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Before You Cruise Dining...... 7 Dress Suit Hire...... 12 Dietary Requirements...... 9 Embarkation...... 13 Disabled Passenger 10 Check-in procedures...... 14 Assistance...... Transport to and Dress Code...... 11 from your cruise...... 13 Duty Free...... 12 Immigration...... 21 First Cruise...... 16 Insurance...... 21 Fitness Centre...... 17 Luggage Allowance...... 23 Fly/Cruising...... 18 Passports...... 27 FOi - Fred.Olsen Interactive TV...... 18 Tickets/documentation...... 33 Golf...... 18 Vaccinations...... 33 Gratuities...... 19 Visas...... 33 International Coordinator....19 Returning Home Internet Room...... 20 Laundry Services...... 21 “All you need to Disembarkation...... 9 Library...... 22 Duty Free...... 12 Medical Centre...... 24 know in preparation Lost Property...... 22 Nautical Terms...... 25 Oceans Club...... 26 Life On Board for your cruise.” Phoning Home...... 27 Accounts...... 3 Photographs/DVDs...... 28 Air Conditioning...... 3 Port Talks/Lecturers...... 28 ArtsClub...... 4 Post/Postcards...... 29 Beauty Salon...... 4 Safety Deposit Boxes...... 29 Beds & Bedding...... 5 Sea.tv...... 29 Bureau de Change...... 5 Shopping On Board...... 29 Cabins...... 5 Shore Excursions/ Cabin Service...... 6 Going Ashore...... 30 Card Room...... 6 Single Travellers...... 31 Casino...... 6 Smoking Policy...... 31 Children’s Facilities...... 6 Special Occasions...... 32 Church Services...... 7 Swimming Pools...... 32 Cocktail Parties...... 7 Tenders...... 33 Daily Times...... 7 Voltage On Board...... 34 Dancing...... 7 Wine...... 34

Version 8. All prices quoted in this Guide are correct at time of going to print. – October 2008

1 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 2 Accounts ArtsClub For your convenience a credit system is operated for all on board To further enhance your enjoyment of your holiday at sea, a services, except for foreign currency exchange and ‘games special collection of themed cruises has been designed with of chance’. When a chargeable service is provided, you will your interests in mind. Themes including (but not limited to) be required to present your account card and sign a cashpoint Music, Dance, Painting, Antiques, Wine Appreciation, receipt, retaining one copy for your reference. Wildlife, Photography, and Gardens have been arranged on specially selected cruise departures. To find out Your account is open from the time you embark the vessel if your cruise features one of these themes, or for further with your swipe card, which is issued at check-in and which details, contact our Reservations Department on 01473 742424. acts as your on board account card. To avoid any necessity to Visit our website www.fredolsencruises.co.uk, or order a copy queue in order to settle your account at cruise end, you will be of the ArtsClub brochure. requested to present your credit card at Reception early in the cruise so that a swipe can be taken. You can check the balance of your account at any stage in the cruise and it will then be Beauty Salon automatically debited after disembarkation. On Balmoral and All our vessels have fully equipped beauty salons - Atlantis Braemar you can view your account on FOi (Interactive TV) by Health & Beauty at Sea - which is perfect for pampering and visiting ‘Account Review’ from the main menu. special treats. They offer a wide range of services including hairdressing, manicures, massage and spa treatments. The following credit cards are accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa. We also accept As our Spa and Salons are always in demand be sure to avoid Visa debit cards but regret we are unable to accept; Maestro, disappointment and secure your preferred appointment times by Solo, Electron or travel agents debit cards on board. Neither can pre-booking your hair and beauty appointments before you sail. we accept travellers cheque cards. Simply call 02380 228396 between 9am -5pm weekdays and your confirmation will be awaiting you in your cabin on arrival. For security we strongly advise travellers cheques as the safest form of currency. These can be cashed with no limits. On Balmoral and Braemar, information on the available You may also cash personal cheques to the value of your cheque treatments can be viewed on FOi (Interactive TV) by visiting guarantee card - the number of occasions will be dependent upon ‘General Information’ from the main menu and selecting cruise duration. ‘Atlantis Spa and Fitness Centre’.

The currency used on board is Sterling, which must be the Passport to Wellbeing is the Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines fitness currency used to settle your on board account if paying in cash. and well-being programme, designed to cater for all ages We also carry currencies for most of the ports of call we visit – and all levels of ability. Encompassing elements of exercise, please see Bureau de Change for more details. wellbeing and lifestyle, the Passport to Wellbeing programme takes place all around the ship. On deck, on the stairs, in the Air-conditioning restaurants, in the spa and in the fitness centre. The Daily Times highlights all of the Passport To Wellbeing activities and All cabins are fully air conditioned, as are all public areas. your coordinator will be on hand to assist you in personalizing You will find a temperature control gauge in your cabin, which your own programme. Your Passport to Wellbeing programme will allow you to adjust the air temperature to your comfort. even rewards you for participating at any level. Simply complete a task, get a stamp and then take advantage of the discounts you win once you have completed a number of Passport to Wellbeing activities.

3 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 4 Beds & Bedding pool. We kindly ask you not to take towels from the ship ashore, so please pack your own for taking to the beach. On all our ships your beds will be made up for you by your cabin stewardess whilst you are enjoying your evening meal. Bedding configurations vary across the fleet, so please check Cabin Service your confirmation invoice for details. Many cabins on Braemar, All our vessels offer complimentary cabin service for breakfast Boudicca and Balmoral can be configured as either a twin or and light snacks, times and availability of each will be detailed double, and this will be detailed on your confirmation invoice in your Welcome Pack on board. All cabins on all ships have where applicable. If you would like the conversion from twin complimentary tea/coffee facilities, excluding Black Prince, to double please advise your agent or our Administration which offers a 24 hour tea/coffee service via room service. Department on 01473 292444. On Balmoral and Braemar you can order breakfast on FOi (Interactive TV) by visiting ‘Breakfast Service’ from the main Bureau de Change menu, or by calling room service. All our vessels operate a bureau de change facility on board, where foreign currency can be purchased or sold. This facility is Card Room located at the Reception Desk. All major currencies are stocked based upon the itinerary of the cruise, with no commission A designated card room is available on board each ship and charged and with rates comparable to high street banks or Bridge tuition is offered on many Black Watch cruises by bureau de change. You may purchase foreign currency with qualified instructors. Licensed by the EBU, selected cruises travellers cheques or cash. Alternatively, you may use your have competitive sessions and points play on days at sea. credit card to buy Sterling to then purchase foreign currency for which a charge of 3.5% will be applied. (Please note that owing Casino to local restrictions some currencies cannot be carried). There is a small gaming area on all our vessels where you can try your hand at Blackjack and Roulette. Please note that games Cabins of chance may not be charged back to your cabin account. From the moment you step on board our staff will be waiting to welcome you and direct you to your cabin. Your cabin door is Children’s Facilities opened either by the use of your security swipe card or by the Black Watch and Boudicca have a Games Room which is use of a key that will be found just within your open cabin door. normally set up for Table Tennis, but is adapted to a Children’s A Welcome Pack of useful on board information, and a handy Playroom on cruises falling within the main school holiday ship guide, will be in your cabin on arrival. periods. Balmoral has an Arts and Crafts Room that again will All cabins are provided with complimentary stationery. Each be converted to a Children’s facility during the main school cabin is also equipped with a hair dryer, television and on all holidays. Braemar has a dedicated childrens playroom. vessels, with the exception of the Black Prince, a telephone. Please note that facilities are not supervised unless we have In addition, with the exception of Junior Suites on Black children’s hosts on board, as specified in the main brochure. Watch, all suited accommodation feature a fridge and Please note that there are no dedicated child facilities on entertainment system. Black Prince. Your cabin stewardess will keep your cabin in immaculate Babysitting condition, replacing any towels and linen as and when required. Separate towels will be provided for use around the swimming We regret that we are not able to offer any babysitting service.

5 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 6 Church Services your cabin, which will advise you of your table number and dining time. This will be your allocated table for the duration After breakfast on Sundays at sea a Christian service with of the cruise. prayers and readings will be held, led by the Cruise Director. During Christmas and Easter cruises there will be a Chaplain The main restaurants are: on board who will lead multi-denominational services. Black Watch Glentanar Restaurant Boudicca Four Seasons and Tintagel Restaurants Cocktail Parties Braemar Thistle and Grampian Restaurants All passengers will be invited to the Welcome Cocktail Party Black Prince Royal Garter and Fleur de Lys hosted by the Captain. This party will enable you to meet our The Royal Garter is the larger of the 2 staff on board and help you to get to know your fellow guests. restaurants and has a lively atmosphere, A Farewell Party is also held on the penultimate night. Various whereas the Fleur de Lys is smaller, with other cocktail parties may be held throughout the duration of a more intimate atmosphere. The menu and service are identical. the cruise, for example for members of our Oceans Club. Balmoral Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey Restaurants. In addition you may wish to host your own private party at a Ballindalloch is the main restaurant on named venue of your choice on board. Personalised invitations Deck 6, whilst the Avon and Spey are more can be delivered to your guests’ cabins on request. intimate restaurants on Deck 10. Menu and service are identical.

Daily Times Mealtimes are as flexible as possible – after all you are on Each evening a Daily Times newsletter will be placed in your holiday. Breakfast is normally served between 7.15 and cabin, detailing events and timings for the following day. 10.00am and lunch between 12.00 and 2.00pm in the main This will include time zone changes and dress code guidelines. restaurants. A buffet breakfast and lunch will also be served in the Balblom Restaurant on Black Prince, Palms Cafe on both Braemar and Balmoral, and weather permitting, in the Poolside Dancing Cafe and Marquee Pool Bar on Black Watch. There will be plenty of opportunity to practise and show your dancing skills on board. From ballroom to line dancing ‘Open Sitting’ evening dining is offered as an informal option and dancing the night away in the disco, there is the variety to in the Garden Cafe on Black Watch, The Secret Garden suit all tastes and skills. Dance classes are often held throughout on Boudicca, and in the Palms Cafe on both Braemar and the cruise, details of which will be advertised in the Daily Balmoral. These informal restaurants operate on a self service Times. Dance hosts are on board all cruises to make sure single basis, but a bar service is available. passengers are never too long without a dance partner. Check your Daily Times for opening hours. Please note that all restaurants on board operate a no smoking policy. Dining *Choice of sitting may not be available on certain fare types. The Maitre d’ on board allocates your dining table arrangements. You can request first sitting (6.30pm) or second sitting (8.30pm) at time of booking or by contacting our Administration Department on 01473 292444*. When you arrive on board you will find a Restaurant Seating Card in

7 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 8 Dietary Requirements your original baggage tags are still affixed to your belongings. Please ensure you take only your belongings. Passengers who We will happily provide fat-free, vegetarian and gluten-free take luggage belonging to fellow passengers will have to pay meals. All we ask is that you give us 3 to 4 weeks notice for any charges incurred in returning luggage to its rightful owner. special requests which will enable us to prepare an appropriate menu and give you the best possible service. If you have any Full disembarkation procedures will be placed in all cabins, special dietary requests please contact our Administration and for operational reasons may differ slightly from the above. Department on 01473 292444 with your details and we will do our best to accommodate your request where possible. We also Disabled Passenger Assistance recommend you meet with the Maitre D’ or Executive Chef on first boarding, to discuss any special requests. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines warmly welcomes any passengers, dependent on the use of wheelchairs for mobility, to all of our vessels. We do however request that they are always Disembarkation accompanied by an able-bodied companion. A limited number Within your ticket pack you will find a disembarkation of cabins on each ship have been modified to facilitate more questionnaire which we ask you to complete in advance of comfortable occupation for such passengers. We respectfully sailing and hand to our check-in staff which will enable the require wheelchair users to bring their own wheelchair. Reception Manager to identify any passengers with onward The number of wheelchairs we can permit on each ship is travel connections necessitating priority disembarkation. limited by our Safety Classification Society, as individual crew You will then be issued with a colour-coded disembarkation members are assigned to each cabin occupied by a wheelchair card. On the last evening of your cruise please ensure that user, who would be called upon to provide the required your luggage is placed outside your cabin door prior to assistance in the unlikely event of an emergency at sea. midnight, as our staff will need to ready all baggage to be taken ashore. Please remember to pack an overnight bag as you will These are set as follows: need suitable clothing and personal effects for the actual day MS Braemar Permits 5 wheelchairs and has 4 cabins of disembarkation. modified for wheelchair use. On arrival into port the vessel has to be cleared by Customs and MS Black Prince Permits 4 wheelchairs and has 2 cabins Immigration Officials before disembarkation can commence. modified for wheelchair use. This enables you to have a leisurely breakfast, vacate your cabin, and take a comfortable seat in one of the public lounges MS Black Watch Permits 6 wheelchairs and has 4 cabins before being called forward according to your colour coded modified for wheelchair use. disembarkation card. MS Boudicca Permits 6 wheelchairs and has 4 cabins In general, disembarkation commences at 0800hrs, but please modified for wheelchair use. allow up to 2 hours for the entire ship to be cleared. Please plan MS Balmoral Permits 12 wheelchairs and has 9 cabins your onward journey accordingly. modified for wheelchair use. Assistance will be given to those passengers with wheelchairs. Other passengers who prefer to use a wheelchair to assist Once leaving the vessel please ensure you collect all your them in covering significant distances ashore will therefore be luggage from the baggage reclaim area before continuing your restricted from using their wheelchair when the vessel is at sea. onward journey. As baggage is arranged in the reclaim area Additionally, the number of wheelchairs we can accept for use according to deck colour it is very important to ensure that ashore only, is also capacity controlled.

9 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 10 Motorised wheelchairs/scooters will only be accepted on Black Informal nights – Men will be comfortable in a lounge suit or Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Balmoral when occupying an jacket and/or tie. For ladies, anything ranging from tailored adapted cabin. On health and safety grounds, chairs weighing trousers to a dress, will be appropriate. in excess of 25kg cannot be carried ashore at any ports of call, Elegant casual (Caribbean season) – Stylish leisure wear is other than the start/end point of the cruise. We regret we cannot ideal. Open neck shirts with collars please, for the men; whilst accept motorised wheelchairs/scooters for use on board Black casual separates or a summer dress will be fine for the ladies. Prince. Casual nights – On the first and last nights of the cruise Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that assistance by qualified we relax the rules – although still no shorts or vests in the persons will be available at other ports of call and unless restaurant please! able to board a vehicle unassisted it will not be possible for wheelchair users to participate in organised shore tours. Owing As a guideline there are normally three formal nights on a two to the nature of ship to shore tender services, which are utilised week cruise, with the remaining nights split between informal at certain ports when at anchor, we regret that it will not be and casual. However in the hot temperatures of the Caribbean possible to convey any passengers ashore who require more the guidelines are relaxed to three formal nights with the rest as than minimal assistance to board the tender. Safety of our elegant casual nights. passengers is always of tantamount importance. There will also be various theme nights such as ‘Tropical Fly/cruises - it is important for wheelchair users to advise us Evening’, ‘Country and Western’, and ‘British Night’, which immediately as to whether they are unable to climb aircraft you may wish to join in. Dress code guidelines are mentioned steps, so that we can ensure suitable airport assistance is in the ship’s Daily Times so you can anticipate the tone of the available. next evening to come. The number of formal, informal and casual nights for your particular cruise will be advised in your Dress Code ticket pack. To help you decide what to pack we have put together the Dress Suit Hire following simple guidelines: For many, hiring or packing a dress suit can be a hassle. But there During the Day is a simple solution. Floating Formals allows you to hire suits, Daytime dress is casual. Casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are which you can pre-book at home by telephone on 0208 518 4171. ideal, although we do ask you to adhere to appropriate dress codes When you arrive on board your suit will be pressed and waiting in the main restaurants. For going ashore and walking on deck, for you in your cabin. When the cruise is over, you just leave the flat, comfortable shoes are a must. We would also recommend that garment on board to be collected again from your cabin. Orders you take a lightweight jacket or fleece for the evenings. can be placed up to 72 hours before sailing and the service is limited to cruises departing and returning to Dover, Portsmouth Don’t forget your sun cream, hats and sunglasses, as the power and Southampton. of the sun is magnified at sea.

During the evening there are: Duty Free Formal nights – For ladies, this is the opportunity to wear a Passengers should kindly note that due to company policy, only cocktail or evening dress. For gentlemen, dinner jacket or alcohol purchased on our vessels may be consumed on board. tuxedos – if you do not have a dinner jacket you may wish to Any alcohol brought from ashore will be placed in safe keeping hire one (please see Dress Suit Hire). Alternatively, a dark by the ship’s security officers and returned at the end of the suit and tie is acceptable. cruise. However, you may purchase cigarettes, tobacco and

11 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 12 alcohol on board to enjoy in your cabin or to take home via Working with National Express we offer an exceptional our tax-free Cabin Shopping Service (which gives you travel deal from any of the 1000+ pick up points on the excellent savings on shoreside prices). See Shopping On Board nationwide network. These connect with a dedicated service for more details. to and from London Victoria, direct to and from the cruise terminal, operating only on our departure and arrival dates. When returning from EU countries there is no limit to the (Dover, Portsmouth and Southampton departures/arrivals only) amount of goods you can bring back into the UK. However, these must be personally carried and be for your own use Before booking call National Express directly on - which includes gifts. If you bring back large quantities of 08705 808080 (open daily 0800-2000hrs) to check suitable alcohol or tobacco, a Customs Officer may ask you about connections for your journey. the purposes for which you hold the goods. This particularly applies if you have with you more than the following amounts: If you live near Manchester or Birmingham, Battersby Silver Grey coaches operate a popular non-stop service, exclusive 3,200 cigarettes to Fred. Olsen passengers, to Dover and Southampton for 400 cigarillos all Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Balmoral sailings 200 cigars (subject to minimum numbers). 3kg tobacco products (other than above) If booking your own domestic or international flights to 10 litres of spirits connect with a Fred. Olsen fly/cruise, please ensure you allow 20 litres of fortified wine at least 4 to 5 hours connecting time between flights. This is 90 litres of wine to allow for any flight delays, the need to change terminal, 110 litres of beer baggage reclaim and check-in for the onward flight. Through check-in from scheduled to charter flights is not permitted. Your Customs allowance for landing in the UK from non EU countries is: If you prefer to fly from your local airport, we can take care 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars plus one of this as well by offering both flights and transfers to ensure litre bottle of spirits and two bottles of still table wine, 60ml you get to/from the ship. Please refer to our main brochure for of perfume, 250ml of toilet water when purchased at tax free terms and conditions of booking. rates. In total £145 worth of all other goods including gifts Should you wish to travel to the port the night before your and souvenirs. cruise we also have attractive rates as detailed in our main Please note on fly/cruises it is the policy of most airlines brochure. Similarly, details of car parking at all the ports is that passengers can travel with alcohol that is 1 – 70% proof. featured. Anything above 70% proof will be confiscated, as it is considered dangerous goods. For more information on all of the above, and details of how to book, please see our main brochure or contact our Administration Department on 01473 742424. Embarkation Check-in procedures: Transport to/from your cruise: Embarkation at the Cruise Terminal commences, in general At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines we believe your holiday starts for ex UK cruises, 2-3 hours prior to sailing. All passengers from the moment you leave home and therefore we have are required to check-in no less than 1 hour before sailing time. negotiated a number of subsidised fares for modes of transport Exact details regarding where and when to check-in for your to and from the ship. These include coach and air options. cruise will be advised in your ticket pack.

13 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 14 On arrival at the port you will be directed to the baggage drop- Flammable substances (petrol, methylated spirit, paint off area where porters will be on hand to take your luggage thinners etc). from you. Your baggage will then be taken directly to your Items containing incapacitating substances that could be used cabin after passing through security checks. Wheelchair to maim or disable, such as gas cylinders, unless they form assistance is available from the port authorities on arrival. part of a ladies hairdressing kit. Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an A complimentary shuttle bus service operates between Dover, offensive weapon. Portsmouth and Southampton railway stations and the Cruise Terminal during the morning for disembarking passengers Needless to say security for fly/cruises is also extremely and in the afternoon for embarking passengers. Shuttle buses tight, and a list of prohibited items will be detailed with will also operate in Greenock/Leith/Liverpool and Newcastle. your flight tickets. Details of pick up/set down points will be detailed on your confirmation invoice. Passengers on fly/cruise packages will receive full embarkation instructions with their tickets. First Cruise At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we cater for both seasoned At check-in you will be required to produce your passport cruisers and those who are new to a holiday at sea. For our and tickets. At this time you will be issued with your ship’s passengers who are cruising for the very first time, we like to pass and boarding card. You may then relax in the Cruise offer that extra special attention to ensure that your first cruise Terminal lounge until embarkation commences. Most cruise will be a memorable experience. terminals offer refreshment, telephone and toilet facilities. After you have booked your first cruise you will, no doubt, Check-in and embarkation arrangements for fly/cruises will have many questions to which you would like answers. differ from ex UK cruises; full details will be enclosed in your We hope that this comprehensive A-Z guide will answer many ticket pack. of your questions about cruising for the first time.

Security: If you have any specific questions, please either contact your We regret that owing to strict security measures, no visitors travel agent or Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Administration on are allowed on board. 01473 292444.

At check-in you will receive a ship’s pass which acts as your “New to Cruising” security pass and on board account card for the full duration Available for cruises departing from our home ports of Dover of the cruise. Each time you embark or disembark the vessel and Southampton, excluding mini cruises, our “New to your card will be swiped to record whether you are on board Cruising” programme offers a number of activities that will or ashore. In addition your hand luggage may be subject to ensure you are taken special care of as soon as you set foot on either x-ray scanning or a manual search each time you re-join board a Fred. Olsen ship: the vessel. Priority Boarding – Once we have embarked our Gold The Merchant Shipping Act prohibits the carrying of certain and/or Silver Oceans members you will be the next group of passengers to be called forward and directed to your cabin. items on board ship, which include: This is applicable to Dover and Southampton departures and All firearms and ammunition, sporting weapons, replica subject to numbers involved. firearms, and explosives of any kind. Guided Ship Tours – Shortly after boarding there will be Knives and other sharp bladed weapons. a chance to have a guided tour of your cruise ship to help familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. You will also be able to ask any questions whilst being shown around.

15 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 16 “New to Cruising” Get-Together – Early in your cruise, you will be invited to a get together in one of the lounges so that Fly/Cruising you can meet key ship staff, your fellow first-time cruisers and Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines offer an extensive fly/cruise hear advice about how to get the best out of your cruise. programme, including regional departures, details of which can “New to Cruising” Representative – Our “New to Cruising” be found in our main brochure. Should you have any special representative will be on hand each day at a nominated time dietary needs it is important that we be advised at the time and place to answer any questions and offer advice about any of booking. Most diets, with the exception of kosher, can be aspect of your cruise. accommodated by the airlines. If you are in need of assistance This programme may also be offered on our Caribbean fly/cruises, at the airport it is important that you provide us with specific but we regret the ‘priority boarding’ feature cannot be offered. requirements for both the airport authorities and airline. This is particularly relevant if you are travelling in your own If you would like to register for our “New to Cruising” wheelchair. programme, simply complete the attached card at the back of this book and post it back to us. Please note that numbers are FOi - Fred.Olsen Interactive TV limited for this programme, and applications will be accepted in date order. On both Balmoral and Braemar televisions in cabins and public areas offer our own interactive information channel called FOi This offers pay-per-view movies, shore excursion information Fitness Centre (and the facility to book via FOi) , up to date information on All our vessels have a fully-equipped fitness centre activities taking place on the ship during your cruise, wine offering treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes and ordering ( to your table), future cruise destinations ( including a variety of free weights. A choice of fitness classes to suit promotions) and all general information relating to your cruise most levels is available throughout the cruise, including yoga, on board. aerobics, stretch & tone and pilates, conducted by fully qualified fitness instructors. A small charge is made for some classes. The Golf minimum age to use the fitness centre is 18 years. On selected Canaries, Mediterranean, Baltic, and Caribbean Additionally you may wish to ‘smile a mile’ (5 times walking cruises on Braemar, Black Watch, Boudicca and Balmoral our around the deck on Black Watch equals 1 mile), swim a few Flagship Golf programme is available. The package includes: lengths of the pool (Black Prince’s indoor pool means you have Four rounds of golf at leading golf clubs, including green fees no excuse even when the sun isn’t shining!). Black Watch and and transportation to and from the ship Boudicca both feature state of the art SwimEX exercise pools. Welcome party for golfers and partners You can practice your golf swing in the nets on board all our Free practice facilities on board vessels with the exception of Black Prince. Up to five tuition sessions on board with our resident After your workout, showers are available. You may then PGA golf professional wish to relax in the sauna or steam room (steam room not End of cruise prize giving available on Black Prince. and steam and sauna not available on Balmoral). Courses which are included will appeal to keen golfers of all handicaps. Please remember a valid handicap certificate is required, as is golf insurance.

Most golfers prefer to use their own clubs and on fly/cruises you may take one set of clubs in addition to your normal hold

17 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 18 allowance. However, if you do not want to take your own Internet Room clubs, it is possible to hire clubs at most courses. There are internet stations on all vessels, excluding Black To practice on board there are outdoor nets on all ships Prince. On both Balmoral and Braemar your key/swipe card excluding Black Prince. This facility is available to all will activate the system, whereas on the Black Watch, Boudicca passengers. Clubs and balls are available from Reception. and Braemar you will currently need to purchase an internet access card from Reception. For operational reasons, places on the Flagship Golf package are strictly limited, so we advise to book early to avoid To access the internet you simply insert the card into a card disappointment. To reserve your place, please indicate at time reader which makes the connection to the internet. Time is of booking and the charge will be added to your invoice, or call deducted from the card and when you have finished you remove our Administration Department on 01473 742424. the card and are free to use the remaining time left during the cruise. Users can browse the internet freely with no restrictions Prices are as follows: and e-mail is available via web-based e-mail accounts. £350pp for Canary Island, Mediterranean and Baltic Cruises. In order to get the most out of this facility there is some key £400pp for Caribbean fly/cruises. information it is worth noting before joining the ship: If you use e-mail, does your provider have a webmail option Gratuities (not all do)? To access a webmail account requires a username or e-mail Gratuities to crew, drivers, guides etc. ashore are not included address and a password. Please ensure you know what these are, in the cost of your holiday. We’re confident however that as on board staff will not be able to help you with these. you’ll wish to reward staff on board for their service, although Please be aware that to access the internet, we use satellite tipping is entirely at your discretion. As a general rule £2.00 communications and these services cannot produce the same per passenger per day for your cabin stewardess and the speeds experienced in the home environment. Therefore, same amount for your restaurant waiter is always very please be patient if a site doesn’t load immediately. much appreciated. The computers we use only have browsing facilities; all other options are protected due to frequent tampering. We do not International Coordinator provide other software, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, for the creation of documents to send as attachments. International Coordinators, responsible for all non-UK passengers, are positioned on all ships, with the exception Helpful tip: When reading/typing an e-mail, remove your of Black Prince. The role of the Coordinator is to assist all internet access card and insert it again when you move on or passengers from outside of the United Kingdom, both English send a message. This saves on usage time and will make your and non-English speaking. Duties include translation (where card last longer. possible) of the Daily Times, menus and other passenger documentation distributed on board. A welcome cocktail party is hosted for all International passengers and assistance given on shore tours where possible. Whilst we endeavour to provide international assistance on your cruise we cannot guarantee these services on every cruise. Please check with your international travel agent at time of booking.

19 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 20 Immigration Library There is no need to pass through Immigration at every port All our vessels have a well-appointed library on board of call you visit during your cruise, as you will have already offering a wide variety of books, including some large print supplied us with your passport details on your booking form. books. There is also a selection of board games for use Immigration officers board the ship when it docks and carry during your cruise. Audio books are also available, but please out any relevant checks from the ship’s manifest before the remember to bring your own personal CD/cassette player.. ship is ‘cleared’.

If travelling on a fly/cruise you will need to pass through Lost Property Immigration Authorities at the airports. On your return home, if you find that you have lost an item of personal property during the cruise, you may be able to trace Also see: Passports it by contacting our Customer Services Department on: Tel: 01473 292303 Fax: 01473 292217 Insurance or e-mail: [email protected].

It is a condition of carriage that all passengers hold full and The property will be held at our office in Ipswich for 3 months valid travel insurance, to include repatriation cover. Any costs after the return date of the cruise. Please note that for reasons incurred owing to repatriation that are un-insured will be at the of hygiene and storage capacity, we are only able to process individual’s expense. items of intrinsic value.

If you fail to disclose any pre-existing condition to your insurers If you lose an item on the ship during your cruise please it may later invalidate any claim you attempt to make. We ask contact Reception on board. you to advise us of your insurance details before you travel. Remember: You must take your insurance documents with you Lost Baggage on your cruise. If having returned home you discover that you have not On UK only, and mini-cruises (max 4 night duration) solely collected all your baggage following disembarkation you visiting EU ports, an EHIC (European Health Identity Card) is should contact the following numbers: acceptable in lieu of health insurance. On day of return: Our Port Agent Laundry Services Dover Tel: 01304 202701 All our ships provide an excellent Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Fax: 01304 216181 Pressing Service. A full price list and details will be found Southampton Tel: 02380 704454 in your Welcome Pack waiting for you in your cabin. An Fax: 02380 223883 additional 25% is charged for same day service. Greenock Tel: 0141 221 7845 An ironing room and self service launderette is available on all our ships, where a nominal charge is made for the use of the Leith Tel: 0131 561 0511 washing machines. (Black Prince has an ironing room only) Liverpool Tel: 0151 334 0530 Newcastle Tel: 0191 428 3376 Portsmouth Tel: 023 80713134

21 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 22 After day of return: Conveyance of any further baggage above this limit is subject Customer Services Department to space being available on the day. Ipswich Tel: 01473 292303 Fax: 01473 292217 Medical Centre E-mail: [email protected] For your peace of mind, all our ships have a medical centre Please note that in such circumstances it is the responsibility offering primary care with a doctor and/or nurse on permanent of the individual to cover the cost of carriage. Should you call. They can easily be called from the phone in your cabin, if have taken another guest’s baggage in error you will also be needed in an emergency (on Black Prince there is a call button responsible for the cost of carriage involved in returning it in your cabin to alert the steward/stewardess on duty who will to the rightful owner. Please check carefully that you have then inform the Bridge). collected the correct baggage, before leaving the baggage The medical centres operate outside the British and European reclaim area and commencing your onward journey. health services and charges are levied for consultations, prescriptions and cabin visits. A scale of charges is displayed Luggage Allowance in the medical centre and charges incurred will be billed to Your luggage allowance will vary depending on the type of your on board account. Sharp boxes are available upon request. cruise you have booked. If you are sailing from a UK port If you are taking medication, please remember to bring 200lbs (90kgs) of luggage is allowed. On fly/cruises, however, adequate amounts to last the duration of the cruise. your allowance will be subject to the conditions imposed by the A copy of any regular presciption would also be useful air carrier and will vary from airline to airline. On scheduled in the event of a medical emergency. air services, the free baggage allowance in economy class is normally 20kgs with one piece of hand luggage at 5kg. On a Any serious pre-existing medical condition that could Fred. Olsen operated charter flight the baggage allowance is adversely affect your cruise must be brought to the attention more generous at 25kgs and one piece of hand luggage at 5kg. of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines well in advance by completing a Full details will be on your booking confirmation and your Medical Declaration Form. flight tickets. (subject to change at any time)

Once on board, empty suitcases can be stored under the beds Money in the cabin or in lockers. If you require further storage space, See Accounts particularly on long cruises on Balmoral, Black Prince, Black Watch, and Boudicca please speak to your cabin stewardess who will arrange this where possible. Storage space on Braemar is limited.

For safety and security, breakable items, valuables, jewellery and medicines should be packed in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases and kept with you at ALL times.

Please note that under health and safety guidelines coach operators limit the weight of each suitcase to 20kg. On National Express services you are limited to two suitcases per passenger, weighing a maximum of 20kg per piece.

23 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 24 Nautical Terms Manifest List of ship’s passengers and crew Midship The middle of the ship If you are not familiar with certain nautical terms, you may find the following list of commonly-used words helpful: Muster To assemble passengers and/or crew on the ship

Aft Behind or near the back of the ship Pilot Person licensed to navigate ships into or out of harbours, or difficult waters Ahead Something in front of the ship’s bow Port The left-hand side of the ship (when facing Astern Something behind the ship forward), signified by a red light on the side Berth A ship’s place to dock; or, a passenger’s bed of the ship Bow The front end of the ship Stabilisers Operated by gyroscope, retractable finlike devices below the waterline that extend from a ship’s hull Bulkhead A wall or upright partition separating a to reduce roll and provide stability ship’s compartments Starboard The right side of a ship (when facing forward), Chart A nautical map used for navigating the ship signified by a green light on the side of the ship Course Measured in degrees, the direction in which the Stern The rear of a ship ship is headed Tender A vessel attending a larger one; used to ferry Debark To leave a ship passengers to and from shore at ports of call Draught The depth of water needed to float a ship; Waterline The line along which the surface of water touches the measurement from a ship’s waterline to a ship’s hull the lowest point of its keel Windward On the side of the ship, from which the wind Embark To go on board a ship is blowing Flagstaff The pole at the stern of the ship from which the flag of the ship’s country of registry is flown Oceans Club Forward Towards or at the front of the ship Oceans is the loyalty club of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Galley The ship’s kitchen Passengers will automatically be enrolled free of charge on completion of their first cruise, and accrue Cruise Points for Hull The framework of the ship each night spent on board*. You can then take advantage of Keel The main structural member of a vessel extending various benefits, and the more Cruise Points you accrue, the along the centre of the bottom; the lateral area more benefits you receive! beneath the hull There are three levels of membership: Knot A unit of ship’s speed, one nautical mile (approx. 1.15 land miles) per hour Blue (1-30 cruise points), Silver (31-100 cruise points) and Gold (101+ cruise points), with members being automatically Latitude Distance north or south of the Equator upgraded to the next level on completion of the appropriate Leeward Toward the side of the ship that is sheltered from cruise. A membership pack will be provided, giving full details the wind of the club. Longitude Distance east or west of the Meridian On check-in, Gold members will receive their Gold priority of Greenwich boarding card, which allows them to claim complimentary

25 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 26 refreshments (excluding alcohol) while they wait to embark. Black Prince does not have telephones in cabins (except for Junior Silver members will also receive priority embarkation Suites) but does have a telephone for general use situated at (numbers permitting), and will receive their Silver priority Reception. All telephone calls made from the ship are via satellite. boarding card at check-in. An alternative and more economical method of calling home would be to purchase a phone card locally in the ports of call and Once on board, a notice will be placed in the Daily Times to use public landlines ashore. advise Gold and Silver members when and where the Oceans Cocktail Party will be held. Additionally, providing you have the international roaming facility activated on your own mobile phone before leaving home, Conditions do apply, so for further information, please contact you will be able to make and receive calls whilst at sea. the Oceans Administrator on 01473 746160 or email [email protected]. Information can also be found at We will send you a list of contact numbers with your cruise www.FredOlsenCruises.co.uk. (*Eligibility for membership is tickets, which you can leave with your friends and relatives dependent upon having cruised with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines should they need to contact you whilst you are on board. Calls to within the last five years.) the ships are via Norway, and will therefore cost the same as an international call to Norway. Passports It is a condition of carriage that all passengers must hold a full Photographs / DVDs and valid passport, the validity of which is dependent upon Our resident photographers will be on hand throughout the destinations visited. Some ports of call will require at least your cruise to help capture those special moments. Their 6 months after your return to the UK. European ID cards will photographs are processed on a daily basis and will be be accepted for visits to EC countries. For UK and Eire only displayed for you to purchase if you wish. It is also possible cruises a valid photo ID driving license is accepted in lieu of a for your own camera films to be processed during the cruise, passport. although we are unable to process Advantix films. Camera film is available to buy in the ship’s shop. All charges will be billed It is your responsibility to ensure you hold a valid passport. back to your on board account. If you need to renew your passport please allow at least one month for your application to be processed, and more during It is also now possible to obtain a DVD of your cruise from our peak holiday periods. on board photographers. This DVD will be shot during your chosen cruise. Please note all youths aged 16 years and over must hold their own valid passport. Children under the age of 16 also need to have their own passports. However, children included on an adult passport, Port Talks / Lecturers which was issued before 5th October 1998 may still continue to On most cruises, we have either a knowledgeable Port Lecturer travel providing they are travelling with the adult passport holder. on board or an experienced member of our tours staff who Please also see: Visas will give talks on the forthcoming ports of call throughout the cruise. This will enable you to gain an insight into the history and geography of the port of call and find out what the main Phoning Home attractions and local services are, giving you a chance to On Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Balmoral there are plan ahead. telephones in cabins from which you are able to call home. Dialling codes and instructions for use are detailed in your cabin.

27 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 28 Post / Postcards Shore Excursions / Going Ashore If you wish to send postcards home during the cruise please Usually the ship will dock in the port’s harbour and a gangway hand them to Reception on board who will give them to our will be positioned so you may come and go from the ship as local port agent for posting in the next port of call. A small you please. In smaller ports the ship may be at anchor when we charge will be levied to cover postage costs. Obviously, will provide tender boats to take you ashore. These tenders will the more remote the port, the longer the postcard will take run frequently to and from the ship and there is no charge for to reach home! Delivery of mail cannot be guaranteed. this service.

We offer a choice of shore excursions in nearly every port of Safety Deposit Boxes call. Our shore excursions are accompanied by experienced Safety deposit boxes are available at Reception on Black and knowledgeable tour guides and are an excellent way of Watch and Black Prince to safeguard valuables and important exploring the main attractions of each port of call; details papers. There is a £5 deposit for these on Black Watch which of which we will send you with your travel documents. As is refunded at the end of the cruise. In addition to these, there these tours are very popular we strongly recommend that you is a lockable drawer in each cabin on Black Watch. Boudicca, pre-book in advance of your cruise to avoid disappointment, Braemar and Balmoral have lockable safes in each cabin. although they may also be booked on board at the Shore Excursions Desk. Please note that tours may be subject to minimum and maximum participating numbers and to local Sea.tv weather conditions. Passengers on Balmoral and Braemar can Televisions in cabins and in public areas on Black Watch,Black preview and book tours available during their cruise, by visiting Prince and Boudicca offers our own information channel called FOi (Interactive TV) under the ‘Shore Excursions’ menu. Sea.tv, which gives details of ports of call, special promotions, A full colour programme, including booking form, detailing all and general shipboard activities. our excursions will be despatched directly to you 8 weeks prior to sailing. Shopping On Board For disabled passengers we regrettably cannot guarantee that The on board boutiques offer a wide range of items from assistance by qualified persons will be available at all ports luxury items including jewellery, glassware and perfumes to of call. Unless able to board a vehicle unassisted it will not elegant eveningwear and casual day clothes. The shop on board usually be possible for wheelchair users to participate in stocks essential items such as camera film, sun cream, toiletries organised shore tours. Please ask our shore tour department and other on board necessities, as well as souvenirs and cruise about independent tours with adapted vehicles. mementoes. The shops will be closed in some ports due to customs regulations. Regrettably, on health and safety grounds in is not possible to convey any passengers ashore via a tender service if confined You may purchase alcohol and cigarettes via our Cabin to a wheelchair. Similarly, it is only possible to convey Shopping Service to consume throughout your cruise or to take collapsible wheelchairs on a tender where the user needs the home at tax-free prices. An order form and price list will be minimum of assistance to board and alight the tender. This will found in your cabin – simply complete the form as required, be at the discretion of our security staff on the day. hand it to Reception and your order will be sent to your cabin. Going Ashore Independently: Your cruise fare is fully inclusive of port taxes and charges, so as soon as the ship is cleared by customs and immigration in

29 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 30 each port you are free to get on and off the ship as many times Special Occasions as you wish. When the ship is berthed some distance from the centre of town a shuttle bus service is often provided to assist If you are celebrating a special anniversary or birthday whilst on with your visit and save you money on taxi fares. All day board we would like to help you celebrate to make the occasion tickets (for which a small charge is made) can be bought from even more memorable. Please let us know if you are celebrating Reception. Shuttle buses do not operate in ports where we feel your Silver, Pearl, Ruby, Golden, Emerald or Diamond it is easy/more economical for passengers to use independent anniversary either six months before, during or after your cruise transport such as taxis, or when we are prohibited from running and we will provide a fantastic package with our compliments. a service – this is particularly the case in the Caribbean. All we ask is that you provide us with a copy of your marriage certificate prior to departure. Similarly a honeymoon on board is a unique time and we will mark the occasion in style. If it’s Single Travellers your birthday during the cruise we will help you celebrate with a Our single guests never need be alone on board as we have special celebration cake presented at dinner. the reputation of operating the friendliest cruise ships afloat. In addition to this we offer a choice of special packages Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines staff will be waiting to greet you which may be purchased in advance: from the moment you arrive at the port and special activities will be arranged throughout the cruise to give you the Anniversary Celebration – Flowers or chocolates in cabin opportunity to meet with fellow single travellers if you wish. on arrival, champagne and canapés served on your special Dance hosts will be on hand on all cruises to make sure our day, anniversary gift, celebration cake and professional single guests never go too long without a dance partner in the photographic session. evenings. Birthday Celebration – Champagne breakfast served in your cabin, birthday gift and card, celebration cake at dinner and Smoking Policy souvenir photograph. From 01 January 2009 Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines will introduce Welcome Aboard – Floral bouquet, champagne and a non-smoking policy in all inside areas. Smoking will only canapés, chocolates and a fruit basket – all placed in your cabin on arrival. be permitted on cabin balconies and on designated open deck areas. This will apply from each vessels first full cruise in For more information on any of the packages detailed above 2009, with the exception of Black Watch and Balmoral where it please see our main brochure or call Reservations or the will apply once they have returned from their respective 2009 Administration Department on 01473 292444. world cruises.

In the interim period on Black Watch smoking is permitted Swimming Pools in the Observatory (starboard side), Lido Lounge (starboard All vessels have outdoor swimming pool/s which are filled with side) and Pipers Bar. On Balmoral smoking is permitted in the seawater and heated to approximately 30°C (86°) and Jacuzzis Observatory (starboard side, rear) and Lido Bar (port side) which are approximately 34°C (93°F). The indoor pool on the Black Prince is also heated and is approx. 24°C (75°F). Weather permitting the pools are kept open from 8am – 8pm. Towels for use around the pool and on the sun deck are available in your cabins. For hygiene purposes all pools and jacuzzis are treated with the appropriate chlorine based chemicals. Black Watch and Boudicca also now feature state of the art SwimEX exercise pools.

31 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 32 Tenders Please note: When going ashore independently in certain ports of call (i.e. St Petersburg, Russia) it may be necessary See: Shore Excursions / Going Ashore for you to arrange a visitor’s visa. Please see your confirmation invoice for further details of how to do this. Tickets / Documentation In St Petersburg, when participating in shore excursions arranged by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, all passport holders Providing you have supplied all information required at will be covered on a group visa. time of booking, you can expect your holiday tickets and travel documentation to be sent 14 – 21 days before departure. Voltage On Board Vaccinations On Black Prince the ship’s voltage is 230 volts with a 2-pin continental style plug required. Depending on the ports of call of your chosen cruise, you may require vaccination against Yellow Fever - this will be advised Black Watch, Braemar, Boudicca and Balmoral feature dual to you at time of booking. However, due to ever-changing voltage - 110 volts requiring a US style flat 2-pin plug, and health regulations, we suggest that you contact your local GP 220 volts requiring a continental round 2-pin plug (both have approximately 12 weeks prior to departure for the most up-to- a 60 volt cycle). date information. Further information can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) To ensure your electrical appliances are safe to use please www.masta.org. It’s also worth remembering that in some check with Reception. Adapters can be hired on board or can be foreign countries general standards of hygiene, care and safety purchased at the on board shop. Travel irons are strictly prohibited. may differ from those in the UK. So, when visiting ashore, ‘common sense’ is the watchword, especially when choosing Wine List drinks or sampling the local cuisine. We offer an excellent range of wines on board at exceptionally good prices on all three vessels. You may order your wine for Visas dinner in advance by filling in the order slip available outside the main restaurant. Alternatively wine waiters will be on hand Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any in the restaurants to help you choose. Passengers on Balmoral time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check and Braemar are now able to order wine in the restaurant via with a professionally qualified source and comply with such FOi (Interactive TV), under the section ‘Wine Selection’ menu. requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruises and this will be advised to you at time of booking or when the requirement arises.

It is the responsibility of all non-British passport holders to ensure that they are in possession of a valid passport and where necessary entry visas or permits for their chosen cruise. If you are unsure as to whether you are required to obtain such documents you must contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate. Failure to comply with this request may result in refusal of carriage or the imposition of individual fines by the local immigration authorities.

33 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 34 35 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 36 “New to Cruising” Registration Card (not applicable to mini-cruises)

Name:

Address:

Cruise Number:

“All you need to Booking Reference: know in preparation Number in Party: for your cruise.”

www.fredolsencruises.co.uk Fred. Olsen House, White House Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5LL Tel: Administration/Reservations: 01473 742 424 Please return at least 10 days prior to departure.

37 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays