France, Spain & Italy from Marseille

Date: 26 Aug 2022
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Costa Firenze
Line: Costa 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: 26 Aug 2022
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Costa Firenze
Line: Costa Cruises
£959 OUTSIDE
£1,037 BALCONY
£4,993 SUITE
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Ship: Carnival Glory
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£486 OUTSIDE
£655 BALCONY
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£2,079 OUTSIDE
£2,649 BALCONY
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Line: MSC Cruises
£1,785 OUTSIDE
£1,937 BALCONY
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Line: Royal Caribbean
£1,149 OUTSIDE
£1,699 BALCONY
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Duration: 10 nights
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Line: Princess Cruises
£1,343 OUTSIDE
£1,597 SUITE
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Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Star Flyer
Line: Star Clippers
£3,305 OUTSIDE
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Duration: 5 nights
Ship: Braemar
Line: Fred Olsen Cruises
£776 OUTSIDE
£1,261 BALCONY
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Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Carnival Glory
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£1,999 OUTSIDE
£2,149 BALCONY
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Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Seabourn Ovation
Line: Seabourn
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Duration: 7 nights
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Line: MSC Cruises
£1,124 OUTSIDE
£1,366 BALCONY
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Duration: 15 nights
Ship: Quest
Line: Azamara Club Cruises
£2,999 OUTSIDE
£3,539 BALCONY
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Duration: 11 nights
Ship: AmaDara
Line: AmaWaterways
£3,000 RIVERSUITE
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Duration: 7 nights
Ship: MSC Grandiosa
Line: MSC Cruises
£726 OUTSIDE
£872 BALCONY
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Duration: 15 nights
Ship: MSC World Europa
Line: MSC Cruises
£998 OUTSIDE
£1,312 BALCONY
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Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Pride of America
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£2,027 OUTSIDE
£2,473 BALCONY
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Duration: 9 nights
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Line: Virgin Voyages
£1,549 OUTSIDE
£1,729 BALCONY
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Duration: 31 nights
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Line: Princess Cruises
£4,649 BALCONY
£6,679 SUITE
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Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£1,329 BALCONY
£2,499 SUITE