Paradise Islands & A Taste of the Tropics from Barbados
Date: 9 Jan 2025
Duration: 15 nights
Ship: Marella Voyager
Line: Marella Cruises
Date Sailed | January 0001 |
Cruise Line | Fred Olsen Cruises |
Ship Name | Braemar |
Destination | Norwegian Fjords |
Very much the 'baby' of the Fred. Olsen fleet in terms of size, Braemar has smaller cabins on average than her fleet mates, but they are very comfortable, and come with blond wood trim. With a beautiful, five storey atrium lobby and her vast, window walled interior lounges, the ship actually felt far more spacious than was truly the case.
One of the crowning glories of the Braemar is the series of semi circular, aft facing terrace decks that cascade down toward the stern. They are an ideal venue for a coffee, a late lunch, or even late night drinks under the stars. This area gives the ship an intimacy and charm sadly absent from many larger modern ships these days.
The food is consistently good, prepared for the tastes of her largely older British clientele. That said, there is plenty of variety and taste, and sometimes some surprising continental touches. Service, whether in the main, aft facing window walled restaurant or in the upper deck Palms Café, was as deft and attentive as ever, delivered by wonderful Filipino stewards. Many of them have been with the company for years.
Fred. Olsen has never really been known for its nightlife, but I have to admit that most of the passengers seemed more than happy with it overall. That said, the quality of live music on board the Braemar was never less than excellent.
On this cruise, the small size of the ship meant that she could enter many of the smaller, less well known fjords that the other ships had to bypass. The Braemar offered us a truly 'up close and personal' vantage point to see the highlights of summertime Norway. Those views were seldom short of heart stopping at any hour of the day or night.
Quality and value lie at the heart of the Braemar cruise experience, though the ship does suffer from some vibration right aft at times, especially when getting under way or turning in sheltered waters.
That said, this pretty little ship is brimming with charm and sheer charisma from bow to stern. A great buy at an outstanding price.
Dining and Food | 8.5 / 10 |
Spa and Gym | 7 / 10 |
Entertainment | 6 / 10 |
Childrens Facilities | 4 / 10 |
Accomodation | 6 / 10 |
Shore Excursions | 9 / 10 |
Service | 9 / 10 |
Luxury | 8 / 10 |
Value For Money | 9 / 10 |
Drinks Packages | 8 / 10 |
Date: 9 Jan 2025
Duration: 15 nights
Ship: Marella Voyager
Line: Marella Cruises
£2,604 OUTSIDE
£3,083 BALCONY
Date: 3 Jun 2024
Duration: 28 nights
Ship: Seabourn Sojourn
Line: Seabourn
Date: 27 Sep 2025
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Marella Voyager
Line: Marella Cruises
£2,465 OUTSIDE
£2,938 BALCONY
Date: 23 Apr 2024
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Adventure of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£1,849 OUTSIDE
£2,799 BALCONY
Date: 8 Sep 2024
Duration: 13 nights
Ship: Poesia
Line: MSC Cruises
Date: 14 Jun 2024
Duration: 13 nights
Ship: Carnival Venezia
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£2,479 OUTSIDE
£2,679 BALCONY
Date: 30 May 2024
Duration: 18 nights
Ship: Sun Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£2,949 OUTSIDE
£4,549 SUITE
Date: 14 Oct 2024
Duration: 21 nights
Ship: Solstice
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£4,749 OUTSIDE
£4,999 BALCONY
Date: 1 Aug 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Celebrity Ascent
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£1,879 OUTSIDE
£2,249 BALCONY
Date: 20 Sep 2024
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Seabourn Encore
Line: Seabourn
Date: 27 Aug 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Line: Regent Seven Seas
Date: 23 Apr 2024
Duration: 17 nights
Ship: Island Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£2,799 OUTSIDE
£3,149 BALCONY
Date: 13 Jun 2025
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Celestyal Discovery
Line: Celestyal Cruises
£1,479 OUTSIDE
£1,749 BALCONY
Date: 21 Dec 2025
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Star of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£2,690 OUTSIDE
£2,755 BALCONY
Date: 21 Jul 2025
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£2,449 OUTSIDE
£2,579 BALCONY
Date: 13 Nov 2024
Duration: 13 nights
Ship: Celebrity Beyond
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£2,749 OUTSIDE
£2,799 BALCONY
Date: 10 Feb 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Norwegian Viva
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£3,556 OUTSIDE
£3,794 BALCONY
Date: 6 Jul 2025
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Line: Cunard Cruise Line
£2,399 OUTSIDE
£2,479 BALCONY
Date: 30 Mar 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Quest
Line: Azamara Club Cruises
£1,999 OUTSIDE
£1,999 BALCONY
Date: 21 Nov 2024
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Silver Muse
Line: Silversea Cruises