Fred Olsen Balmoral

After cruising on-board Fred Olsen Balmoral a few years ago, I was looking forward to stepping aboard to see what changes if any had been made. I was lucky enough to be selected to join a one day visit onboard whilst she was docked at Newcastle Port of Tyne.

Alongside my colleagues from Travel Counsellors and other selected agents, we met at Port of Tyne, and were asked to take a lateral flow test, which are provided free of charge to all passengers prior to embarkation, once the required test was taken and the wait to see the results (thankfully negative) it was time to make our way through security and onboard.

From initial boarding nothing too much had changed apart from the repainting and refreshing of the exterior and interior aspects of the ship. One transformation I did like was the new Oriental inspired tea room, with soft comfortable lounges and chairs, an ideal area to sit back relax whilst enjoying some refreshing hot and cold teas and drinks, plus they now have their own dedicated rib boats for an even greater more personal exploration.

Everything else, the great food, comfortable cabins and of course the friendly always smiling crew hasn't changed. I really would have liked to stay on board and enjoy even more time on board, but unfortunately our visit had come to an end.

If you would like to know more about Fred Olsen Balmoral or any of their fantastic cruises, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.