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I Cruised on a 36-Year Old Cruise Ship , and it Shocked Me! | Fred. Olsen's Balmoral

Sail Away Magazine
Sail Away Magazine
πŸ₯ˆExpert
πŸ‘οΈ 77K viewsπŸ“… 1 years ago⏱️ 35:29

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator evaluates the Fred Olsen ship Balmoral, a 36 year old vessel, to determine if it has aged well following a recent refit. The review covers various aspects of the onboard experience, including technical updates like new stainless steel propellers and structural quirks such as cambered decks. The creator examines three different suite categories, noting that while the accommodations offer significant storage, they sometimes lack modern amenities like USB ports and can feature idiosyncratic design choices or aging decor. Dining is described as a highlight for its lack of upcharging and adherence to traditional British favorites, though the creator notes issues with food temperature in main dining rooms and limited variety in specialty dining. The video concludes that while the ship lacks the glitz and high tech features of modern mega ships, it excels in providing a cozy, intimate, and homely atmosphere. The creator praises the high standard of service and the cruise line's commitment to a traditional cruising experience that avoids the gimmicks and constant product evolution seen in the wider industry.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Celebrity Beyond
Mild Gripe
All-time creator consensus for Celebrity Beyond
Solid Strip

This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship ReviewπŸ₯ˆExpert Creator
❀️ Best for CoupleOther · Winter · 7 nightsFrom SouthamptonVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I'm back on board now to find out whether Bal moral has been aging gracefully or whether time has really been catching up on this old girl

the service is as good as it was back then the food is as good as it was back then

I would honestly say consider a cruise with Fred Olsen because not only are you getting an elevated level of service compared to what else is offered these days

Bal moral is a fantastic ship not glitzy not glamorous but incredibly cozy and homely

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Consider a cruise with Fred Olsen for a traditional, classic cruise experience with elevated service.
βœ“If you prefer a quiet, relaxing ship without hustle and bustle, Balmoral is a good choice.

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Ship feeling old or outdated β€” The ship doesn't feel its age and has been thoughtfully refit, maintaining traditional charm.
Limited dining variety β€” While variety is less than larger ships, the quality is good and the food is hearty and satisfying.

Questions This Creator Answers

QDoes a 36-year-old cruise ship still deliver a good experience?
QIs Balmoral worth sailing on despite its age?
QHow does Balmoral compare to modern cruise ships in terms of service, dining, and overall experience?

Topics Covered

Cruise Experience3 Happy BaconShip Condition3 Happy BaconCrowd Capacity1Β½ Happy BaconValue Pricing3Β½ Happy BaconService Crew4 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Paris3Β½ Happy Bacon
Top: Paris day tour (Β£87)
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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube