Fred Olsen Cruise Lines – Braemar
30th August 2010 – 6th September
Escorted by Sarah Vince – Travelux
We were approached in 2009 to co-ordinate a group on the M1021 cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. Following an earlier group mini cruise from Dover the members were keen to travel again with the added assistance of a Travelux Escort.
Over the following months the size of the group increased to nearly 50 and was also supplemented by Travelux clients who had chosen this cruise and were subsequently invited to join the group for dining, tours and transfers where available.
Fred Olsen Cruises offer excellent packages for groups and we elected to offer the clients return coach transfers from local pick up points, a drinks party on board, £50 per cabin on board credit and an escort from Travelux. As I had been co-ordinating the most part of the administration involved with a group of this size and had been communicating with the group leader it was decided I would travel, with my Mum along for company.
In the days leading up to departure half an eye was kept on the weather reports as earlier departures to Norway had suffered at the hands of the elements. Fortunately the day arrived bright and breezy and we had fantastic blue skies and sunshine throughout which showed the Norwegian Fjords off in the most favourable light.
An executive coach collected our clients in a straight forward route from Cranbrook, via Tenterden and on to Dover. Our luggage was swiftly taken from us and we checked in at Cruise Terminal 1. One end of this old marine railway terminal has been converted into an excellent departure lounge and sets a great tone for the holiday mood – particularly when the sun is shining. Within the hour, all of our group had made their way through security to embark the vessel and settle in their cabins.
My cabin mate
Following the mandatory lifeboat drill we set sail out of Dover and those on First sitting (18.15) made their way to dinner. Our group were equally divided between first and second sitting and with the assistance of the groups department and the Maitre d’ we had requested specific tables together in the Thistle restaurant – the Grampian restaurant lends itself better to couples with fewer large tables for groups.
It is worth noting that if you are part of a close group of friends you are wise to agree on a single sitting for dinner as you may start to feel like ships that pass in the night. It can be difficult to catch up with each other until all the shows and dining are completed.
After a good nights sleep we woke up heading North in the North Sea. There was still a slight breeze but as the ship is fully stabilized there was not too much motion. We had pre booked our drinks party for 11.30am in the Skylark club. An opportunity for the whole group to come together and socialise and make plans for the week. Unfortunately as the daily schedule is not made available in advance some of our group missed the party as it clashed with the port lectures. A note is made to try and coordinate this better next time!
Our first scheduled stop was in the charming city of Bergen. As I had been here previously I made the recommendation that if clients were making their own way into the port they should head for the funicular railway first. Particularly as P&O Arcadia was in port on the same day. Taking heed of my own advice we were there before 09.30 and boarded almost immediately. On our return to the bottom of the mountain within the hour the queue was already out of the door. When travelling as a group you always have the opportunity to have someone to travel around with even if you are a single traveller – however Fred Olsen do offer a meeting point each day for single travellers to meet up with other like minded souls.
Meeting the locals – Bergen
As a group escort I was keen that my clients should always be able to contact me, they had my cabin number and mobile number and I had 4 sessions in the Braemar room when my clients could drop by and see me. It soon became apparent that everyone was enjoying themselves too much as I never saw anyone at these times – but I regularly saw them around the ship and checked up on those I had not managed to bump into.
Our next port of call was Olden – deep in the fjords which makes for very smooth sailing. When we woke up, as always we peeked out of our twin portholes and saw ……absolutely nothing! The fjord was ensconced in thick mist but as the morning developed all of a sudden the tops of mountains appeared against the blue sky, the valley warmed and the stunning scenery unveiled itself.
The mist has lifted
Guests who took the first trip of the day, a cruise on Olden Lake said that even though their view was limited the eerie atmosphere made the trip even more memorable. As it was such a beautiful day the cruise director and team threw a sailaway party on the rear decks with punch and live music for everyone.
Olden
Olden Church
Breamar in port
Our arrival to Flam was highly anticipated as our group had booked on the Norway in a Nutshell excursion which takes in the famous Flam Railway with an additional rail journey on to Voss (on the Bergen-Oslo mainline) and then a return coach tour taking in the very best scenery Norway can offer. I had liaised with the Tours Desk on board who had reserved a coach of our own but sadly despite several requests we could not get seats together reserved on the train. As we were the last to be called from the lounge it meant we were spread out through the train which was a disappointment for some. It also kept me on my toes so as not to lose anyone. Our entire group were issued with green lanyards to wear when embarking at Dover and also on this tour which proved invaluable to a guide who could not possibly learn everyone’s faces in the first hour! Our group also had reserved seating together for the superb lunch in Voss and although this is a long day it is always the highlight in any Fjord itinerary.
‘The’ view of Norway
Tvinde Waterfall
Leaving Flam behind
Passing Balmoral at sunset
Our final destination was Stavanger where we took the opportunity to try another tour. In hindsight I had not realised that we would only have the afternoon at this port and we felt we would have enjoyed more of the port itself if we had have done our own thing. On our return from the tour we headed straight for afternoon tea as tonight we would be on late sitting for a change as we had the great honour of being invited to dine on the captains table! It was formal night so time to get the posh frocks on!
Our last day at sea gave us all an opportunity to rest, shop and sadly, pack. The last evening is always fairly casual and we took the opportunity to get everyone together again for drinks. We also had a birthday to celebrate, one of 3 in my group this week. It was also time to say thank you and bid farewell to the excellent staff that had been looking after us all week. The Maitre d’ and his team, the gorgeous waiters, the spa staff, the tours team and the extremely helpful people on Reception – who always seem to be duty and also the Cruise Director and his crew who also always seem to be working.
Western night with the waiters
On disembarkation at Dover we were met again by our executive coach and the porters swiftly despatched our luggage from the area where it had all been grouped together – thanks to Travelux labels and luggage straps given to each guest with our compliments.
Cruising with a group of friends is a great way to travel as you are free to spend as much or as little time together, with known faces, as you wish. I love to have the challenge of coordinating (and escorting!) a large group and will be happy to offer any advice about group travel for those wishing to do so in the future. You may even wish to invite me along to look after you! – I would be more than happy to!
For more information on sailing on Braemar please refer to Bridgit’s blog posted 23/9