My mini break with Fred
Was I being unfaithful to my husband? No, I spent five nights on board Balmoral, one of Fred Olsen’s lovely little cruise ships. The fact that Fred Olsen is still a family-owned company, run by a chap called Fred, the personal aspect of this business seems to filter down to every aspect of ship life. The friendly cabin steward, the waiter who welcomed us to dinner each evening, the thoughtful itineraries, and the genuine care shown to all the guests on board.
Food was good, and the speciality dining and gala meals were very good. The menu has plenty of choice, drawing influence from the itinerary, as well as providing regular favourites. Most dietary needs can be catered to. A highlight was attending the briefing where the waiters were talked through the evening’s menu by the chefs, advised about accompanying wines - oh, and then we got to eat everything! What a way to choose dinner - taste everything on the menu first!
Fred’s itineraries take the leisurely route, the scenic route and absorbing as many local/seasonal events as possible. I joined the cruise too late to experience the Bremen beer festival, but still managed beer tasting in Lübeck, so don’t feel entirely short changed! We had three destination experiences: Cruising the Kiel canal, time in the city of Hamburg and a walking tour of historical Lübeck.
- The canal – I love a river cruise, seeing land and life from your balcony.
- Hamburg – great city, so much diversity; U-boats, great architecture, amazing coffee shops and very walkable
- Lübeck - Gothic architecture, marzipan mad, super shopping and great for a beer.
If you want the fastest route around the world, then Fred isn’t for you. If you want to stop and take in the views and experiences at a more leisurely pace, then it would be worth taking a look at some of the fabulous itineraries on offer, especially the 14-night fly cruise Asian trips.
Small ships, big on service.
