Fred Olsen compared to Princess?

[csss]

Can anyone answer these questions for me? We are considering a world cruise, and the Balmoral has an interesting itinerary for 2011. We have done Princess, RCL, Carnival and Costa, so are interested in knowing the differences. Does anyone know how expensive the internet packages are? Are there any additional charges for dining? Are you allowed to bring soft drinks onboard? Can you bring an occasional bottle of wine from a port? What television stations are broadcast in the cabins? Are the passengers on the world cruises primarily from the UK? What is the range of entertainment, for example on Princess there will be entertainers from all over, comedians, singers, etc. Are they primarily UK? What is the recommendation for tips?

Thanks to anyone who can help with all these questions!!!

Carole

[Parsman]

I have been on various sectors of world cruises on Fred. Olsen's "Black Watch" and "Balmoral". I cannot compare it with other lines but I can give some other information. Most passengers are British but this year on "Balmoral" there were Dutch, German, Belgian, South African, Indian, American and Norwegian passengers too. I have always found that the long distance travellers are excellent travelling companions. Yes, you can take soft drinks on board. No, you can't take wine on the ship. Bar prices are very similar to those in pubs in the UK. There are some reasonable bottle of wine for less than £15.
I hope you go ahead and have a great cruise.