Balmoral Review

4.5 / 5.0
242 reviews

Chasing the Northern Lights

Review for the Arctic Cruise on Balmoral
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cricman47
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2016
Cabin: Outside

The cruise headed north to Alta in northern Norway seeking the Northern Lights and offering scenic cruising and port calls en route. Despite a few minor niggles the cruise was successful, enjoyable and generally well-run. The itinerary was suited to the nature of the cruise; the ports of call were appropriate and the scenic cruising in the fjords was magnificent.

Embarkation was slow. We queued standing for almost an hour but once checked in we were on board without much further delay.

I was part of a Mr Bridge party so spent much of my time on board at tutorials on bridge or playing the game. My attendance at other talks was limited but those I was able to attend were good. The Arctic weather limited deck games but I participated in a couple of quizzes and other activities which were generally well organised.

Cabin Review

Outside

Cabin D

The cabin was spacious for single accommodation and contained all essentials. It showed some signs of wear and tear (scuffed corners on cupboards and furnishings, discolouration around the window frames and worn-away chrome on the bathroom fittings) but these in no way impaired the use or enjoyment of the facilities. It was good to have tea/coffee making facilities in cabin and a large window, albeit in need of a regular clean to remove the sea spray. The bed was comfortable and the duvet very warm so I aimed to turn the thermostat to its lowest level to avoid overheating. The safe was large enough for a 10" tablet and cameras.

Port Reviews

Tromso

Late departure from the ship curtailed the actual walking to less than half an hour. What we did was enjoyable but should have lasted longer.

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