Chris' Mini Cruise on Braemar

In May 2007 Chris, the Assistant Manager of Cumbria Cruises Web Department, enjoyed a four night mini cruise onboard Fred. Olsen's Braemer sailing to St. Peter Port and Amsterdam. He stayed in an SS grade cabin, the Miami Suite:

"My girlfriend, Julie, and I had just returned from a week on board Island Star in the Med when we made our way from Gatwick to Dover to board Braemar.  We had pre-booked car parking at the port and were greeted by friendly and efficient port staff who unloaded our suit cases (which we did not see again until we got to our suite), then we parked the car within the security of the terminal and made our way to check in.  Local pigeons had kindly agreed to keep a close eye on my car!  We’d arrived at 2.30pm and as the Check In desks had only just opened, we were checked and received our Cruise Cards in a matter of minutes.

As we sat in the terminal waiting to board, we watched the wide variety of fellow travellers check in.  Families, couples, groups and singles – all had the same sense of excitement as they waited to board.  Braemar could be seen in the bright sunlight of a May afternoon through the terminal windows, as long as I have worked within travel I have always wanted to cruise on board Braemar – and now after 6 years the time had arrived.

Once we had cleared security and boarded, I realised the wait had been worth it.  This was the 10th cruise ship I had been on, and on first impressions I knew it was going to be the best.  There had always been a niggling thought at the back of my mind about the size of the ship – I thought it was going to be too small.  But how wrong could I be.  We were taken to our suite by a steward.  He opened the door to Miami Suite and the wow factor hit us straight away.  Tastefully decorated in creams, greens and purples - the most beautiful cabin I had ever seen.  We decided not to waste any time and took our complementary bottle of Lanson Champagne onto the balcony to enjoy the sun and view of Dover.

We set sail just after 5pm, and watched the White cliffs disappear into the distance.  After taking far too many photographs we thought it best to unpack before heading for an early dinner.  Upon getting back to our suite, we found canapés and fruit juice waiting for us.

After getting changed we headed down to the Thistle Restaurant, for our evening meal … absolutely fantastic !

We then headed for the Neptune Lounge for the first of our 4 nights of entertainment, although only a small troop on 7, the entertainment was great – this first night we were treated to a 60’s themed song and dance routine.  After a quick visit to the Coral Club, we headed up to the Palm Café for the Midnight Buffet (well, we are on a cruise!)

The following morning saw us in Sunny St Peter Port, Guernsey.  Although we were only here a year earlier (on board Legend of the Seas), we easily passed the morning ashore.  The tender ride back to ship was interesting to say the least – we appeared to be in the middle of a local high speed boat race – the overtaking speed boats created ‘slight’ movement to the tender, and most were glad to step back on board Braemar.

Braemar was delayed departing from St Peter Port due to the race.  Not that this bothered anyone, as we were all keen to make sure the unlucky soul of an upturned speed boat was safe and sound.

The afternoon and following morning’s sail to Amsterdam was an excellent time to fully explore the ship and use its many amenities.  Although Braemar is a smaller ship, there is still plenty to do.  Plus the added bonus of winning £65 at bingo made for a happy day!

I must add what a great experience it is sailing into Amsterdam.  You have to go through a lock and then sail up the canal for an hour or so before arriving at Amsterdam Cruise Terminal.

Braemar stayed in port overnight at Amsterdam, and this was the evening of our Formal Night.  We attended the Captains Champagne reception held in the Neptune Lounge, before another fabulous meal in the Thistle Restaurant.  There was time for a show (the resident comedian) a drink and dance in the Skylark Club, and just enough time to catch the Midnight Buffet (like I said, we are on a cruise!)

The following morning we took a look round Amsterdam, unfortunately this was cut short due to the rain, so we were back on board at around 1pm.  We set sail from Amsterdam just after 4pm and headed back down the Canal, through the lock, then out into the open seas towards Dover.

We enjoyed our Fred.Olsen cruise that much; we have booked a 10 night cruise on board Boudicca in November."

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