Silver Travel Advisor Alan Fairfax writes his Blog from the deck of Fred Olsen’s Braemar on his Canary Islands cruise in March 2013.
6am, Gatwick Airport. I had forgotten that there was such a time in the day. However this was to be worth it as I was embarking upon a flight to Tenerife to board Fred Olsen’s ship Braemar. Although quickly on board an announcement from the Captain informs us that we will be delayed as we have to wait for the ‘tug’ to arrive to move up backwards from the stand. 30 minutes later however sees us racing along the runway and up into the overcast skies of the UK, Tenerife bound. Scheduled flight time 4 hours.
After an uneventful flight we land at Tenerife South where the sun is shining. As soon as the plane doors are opened you feel the warmth that seems to have eluded us for so long this winter. Cases arrive quite quickly and we make our way out into the brilliant sunshine and board the coach that will take us north to Santa Cruz where Braemar awaits us.
The journey along the coast road is peaceful and people can be seen sunbathing and swimming in the clear blue sea. 40 minutes later we arrive at the port of Santa Cruz and get our first glimpse of Braemar with her white hull and superstructure glistening in the afternoon sunshine. Check in and boarding is very swift and efficient and within minutes I am in cabin 4094 a superior outside that looks very neat and tidy. The woodwork is in a light coloured oak with curtains and bed spreads in tan and white. The dressing table has a large mirror with ornate lights on either side. The hairdryer is the hand held type which I find more preferable to the tube affairs you find on some ships. The cabin is also equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and a flat screen interactive television. Another luxury touch is the lights that come on when you open the wardrobe doors. Plenty of hanging and drawer space and lots of sturdy wooden hangers. The bathroom has the usual shower, toilet and vanity unit and 300 ml containers of hand wash and body wash by Cole and Lewis.
It is now time to sample the food in Palms Café. Considering the number of newly boarded passengers descending on Palms Café the crew do an excellent job at keeping the food trays stocked and clearing tables. The salad with sliced roast beef was excellent and would certainly see me through to dinner time.
Time now to catch up on a few hours sleep that is badly needed.
Nap over, time for a shower and change for dinner. The shower although small is functional and gives a good pressure of hot water. Towels are of good quality and feel soft on the body. Tonight is casual dress being the first night on board.
Next stop is the Observatory Lounge on deck 8 at the front of the ship. From here there are beautiful views of Santa Cruz and the hills behind. The lounge is busy and the air full of chat and laughter. Some of the group are already there and my favourite Gin and Tonic is waiting. Dinner is at 8.15pm in the Grampian Restaurant at the rear of the same deck. This restaurant is very bright with windows on three sides again giving good views of the area. No sooner we are seated, the attentive staff are there with menus and waiting to take drink orders. Our main waiter is Ali. The menu is impressive and caters well for vegetarians. My starter is Grilled Tomato and Gorgonzola Cheese on Toast and very tasty it was too. Followed by Yellow Pea Soup, Pumpkin Salad and a main course of Liver and Onions with Carrots and Mashed Potato. All this washed down with a very palatable fruity white wine. To finish I chose the Rum and Raison Ice Cream. The time passes so very quickly and next time I look at my watch it is gone 10pm. Many people are now making their way to the show lounge and various bars around the ship but for me it is time to return to the cabin and that comfy bed.
Goodnight everyone. See you tomorrow.
Special Offer for Silver Travellers – Save up to 10%
Save up to 10% when you book any holiday with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines – and that’s on top of any current offers.
To book, sign-in as a Silver Travel member to see the code to quote at the bottom of the Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines page, and guidance on how to find your Silver Travel membership number. Find out more.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
