Balmoral Review

4.5 / 5.0
242 reviews

Excellent Ports, Lackluster Ship

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Balmoral
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WakebdrGRM
6-10 Cruises • Age 40s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2018
Cabin: Inside
Traveled with children

Although this ship was recently refurbished (newer furniture and carpeting) it lacks the excitement and character of other cruise lines we've been on (P&O, NCL, RCCL). The entertainment was so-so (think community college theater not Vegas-style), the comedian unfunny, and the average passenger age was over 60. We traveled with a well-behaved toddler. Even so most people were friendly (only had one "shushing" in the observatory lounge) and the crew was fantastic. We were bored on our day at sea. Even the older cruisers appeared bored as most just sat in the lounges reading books or iPads. The ports were excellent (Invergordon (Inverness), Kirkwall, and Lerwick) in Scotland but I highly recommend renting your own car and self-touring to save money. We overpaid significantly for a private guided tour from Invergordon. Rent a car and do it yourself (with a guidebook if you want)! You can see the standing stones of Stenness near Kirkwall by taking the public bus for less than 7 quid round-trip! We would only consider going on a Fred Olsen cruise in the future if it improved its on-board activities for families. To leave on a positive note, the drink and spa prices were very reasonable.

Cabin Review

Inside

Cabin I

Was quoted 900GBP to upgrade from inside to an ocean-view; absolutely ridiculous for an available cabin! Inside was spacious, just felt we were missing out on the sea views.

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