Another area where Fred. Olsen truly exceed expectations is the evening meals. The food during break

Fred. Olsen Jr and all of his Captains may be Norwegian, but Fred. Olsen Cruise Line have become a quintessentially British cruise experience. Last week I stepped foot onto one of their most iconic ships, Black Watch , and departed on a mini-cruise to Rouen.
When I was first asked about a cruise onboard Fred. Olsen I have to admit I was a little tentative. I really wanted to find out about the Fred. Olsen experience, but I wasn't sure how I'd find a ship where the clientele is a little more, shall we say mature, and the ships are a little older. But, my pre-conceptions to how the next three days would pan out couldn't be further from the truth.
luxury cruise lines On Wednesday, Fred. Olsen were announced as winners of the Best Affordable luxury cruise lines Cruise Line award at the Cruise International Awards, which is a much deserved accolade, as not only do their cruises offer great value for the food and service onboard, but you'd be hard pressed to find me a ship that offers luxury cruise lines bottled beers from £2.25! The value onboard Fred is exceptional and my weekend bar bill was testament to that.
From the moment you step onto the Black Watch it feels homely. She looks a little older and worn from the outside, luxury cruise lines but after 40 years of cruising and regular refurbishments, she is as clean, relaxing and warm as any ship you will come across. All the furniture in the public areas is well-kept and the Braemar Lounge looks newly upholstered. The rooms are comfortable and simple, though being an older ship don't expect a double room unless you are in a suite. At 800 passengers the Black Watch is also a great size, I love being 5 minutes from everywhere no matter where you are onboard and never feeling crowded.
What really makes the difference with the Black Watch isn't the ship, it's the crew onboard. The service wherever you go is exceptional the waiters and bar tenders never stop smiling and all seem genuinely proud of what they are doing. We chose to eat in the Glentanar restaurant for all of our meals, and we were mostly served by the same waiters. Not only was the service great, but their company was enjoyable. On one occasion the waiter forgot to give someone a bread roll, his response was to sing I apologise in a charming fashion.
Another area where Fred. Olsen truly exceed expectations is the evening meals. The food during luxury cruise lines breakfast and lunch is very good and often understated, whereas the evening meals were all exceptional. I've enjoyed steak onboard with P O, Princess, Cunard, luxury cruise lines Disney and Royal Caribbean and the tornado of steak (a slightly better cut than filet) was amazing. The meat was of a good standard and it was cooked to perfection giving Oceania a run for their money in my opinion. The evening menus were well-written without the need for a fussy description such as cheesy mash as opposed to creamy potato puree with a hint of cheddar.
I could go on and on about the fact they use proper back bacon for breakfast, as opposed to streaky bacon so well cooked it disintegrates, how good the pancakes were or the rack of lamb in a mint crust. I could talk about how good the custard was or how cheesecake featured at least once a day and I love cheesecake or about the procession luxury cruise lines of fireworks (well large sparklers) and singing (When the Saints Go Marching In) on the final night before the baked Alaska was served. But I won't.
Yes, Fred. Olsen's ships are a little luxury cruise lines older and the majority of passengers are closer to retirement than myself, but there were a lot more people in their 30s onboard then I would have expected, and the experience was great.
If you are looking for great and I mean great food, wonderful service and an unpretentious, unfussy atmosphere, but like a formal night, luxury cruise lines and well priced drinks, then look no further than Fred. Olsen. I loved the Black Watch and the Braemar is now firmly in my sights.
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I had the good fortune to be on the same mini-cruise as the reviewer and concur with his thoughts luxury cruise lines on value for money and quality of food on board. I am in my late 40s and feared I would be youngest luxury cruise lines on board by a generation. Not at all - nice mixture of ages - many younger than myself! Evening entertainment was good - particularly enjoyed luxury cruise lines show on first night which worked well in the cabaret luxury cruise lines setting. I had a nice outside cabin on deck 8 within easy walk of restaurant, pool etc - kept immaculate by the cabin stewardess. Reviewer hinted at the advantage of a smaller ship. I've been on bigger ships in the past, but now prefer the smaller ones for one simple reason - the more interesting destinations they can visit! Rouen was a lovely city to visit - 100km up the very twisty river Seine. You can't do that in a much bigger ship! Sailed luxury cruise lines up in darkness with the skills of the pilot. Enjoyed Rouen in gorgeous sunshine on the Monday and sailed back after lunch on the Tuesday. Was raining luxury cruise lines slightly when we left but soon brightened up and enjoyed swimming in the pool while better than expected scenery rolled past! Travelled as a solo passenger and bit apprehensive about sharing luxury cruise lines table with strangers - went for a larger table (6) and couldn't have asked for better dining companions. All in all, an excellent cruise on a lovely ship. Have no hesitation in booking luxury cruise lines a longer cruise next year with Fred Olsen.
Just a quick note to say how much we all enjoyed our holiday. Your selection of hotels were excellent, your transfers from airport to hotels and to the ship were also excellent. I know it makes a change to praise ,but you deserve it.
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