Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral Cruise Ship Review | Is a 36-Year-Old Ship Still Worth Sailing On?
Join us as we step aboard Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral, a classic cruise ship with 36 years of history behind her. In this review, we ask the big questions: Does Balmoral feel her age? Did we miss the flash and sparkle of a modern mega-ship? And most importantly, does she still deliver on service, dining, and overall cruise experience for what you pay?
We’ll take you through the ship’s cosy suites, including the Balcony Junior Suite, Superior Suite, and the luxurious Premier Suite. We’ll explore the dining options, from the revamped buffet-style Thistle Restaurant to the bold flavours of Colours & Tastes, and highlight those delightful extras like afternoon tea in The Observatory. Evening entertainment takes centre stage in the Neptune Lounge, where familiar faces and classic performances still hold their charm.
If you’re considering a cruise with Fred. Olsen or are simply curious about sailing on a smaller, more traditional ship, this video is for you. Hit LIKE if you enjoy the video, SUBSCRIBE for more honest cruise reviews, and drop us a comment below with your thoughts on smaller, classic cruise ships like Balmoral!
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Balmoral Cruise Ship Review Music Playlist:
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Music Source: Epidemic Sound
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✔✔ You Can Check Out Our Other Videos Here :
👀 Fred. Olsen | Balmoral Full Ship Tour [Post-Refit 2024]
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ixr2e88lpc&t=40s
👀 The INCREDIBLE History of Fred Olsen’s Borealis with Dr.Payne
Link: https://youtu.be/7H15bdYLvp0?si=-D5PhgOWw92v9pwO
👀 Fred. Olsen | Borealis Full Ship Tour
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpgZ_HY2hZ8
👀 Queen Mary 2 and the Genius Behind Her Design Shares EVERYTHING!
Link: https://youtu.be/f7lIrm3Ucb4
👀 P&O Cruises vs. Maleth Aero: Who Owes Passengers £500K?
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cWi8fp1Tqc&t=266s
👀 Queen Anne Full Ship Tour
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKuYCDnCtQ0&t=7s
👀 Celebrity Beyond REVIEW
Link: https://youtu.be/wU4jGFWtM_8
👀 Azamara Onward Full Ship Tour
Link: https://youtu.be/8NjTOVfeBy8?si=Amf6opSygWvPfMf8
👀 Eurodam Full Ship Tour
Link: https://youtu.be/SpibVEGcba0?si=1iUy3aupWCVYtrMJ
👀 Celebrity Ascent Full Ship Tour
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGHf6bUr12k&t=1s
👀 Celebrity Ascent Ship Review
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1B4poo5Bi0&t=797s
👀 Celebrity Apex Full Ship Tour
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfYLp_m44lM&t=577s
👀 Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam Ship Review
Link: https://youtu.be/DDtJE32Kbp0?si=6SNX0mZSlWmmg040
👀 Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam Full Ship Tour
Link: https://youtu.be/1IIJ2zuuh_Y?si=BhhFmfr8-qI5bSDP
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balmoral is timeless
I was fortunate to do a two-night cruise on the Borealis. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the crew were fantastic.
We have completed 2 cruises. Our preference would be a smaller ship.
Thanks for a very complete look at this vessel.
I prefer an older, smaller ship. I think I'd like Balmoral but also enjoy the Ambassador line ships; older, smaller and interesting itineraries with different ports.
Great video guys we went with a premier suite and we were surprised we had our own Orchid room on Bolette for dining it was the same menu but much faster service and more intimate dining for Suite guests
Sorry but I do take um-bridge at the quote 'a bit inappropriate' re the bathroom window into the room. I've stayed in at least 2 x 5* hotels one a Shangri-La which had an enormous window between the bedroom and bathroom (both as per Fred O have blinds) – does seem rather over dramatic. BTW I love your content, just found this a bit over the top – please accept as valid criticism & keep up the good work & podcasts
Great video! I have never cruised with Fred Olsen and am much more of a budget cruiser but I did think it was surprising that there were food temperature issues with your meals. This is my constant complaint on the mainstream cruiselines and my biggest pet peeve. In addition to having my fiod served hot as a preference, I also believe it's a food safety issue. I appreciate you bringing it up.
Great video. Loved seeing you both front and centre. I think the podcast has helped elevate your presenting style. Great footage and a fair and balanced review. We have not yet sailed with Fred Olsen, but now have a good understanding of their product thanks to your comprehensive overview. 👍
Great video as always, love the new style of the review. We’d both disappear in the swimming pool too!! 😂
Excellent technical insight. Astonished that a ship is safe being cut in two and stitched together
Great video guys. I love how honest and brutal at times you were considering you were given this by Fred Olsen. Time and time again, do many others would gloss over the imperfections and call it a masterpiece.
Don’t think they will be having you back anytime soon
I went on this ship in 2015, with my grandparents (I was 20 at the time). Like you said at 5:20, yes only 4 lifts is not enough. The Braemar also only had 4, but with only 900 passengers and two fewer decks it was fine. And we always had to use them due to my grandparents’ mobility. At general times when the passengers were spread out it was fine (even on sea days), but when everyone was going to dinner, theatre, or getting off in ports at once it was a real issue. Not adding some central lifts during this extension was a fatal error. Bolette and Borealis have 12 lifts catering to the same capacity!!
Is the mini bar included or do you have to pay extra
Not impressed, considering recent refit
This would be my choice above all others. Thank you for sharing..
I like the traditional smaller old style ships but Balmoral does now look a bit beyond its sell buy date. The cabin prices seem a bit optimistic even if passengers are not stung for lots of extras. The Fred Olsen formula may work well on Bolette and Borealis but perhaps FO should have saved their money on the Balmoral refit and sent the rather tired looking Balmoral to its graveyard.
Super informative, super slick, super job! Well Done.
Lovely video showing how it is. I haven’t considered Fred Olsen, I know Jamie loves them. Micky Zany was on Queen Victoria for New year, he was dire. I’m surprised at Cunard, they normally have good comedians.
Nothing wrong with using the stairs if you are able…..good exercise – I enjoyed Balmoral and walking around her, including lots of stair exercise!
We are die hard Cunarders , usually in grills. We have considered Fred Olsen and your honest review hasn't put me off at all. I love traditional cruising and for a short destination led cruise such as the fjords plus the chance to sail ftom liverpool instead of Southampton I think Fred Olsen sounds great
Were Americans who go WAY out of our way to sail on Fred Olsen. It is perfect for us. The only thing that comes close is Azamara which greatly more expensive. We need to try Ambassador soon, though!
I'm a non-smoker-nothing offends me more! I would never go on a Costa cruise for this reason. I am Cdn. so I am unfamilliar with Fred Olsen.
Balmoral is the new CEO's favourite Olsen ship, so I imagine she could be around for a while. I'm a regular Olsen cruiser (have been since 2011), and really love the line. Except for Mickey Zaney, whose material needs to be pensioned off..
You wouldn't put me off. Best cruise ever on Balmoral. Wonderful and the staff are a credit to the company
Sounds a fabulous small ship. Really homey.
Hahaha…A bloke with champagne tastes and only beer money…Give up while you're ahead..And NO I won't subscribe to your begging methods
Great video. Very honest and believable. Totally refreshing outlook and presentation.
Although I will celebrating my 42nd year working in the cruise industry in 2025 I have never set foot onboard a Fred Olsen vessel. Your coverage and comments wouldn't necessarily put me off though. Although continously having cold food is something that might put me off
I will be following your channel with interest.