Exclusive Visit to Fred Olsen’s Balmoral at A&P Falmouth

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Fred Olsen’s Balmoral at A&P Falmouth for an exclusive ship visit whilst the ship underwent a refresh. This wasn’t just any tour as I got to walk underneath the ship, see the massive anchor, the stainless steel propellers being installed, and witness the intricate details of the ship’s refurbishment.

Walking Underneath the Ship: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

One of the most unforgettable moments of the visit was the opportunity to walk underneath Balmoral. Standing beneath the ship and seeing the enormous propellers being installed was truly awe-inspiring. The scale of the ship and its components was overwhelming, and it gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in maintaining such a vessel.

Exploring the Ship’s New Features

Inside Balmoral, we were given a guided tour of the new and refreshed areas. The Neptune Lounge stood out with its impressive new screens, hinting at the amazing entertainment experiences to come. We also got a glimpse of the Thistle Restaurant, a buffet in the making, with a fresh and inviting ambiance.

Another addition which we spotted was an upgrade to the photo area. Out with the old printed photo and in with new modern screens.

Uncovering the Secrets Below Deck

One of the most fascinating parts of the tour was exploring areas of the ship that are usually hidden from passengers. A highlight was visiting the control room. A space brimming with monitors, controls, and lots and lots of buttons that ensure Balmoral operates smoothly. It was fascinating to see the heart of the ship in action, where the engineering team oversees every detail, from navigation to power distribution. This behind-the-scenes glimpse offered a rare perspective into the immense coordination and expertise required to keep a cruise ship running efficiently.

Final Impressions

Overall, the visit to Balmoral was a fascinating experience that showcased the ship’s transformation. The combination of classic cruising elements with modern updates promises to offer guests an enhanced experience aboard the ship. We are looking forward to seeing the final results and enjoying the new amenities on a future cruise!

A huge thank you to the Fred. Olsen team for the invite. To find out more check out the Fred Olsen cruises website here