I also just returned from this truly exceptional cruise. This was organized by the Miles Morgan agency and the speakers, activities, meals, etc. were well planned and enjoyable.

However, as noted by the previous reviewer (Bollinger Babe) departure in New York City from this cruise, the responsibility of the Fred Olsen operations staff, was a total fiasco.

I inquired early in the cruise about arranging private transportation from the cruise terminal to the airport. I was assured the line had arranged "plenty of taxis" and that personal arrangements were unnecessary. Thankfully there were porters in the terminal to assist with the luggage but they had no choice but to dump all passengers and their bags in two very crowded waiting areas. There were nearly no taxis available and it was clear no arrangements were made in advance. After waiting nearly an hour for a taxi, and still a long line to go, I was lucky to find by phone a private transport company that was able to dispatch help immediately. The cruise thus ended unnecessarily with a very stressful day of transport. Fred Olsen employees were either totally ignorant of the conditions in New York City or simply didn't care and neither option is acceptable. Read more