Overall Experience
I had the opportunity to spend 6 nights on the Balmoral, It was hosted by Kerry Dan and Ellie who did an amazing job to keep us informed and entertained on sea days.
Transport to Southampton
We travelled by train to Southampton but next time I would use a different type of transport to get there.
Antwerp Christmas Market
This was a lovely excursion to the Christmas Market the lights and atmosphere were amazing with the bands playing and the smell of the food stalls. Families enjoying the Christmas cheer. There were plenty of opportunities to look around and shops without rushing. No trip to Belgium would be complete without a trip to the chocolate shops.
Not forgetting our cocktail making evening before dinner we all had some very interesting cocktails made by our own fair hands!! Again a great atmosphere and the staff were absolutely amazing and very talented.
Ghent, river seine and Rouen
We embarked on a Lovely excursion from Antwerp to Ghent. After a substantial breakfast, we met the coach and off we went. The transfer only took 1 hour. When we arrived we visited the Christmas markets and went shopping for the traditional chocolate shops and of course, we had to try out the Belgium beer and not forgetting the famous waffles.
Rouen is the prettiest town and is famous for Eglise Sainte -Jeanne-D’ Arc as she was burnt at the stake for dressing as a man among other things as well this was a very interesting tour the guide was very informative. we then walked through the town and ended at the abbey which was a wonderful experience to see only by candlelight.
Behind the scenes on board. Cheese & wine tasting
For the sea day we had a behind-the-scenes tour which guests can also do for around £50pp. We went into the galleys to see how all the food is prepared WOW What a eye-opener 1500 eggs were used in 1 day and 1500kg of flour. We then went onto the laundry gosh what a well-oiled operation that is. not only do they do all the normal washing they do all the crew’s uniforms 600 of them. this tour really makes you appreciate how hard the whole crew works to make your cruise special.
In the afternoon we had a cheese and wine tasting session which was really good. It opens your mind to taste different wines and foods you may not think would go together. I would recommend this to guests.
Tour of cabins
We looked at all the different cabins types. The inside cabin is sufficient and roomy and has everything you need. Ocean-view cabins can be on low decks but really nice, most have walk-in showers. superior ocean view area little larger and are normally twin beds but very spacious and comfortable. Balcony cabins are amazing plenty of room lots of wardrobe space plenty of draws all cabins have a hairdryer. The owner’s suite was incredible and sleeps up to 6. It has everything you need.
All cabins had really good wardrobe space and everything you would need.
Final Thoughts
I had the most amazing time on board the Balmoral our hosts were fantastic, I would recommend Fred Olsen without a doubt. The cabin, the food, but most of all the crew make this cruise special. Everything is thought through to ensure guestb have the best experiences, down to the special touches they do to make it lovely. the crew are always smiling which makes you smile. Embarkation was very efficient as was disembarkation. nothing was too much trouble. The whole experience has been a trip to remember
Julie Bullock
