the entertainment manager Liam gave us a tour. Balmoral rendezvoused with sister ship, Bolette at the Amsterdam lock in the late afternoon - a historic moment for Fred. Olsen. Once docked in central Amsterdam, we were lucky enough to visit beautiful Bolette and had a superb dinner and orientation tour.
Day 3
On day 3, we had an early breakfast as we were leaving at 07:30 to visit the Keukenhof Gardens to see the famous tulips. I recommend the early departure tour as it only took 45 minutes to get to our destination. We took a boat ride through the tulip fields which was only 10 euros per person, and we were also able to explore inside the windmill.
When we returned to the ship, we had a navigational bridge tour and met the Captain. Tonight was formal night. This is the evening where guests can put on their dinner jackets and cocktail dresses. Before dinner, we went to the Observatory lounge which boasts spectacular panoramic views. Here we had a wine and cheese tasting where they bought cheese locally from Amsterdam for us to try. After this, we went for dinner in the Ballindalloch restaurant where I had a delicious beef wellington, and we finished the evening with a silent disco in the Lido lounge which was great fun!
Day 4
On day 4, we docked early morning in Rotterdam. We had a mid-morning breakfast and then disembarked to explore Rotterdam and its famous food hall and modern architecture. Buses arranged by Fred. Olsen ran every 10-15 minutes into the centre. We ate brunch in the food hall which was incredible and there was so much to choose from. We also explored the unusual, cubed houses and even went inside one for a cost of £3 per person.
We returned to the ship, had some free time, and got ready to dine at Vasco restaurant. Vasco is a speciality restaurant on board Balmoral that serves Goan cuisine. The speciality restaurants have an extra charge of £10 per person if pre-booked before the cruise, otherwise bookable on board at guest services for £15 per person. I recommend you pre-book as these restaurants are very popular. After dinner, we returned to the Neptune lounge to watch yet another great show, a magician.
Day 5
Day 5 consisted of many activities on board as it was a day at sea. At 12:00 we headed to the Colours and Tastes restaurant where we met Martin the sommelier for wine tasting. Following this, we had afternoon tea at 15:30 in the Observatory lounge where there was a live violinist and guitarist which created a wonderful atmosphere. We also had a Galley tour where we were able to see behind the scenes and watch the chefs create the dishes of tonight's menu while being served champagne and eating canapés. We even got to sample the dishes!
To conclude our final evening, at 19:30 we had captain's cocktails which is where we get to meet the captain and were served complimentary drinks. For our last evening meal, we experienced the fine dining in Colours and Tastes restaurant which is another speciality restaurant which serves Asian cuisine.
Day 6
Disembarkation was on day 6 and it was a smooth process. You can either leave your luggage outside your cabin door the night before, then be called your luggage labels in the morning to disembark in stages. Or if you prefer not to wait, you can wheel your luggage off with you at any time. We decided to start with breakfast in Palms Cafe, then disembark with our luggage at 8am. From here we queued for a taxi and got the train back home.
I would highly recommend a Fred. Olsen cruise to anyone who likes smaller ships, fantastic service and unique, immersive itineraries.
