A Look Around Fred Olsen Lines Balmoral

A Look Around Fred Olsen Lines Balmoral Photographs © John H. Luxton 2011
This page offers a look around Fred Olsen Lines BALMORAL. The views below were taken during the "Dublin & Around the UK" Cruise - August 08 to August 18, 2011. The photographic survey is not complete and will be added to in 2012. The views are arranged by deck from top down.
Deck 11 - Marquee Deck	The sun deck area.

At the forward end of the Marquee Deck is the Observatory Lounge. Whilst it does provide a reasonably good vantage point as can be seen the vast area of empty space forward which houses only the binnacle, voyage data recorder and fore mast spoil the view compared to that available on BLACK WATCH. Afternoon tea is served here. The bar (left) is seen decorated for "Rock and Roll Night".

Aft of the Observatory Lounge is the Marquee Bar - here soup and sandwiches are available at lunch time		Overlooking the Marquee deck pool is the BALBLOM figurehead which once stood outside the Balblom restaurant on BLACK PRINCE.

Dolphin Sculptures behind the BALBLOM figure head.		Starboard and port sides near the funnel - the only location on deck 11 where unimpeded access can be gained to the sides of the ship. Forward of the funnel there are glass screens and an obstacle course of sun beds to challenge those wishing to photograph the passing scene.

Views along deck 11 forwards - somewhere off John O'Groats			The golf driving range.

A rather bleak view of the Marquee Deck outside the Marquee Bar (left) on a wet day.	Marquee Deck changing rooms are located forward of the funnel
Deck 10 - Highland Deck	The Avon and Spey Restaurants, fitness and beauty centre are located here along with the larger suites.

Open deck outside Spey / Avon restaurants	Spey Restaurant

Avon Restaurant
Deck 8 - Lido Deck	Primarily an accommodation deck the Lido Lounge and Lido Bar are located here.

A painting of Nelson welcomes passengers to the Lido Bar and Lounge on the Deck 8


Photographs of past members of the Fred. Olsen Lines fleet and Fred. Olsen's classic figureheads adorn the cabin areas of the Lido Deck but there has obviously been a disagreement at some time over the spelling of sprinkler system! (right)

Cabin 8049 - the shower area actually has a window covered with a blind looking into the cabin. - Unusual! This cabin was in the new 30metre section inserted into the ship following her acquisition by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Deck 7 - Lounge Deck	The main passenger facilities, Neptune Theatre and promenade deck are located here.

The promenade deck on BALMORAL is rather narrow as can be seen from these photographs - not like the wide open spaces of BLACK WATCH.
	There is a viewing area overlooking the fo'csle where the ship's bell can be seen and the crew observed during anchoring and berthing operations. Tender 12 suffered a technical problem at Tobermory and went out of service - she is seen on her davits at Scrabster.

The Neptune Theatre is at the forward end of the ship on Deck 6. The dance floor can be raised to create an enlarged stage - Captain Knutsen can be seen presenting members of the crew during the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party.

Boutique Area	Aft Pool and Jacuzzis		Safera Con Safera see deck 6
		A model of BALMORAL is displayed in the Boutique and Future Cruise Sales area. Above the emergency exit to the Neptune Theatre located at the bow of the ship on deck 7 is the builder's plate.

The Ship's Library - a print Waverley Steam Navigation Company's BALMORAL adorns the wall. Copies of Paddle Wheels are available in the Library and Fred. Olsen Lines have for several years sponsored the annual Paddle Steamer Preservation Society draw in recognition of being able to use the BALMORAL name.
		The Morning Light Pub (right) is named after Fred. Olsen Line's largest sailing ship and includes memorabilia from the companies sailing ships including stained glass windows. The internet room is shown left.
	Palm's Cafe - located aft of deck 7 offers informal dining and self service meals. The circulating area with ship's management information boards outside Palm's Cafe (far right)
Deck 6 - Main Deck	Ship's Offices, Reception, Tours Desk, Photo Sales and Ballindalloch Restaurant are on this deck

Baked Alaska on Parade - in the Ballindalloch Restaurant		Above and below - the Gala Night Buffet in the Ballindalloch Restaurant


	On leaving the leaving the Ballindalloch Restaurant passengers walk through a gallery of high quality monochrome photographs of Ballindalloch Castle and Estate (left) before entering the ship's art gallery (right and below left). Unlike some cruise ships the works on display are not for sale. Beyond the Art Gallery is the administrative heart of the ship (below) with the customer relations office, reception and tours offices located around a circulating area accessed by a curved staircase from deck 7 above. A feature of this area is the brass Safera Con Safera globe sculpture. Obviously its installation dates from the days of the BALMORAL's previous owners as the brass frame carries the title Royal Cruise Line etched into it. Then the ship was 30metres shorter and named CROWN ODYSSEY



Photo Galleries and Photography Shop		Port Shop	Deck 6 forward lifts
		Plaques presented to the BALMORAL are displayed around the mid-ship staircase. The plaque marking her first visit to the Isle of Man can be seen right.