Berkshire Lass

This is Fred Olsen Board. Have a nice day.:cool:

I totally agree with the comments about the cane furniture on the top sun deck. Whilst it is very nice furniture, many people sprawl over using the sofas as day beds and limiting the seating space. When I was on Braemar in October it was impossible to find a seat most times because of the sprawlers. This was very apparent when lunch was being served there, almost impossible to find a seat in the shade. Yes, the sunbeds are too close together now and impossible to use unless you are very athletic. There are probably too many sunbeds anyway so it may be better to take some away. Whilst I am sure the ship's personnel don't want to tell people off about laying on the sofas I think a few signs requesting that people don't use them as day beds might help. I found these two things spoiled my outside time whilst on the ship and many people were grumbling about this too. Whilst I usually pick a ship because of the itinery I would now think twice about Braemar. I also think that the sailaways do not seem to work so well on deck 8, can't put my finger on why, but there were definitely less people getting up to dance.

Have you thought of the Eavesway coach service from Liverpool to Dover?

I have always been able to ask the bar for a glass of water on all Olsen ships and not been charged for it whether I have been on AI or not. Just ask for ordinary water the same as you would in any bar or hotel at home. They usually put a slice of lemon in it as well.

Can get some vibration but OK as long as not too near the back end. Very handy when coming back onboard from port days - no queues at lifts - straight to your own cabin facilities!

I agree with the comments above, but I wonder if it was to stop first sitting guest 'hanging on' in the show lounge (which many did) and I have spoken to some who deliberately watch the show twice. I wonder what you are supposed to do after late sitting dinner? I trust there will be some form of entertainment and not just 'early to bed'.

Of course, not forgetting that at breakfast on Formal Night days, they supply sparkling wine at breakfast too. Never really managed it myself but lots of people do with orange juice - you could try it with your tomato for a change. Have a great time.

They are drinkable. Not the best but most certainly not the worst.

Surprised nobody has mentioned the Orchid Room while talking about Black Watch dining facilities. We were on a trip a couple of years ago and the other people at our table (who were quite large) thought the MDR under the windows was too crowded and

asked if we would be interested to transfer to the Orchid room as they had asked the Matre 'D. Very nice area just off the MDR. The last time I was on board it was still there.

I have sailed in 3086 - nice layout L shaped bed arrangement and extra drawers. Seemed quiet enough - useful for launderette and that last minute ironing. Doctor handy too"! As to the remarks about Port days - we found it excellent - whilst everyone is waiting for the lift or cramming the stairs when returning from a day out we waltzed off down the corridor to our cabin to take off the shoes and make a cup of tea. Noisiest we ever had was on deck 9 opposite the small launderette there - lots of movement as at the back of the ship too.