This was our first time with Fred Olsen and cruising on a smaller ship. First impressions were that it was almost exclusively British and was like a larger ship in miniature, making it easy to find the main areas quickly. The standard of food was very high, probably the best we have had on a cruise. Cabin seemed no different to others we have been in on other much larger ship and there was no exotic towel folding to admire. The ships compact nature and friendly atmosphere meant that it was easy and natural to have chats in passing with many other passengers over the course of the cruise. Not so impersonal as other much larger ships. The crew were mostly from the Philippines and always gave the impression that it was a pleasure to serve you. You take a chance with the weather at this time of year, and it delivered some of its worst with 2 days of force 9 gales and rain in the destination ports. The first couple of sea days on board were very peaceful with most passengers having taken to their cabins and the restaurants being less than half full. I have read elsewhere that Braemar may be susceptible to the effects of bad weather but it was certainly spectacular to witness the seas splashing up as far as the deck 8 observation lounge. However, all in all, we enjoyed the Olsen experience and would definitely consider them again for another cruise.