I see no ships!

It's been a bit of a long break between ships recently. This in the main is because I had an arthroscopy on my right knee so have been unable  to drive and been at home recuperating. Whether it will put off needing a replacement long I don't know - yet!

The problem however, being at home with only the internet for company on some days is that I started browsing cruise sites - and the inevitable happened of course - I booked a cruise!

This time I am going on Fred Olsen's Braemar. I am not really a fan of Fred Olsen, but having said that my only cruise with them was on Balmoral to the Baltic back in 2010.

Braemar at Lisbon

I had a great time and the food was delicious but I did not take to the ship. This is not at all because she is old - as readers should know I love the classic ships, but somehow I felt Balmoral was a bit depressing. In part this may be because there were a very high percentage of virgin cruisers on board. This was the only cruise where I got dressed for formal night, walked into the public rooms, and went back to the cabin to change as I felt so overdressed! 

Balmoral sun deck

In my opinion, the main lounge - the Morning Light Bar, was very boring and plain, in contrast to the atrium which was all mirror glass. Also, the upper decks were a bit messy and the loungers were the horrible metal-framed ones with plastic tape wrapped round them.  A lot of people I spoke to them said how much they preferred Braemar so I am hoping for better things.

Balmoral atrium

Balmoral atrium

Balmoral Morning Light pub

The main advantage of this new cruise is that it is a three night short break so I don't need any annual leave from work. The clincher was a very good single price, especially for a twin cabin..

Anyway, this cruise drought will (God willing) be broken in four weeks time with Adonia to Portugal, Spain and Morocco so lots to look forward to.