Balmoral – A Christmas Cracker
Having sailed on Black Watch last year I was prepared for good food, friendly staff and drinks that are as cheap as my local pub. What I wasn’t expecting on Balmoral was a bright and airy ship with great feeling of space, a choice of bars and evening entertainment and better still a great nights sleep. Read on for a review of my 3rd Cruise.co.uk Christmas party
We were lucky enough to given a superior outside cabin on Lido deck – nice and spacious, plenty of hanging space and shower into the bath. Only a small bath I would have liked a larger one to soak my weary body in but at least I was able to sit down. Compared to Black Watch the cabins were far superior (although BW has now been refurbished.) I would definatly recommend a higher deck as their was none of the noise I have experienced on lower decks in the past.A quick refresh later and it was off to dinner – the menu had a great choice and most of my colleagues chose the steak, which looked fabulous. I went for the angel hair pasta in a ragout sauce, which did it’s trick and warmed me up. The main dining room was lovely – good selection of table sizes and plenty of space. The waiting staff were polite and efficient and won me over when I was too full for desert but fancied something sweet so they bought me a selection of chocolates instead. I hadn’t asked for these so it was a very nice touch.
The following morning and it was time to check out Amsterdam – the cruise director sold it to me with ‘it’s minus 3 degrees, blizzard conditions and blowing a gale’ This was the first time snow had fallen in Amsterdam since 1981. I decided I had to take a look but first had a quick look around the ship. She really is a lovely ship, a bright appearance and plenty of space. Lots of people had chosen to stay on board and seemed very content just enjoying a coffee and relaxing. 
Amsterdam itself – was blowing a blizzard, I’ve been 3 times before and have a hectic time at home so decided on the comfy option of the Palms Cafe and coffees with my colleagues for the day instead. There were also plenty of activities on offer – Pilates, a pub quiz and a hair striagtening technique class to name a few. The Pilates carried a £5 charge which I thought was cheeky though.
Sunday night came and it was Gala Night. A cocktail with the captain was enjoyed and then time for the annual Cruise.co.uk christmas photo. This was my 3rd christmas cruise with the company and definately the best yet. Balmoral was a great venue and my collegues are all good fun. It’s hard to fit in 3 days away so close to Christmas but I can’t wait to see where we go next year
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I have worked in the travel industry for over 25 years now since beginning as a holiday rep on a campsite in France and I have a real passion for travel. I've worked in all aspects of the industry including sales, marketing and management and I've specialised in most products…
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“This was the first time snow had fallen in Amsterdam since 1981”. Not completely correct. It was first “white xmas” since 1981, not first snow since 1981