ARRIVAL 9:15AM

BOARDING THE SHIP

I arrived at the Port of Tyne International and met the Fred Olsen staff, who checked me in quickly and easily. 

Before boarding the ship, the staff gave me my lanyard and a tote bag filled with goodies and leaflets containing information about the Balmoral ship. 

Once everyone had arrived, the Fred Olsen staff escorted us down to the ship. Although the security measures were thorough, they were quick and easy and allowed us to board the ship efficiently.

9:45AM - 10:30AM

BRIEFING AND PASTRIES

We were introduced to everyone briefly before making our way to a room where we were told the itinerary for the day.

While getting briefed on the day's plan, the fantastic Fred Olsen staff brought pastries and treats and provided us with drinks of our choice.

The staff was extremely friendly, and the treats were yummy (especially the croissant!).

We had this time to get to know everyone, relax, and enjoy food before the ship tour!

With four people to a table, there was more than enough pastries to cater for everyone!

10:30AM - 12:30PM

TOURING THE CRUISE SHIP

After enjoying our pastries, it was time to tour the ship! Laura, a manager at Fred Olsen, walked us around and told us facts and information about the facilities we were viewing, which was very helpful when trying to get a feel for what it would be like to be a passenger on the cruise.

We viewed many rooms, including those on the lower deck and those higher up the ship with balconies. It was great to see the difference in the rooms across the ship. 

The lower deck rooms were on the smaller side; however, they had everything you could need. The rooms higher up were significantly more extensive and more updated. Some even have a walk-in wardrobe, a large lounge area, a dining area and a balcony. 

In addition to viewing the rooms, the staff showed us other areas on the cruise, such as restaurants and bars, the spa and gym, the pool and lounge area on the top deck, and entertainment areas where shows and bands play, as well as bingo and other entertainment. 

We also had the opportunity to visit the ship's bridge and ask questions about the technicalities, including the critical question of where the steering wheel is.

It looked like there was always something to do on the cruise, especially for their main demographic of customers, who are 50+. However, the facilities would also suit younger demographics.

12:30PM - 1:30PM

LUNCH

After touring everything on the ship, it was time for lunch! If the pastries weren't enough, I'm sure the 5-course meal would fill us up after all the walking.

Firstly, the Fred Olsen waiting staff were exceptional and very attentive. 

Secondly, the food was extremely fancy, like dining in a palace. Looking out the window, I saw the beautiful views, elevating the experience.

I recommend the sirloin steak, which I ordered. It was cooked well and exactly as I requested! It also didn't take long to arrive, mainly because you focused on the other starters and appetisers!

Other members and I highlighted how the food was still scorching when it came out, which was terrific and made the meal more enjoyable than if it came out lukewarm!

There are other restaurants and food options aboard the Balmoral, so you would never be hungry on the ship! The Fred Olsen staff told us that the only hours you can't order food are between 9 pm and 10 pm, meaning you will mostly always be able to have food. 

The main restaurants aboard the Balmoral are the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey restaurants. They cook fresh food and prepare dishes based on your location, according to what's popular in that destination.

1:30PM - 3PM

CATCH UP AND REVIEW

After enjoying our food, we returned to the room we were briefed in at the beginning of the day to review everything we had been through. Here, staff aboard the ship asked us if we wanted more drinks and refreshments.

We talked about the ship's favourite features, what our first impressions were, and if the visit had changed the initial impressions we had before visiting the cruise. 

A group conversation and discussion were excellent ways to end the day and reflect on it. The Fred Olsen team gave everyone chocolates to take home to show their thanks.