Midwest Adventures: Sights, Sounds of McHenry
Enjoy Smaller Cruises Without All The Glitz
By JONATHAN SISKIN Special to the Journal & Topics Newspapers
While mammoth megaships with glitzy interiors and multiple WOW factors continue to dominate the cruise industry, I prefer sailing aboard smaller ships that exude a low key, pizzazz- free atmosphere.
I recently experienced an attractive alternative to the big-ship experience on a Caribbean cruise aboard the 24,000-ton, eight-deck Braemar. Like the four other ships that make up the fleet of Fred Olsen Cruises, this mid-sized "no-neon" vessel with a maximum capacity of 987 guests eschews bells and whistles in favor of a traditional, intimate ambience similar to a British country estate. Guests are primarily British couples aged 60+ plus a contingent of single travelers (38 cabins are designed exclusively for singles) with few families aboard (except during holidays).
With an interior bathed in natural light streaming in through a glass-walled atrium, the Lounge Deck (5) embodies the essence of classic cruise ship design. Several of the Braemar's public areas are located on this deck including its two main performance halls along with boutiques, a photo gallery and library. My favorite place to kick back, relax and people watch was the Observatory on Marquee Deck (8) which offered spectacular panoramic views of sea and sky through floor to ceiling windows. The Observatory came alive in the early evening when guests would gather here for pre-dinner drinks.
Of all the programs on the daily agenda, I especially recommend the classical concerts and talks by guest lecturers on history, culture and the arts. Several activities have a British flavor such as quoits, darts and carpet bowls plus the ever-popular afternoon tea. There are also various fun and games similar to what you find on U.S. ships including bingo, bridge, line dancing, trivia contests, and ice carving plus an exercise room and spa with a full treatment menu. The ship's nightlife revolved around the Neptune Lounge and Coral Club which hosted Broadway-style variety and cabaret shows as well as performances by vocalists and comedians. Following the show I would occasionally stop off at the Skylark Lounge, a magnet for night owls who flock here for karaoke and disco dancing. Accommodations range from top of the line 300 sq. ft. superior suites and 225 sq. ft. balcony suites to 130 sq. ft. inside cabins. Size and price increase as you go higher on the ship with the 16 superior and 26 balcony suites concentrated on Bridge (7) and Marquee (8) decks. Suite amenities include a separate sitting area, bathroom with shower/tub as well as mini-bar and CD/DVD players. The majority of guests stay in standard twin outside cabins measuring 140 sq. ft. spread among the Atlantic (3), Main (4) and Lido (6) decks. My cabin on Atlantic deck was illumined by two large porthole windows (book the higher category superior twin outside cabins have picture windows) and furnished with twin beds, sofa, desk, bathroom /shower, television and safe.
While Americans prefer an informal dress code, the Brits still like to dress up for dinner, which is why formal nights are held once a week on every cruise. Five course feasts are served in the Thistle and Grampian restaurants which maintain a traditional assigned seating policy. Those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere can dine at the Palms Cafe with indoor and outdoor open seating that serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner.
During the cruise I had the opportunity to speak with Captain Arild Ueland and hotel manager Hans Van Welzen concerning the Braemar's unique appeal. Having previously served as a captain with Royal Caribbean, Captain Ueland explained that "the onboard atmosphere on the Braemar and other Fred Olsen ships is far more conducive to meeting fellow guests than on the big ships." He also noted that since joining Fred Olsen in 2005 he has become acquainted with many first time and repeat guests (an average of 35% of guests per cruise are repeaters) whom he greets on a first name bases. "Not only does the Braemar's compact size encourage camraderie between crew and guests, but it also enables the ship to dock at ports inaccessible to the megaships," he said. Hotel Manager Van Velzen attributed the ship's popularity with passengers to the loyalty of crewmembers who have worked on the Braemar for many years. "Our low turnover rate keeps morale high and translates into a happy, contented crew that goes out of its way to accommodate guests' individual needs and special requests."
While 95%+ of guests on a typical Braemar cruise are from the U.K., Fred Olsen has stepped up its efforts to attract more Americans. Sales are expected to increase as agents familiarize themselves with the ship and its itineraries and determine which clients would find this type of cruise especially appealing. I would especially recommend this ship to Anglophiles who prefer longer itineraries as most Braemar cruises are 14 days. The Braemar is currently homeporting in Barbados from where it is sailing on two week Caribbean cruises through early May. The ship will then reposition to the U.K. (Dover) from where it will cruise through October on two-week itineraries to the Western Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Baltic and Norway.
Cost-conscious clients can take advantage of discounts of 30%-55% off brochure rates on select spring and summer cruises on the Braemar. Onboard spending credits are also available on some departures. For the latest information including 2009 departure dates and itineraries for all Fred Olsen ships contact: www.fredolsencruises.co.uk
BRAEMAR'S NEW LOOK
Originally bearing the name Crown Dynasty when it set sail in 1993 as a member of the fleet of Crown Cruise Line, it was renamed the Braemar after being acquired by Fred Olsen in 2001. The ship now sports an expanded, more spacious interior and exterior following a major multi-million dollar upgrade completed in July 2008 during which its mid-section has been stretched 335 feet making space for 80 new cabins and suites plus an enlarged pool deck. It also contains several new public spaces including an Internet center and library plus new card and game rooms and an arts and crafts room.