This was our 3rd cruise on the Braemar and so we had high hopes for a pleasant and enjoyable cruise.
However we did have a couple of problems starting with the miserable flight out from Manchester to Barbados with Monarch Airlines.
Even though we paid for the Premium seating the aircraft is obviously old with no modern video screens etc (these are individually provided to premium passengers as a separate unit). desperatly need newer aircraft.
Two of the toilets packed up within 5 minutes of taking off causing long queues throughout the flight.
If I did a fly/cruise with Fred Olsen again, I would make my own travel arrangements as the so called Premium is not the same standard as other airlines by a long way.
As for the ship it was fine but starting to look tired and in need of a refit.
One of the ports of call was changed at short notice which prevented a tour we were looking forward to.
The 2 Jacuzzis onboard were closed down for 5 days supposedly for maintenance, and I was sick for 3 days with tummy trouble. Plus it cost me £117 to consult the doctor! as did over 100 other passengers which caused us to disembark early for major cleaning to be carried out.
So after 2 previously happy cruises, this one was not so good and we had intended to book another whilst inboard but decided against it and are now considering other options.
After complaining to fred olsen on our return we have just heard that as a \'one off\'\' they l they will refund £85 medical charges, as we paid around £6500 for the cruise and similar for the previous 2 cruises each we will not be using the Braemar again.
