The 5 BEST things about Braemar Cruise Ship (now Villa Vie Odyssey).

I was fortunate to visit the Braemar while alongside in Southampton, and from the moment I stepped aboard, I felt a strong affection for her. She has a friendly and warm on-board ambiance, and all the Fred. Olsen staff I talked to were professional and welcoming. While many know her as a mainstay of the Fred. Olsen fleet, this ship has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter. Formerly the Braemar, she has been rebranded as the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship designed for those looking to live at sea permanently. In this video, we look at five things that made this ship so special during her time with Fred. Olsen, and why she is the perfect candidate for her new identity. 5 Things I Loved About Braemar: Great Open Decks: When she was stretched in 2009, her open decks were expanded significantly. The forward bow was decked over, providing extra space for traditional sports like shuffleboard and quoits. Abundant Meal Choices: For a smaller ship, the variety is impressive. From the formal Thistle Restaurant to the Palms Café—which opens into a beautiful outdoor eating area—and the speciality Grill overlooking the stern, there is a setting for every mood. Entertainment Options: She punches above her weight with two main show lounges. The Neptune Lounge hosts large-scale productions, while the Coral Club offers a more intimate setting with a dance floor and live music. Diverse Cabin Categories: From bright, airy suites with private balconies and separate seating areas to standard outside cabins illuminated by twin portholes, the accommodation was significantly enhanced during her recent refits. A Proper Library: As an author, I’m biased, but seeing a large, dedicated library on a ship of this size is fantastic. It offers a wide selection of books for guests to enjoy during long sea days. Whether you remember her as the Braemar or are following her journey as the Villa Vie Odyssey, she remains a unique and much-loved vessel in the maritime world. — 📚 Buy my books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books 👕 Buy cruise merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/ 🛳️ Read My Maritime History Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/ — 🎥 OUR EQUIPMENT: Camera - DJI Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/4sG6nc7 DJI Lav Mic: DJI Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/4klRgBA DJI Roaving Mic Transmitter: https://amzn.to/3Qji62Q Voice Over Mic: Audio Technica: https://amzn.to/4ij8myg These are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission from any sales. — 🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE (AUS/NZ): https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame From a childhood voyage on Cunard’s QE2 to becoming a leading voice in maritime history, Chris spends many days each year at sea, with a front-row seat to how the cruise industry operates. When it comes to booking his own family cruises, he turns to Travel Masters and The Travel Studio. In Chris’ words: “Their team doesn't just navigate complex, long-distance itineraries; they have even secured cabins that many major booking engines can't find. They’ve been my secret weapon for many years, providing human expertise that I’ve never seen matched. I recommend them to friends and family without hesitation.” This is an affiliate link. By using this booking referral page Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. — 🗺️ CUSTOM CRUISE MAP: Made using AIS (satellite ship-tracking) data, The Cruise Maps show the exact route. Select your cruise, give your map a title, and we'll do the rest. Use my code "ChrisFrameOfficial" for 10% off at: https://thecruisemaps.com/chrisframeofficial This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. — 🌍 THE CRUISE GLOBE: Map your own cruises at: https://www.thecruiseglobe.com/ — Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgk7SzYDkiXWWBfMqXYH0cA/join — Tags: #cruisenews #cruiseline #cruising #cruiseship #oceanliner #oceanliners #fredolsencruises #villavieodyssey -- Images with thanks: - Crown Dynasty: CC BY SA 2.0 h- Ray Blazevic Collection- ttps://www.flickr.com/photos/keyslibraries/15004067099/ - Fred Olsen Cruise Line (including thumbnail photo) CC-BY-SA - Andrew Sassoli-Walker and - Jesse Pinkman (thumbnail arrow) CC By Attribution. Adobe Spark. #fredolsencruises #cruisenews #cruiseship #cruiseshiptour