Fred.Olsen Braemar - Short and Sweet
Braemar Exterior Deck Image: Fred.Olsen Cruise Line
There is an old adage “good things come in small packages” and Fred.Olsen Cruise Line’s Braemar is testament to that. Braemar has the distinction of being the smallest ship in the brand’s fleet. With a length of just under 196 m, only 485 cabins, and a standard occupancy of 924, Braemar offers a more intimate cruise experience than some of her other, much larger contemporaries.
Due to her petite size, Braemar is able to reach parts that much larger ships are unable to, often docking in the very heart of destinations. Braemar is the shortest of the fleet, and also has a flatter hull, which enables her to navigate some of the World’s inland waterways and rivers too - just imagine cruising down the Corinth Canal in Greece on your cruise ship. taking in the sights from the top deck of this beautiful ship.
Braemar traversing the Corinth Canal in Greece. Image: Fred.Olsen Cruise Line
Braemar is an elegant ship, and her distinctive signature cascading aft decks, wrap-around promenade deck and light filled interiors, make her a favourite with fans of more traditional cruise vessels. Although she may be smaller than her sister ships, Balmoral, Borealis and Bolette, she still offers a host of features for her discerning guests. With two pools, five restaurants and even a hairdresser onboard.
Braemar Highlights
Tonnage (GT) 24,344
Length 195.92m Width 28.1m Height 44.7m
Cabins 485
Guests 924 (standard occupancy)
Crew 401
Restaurants Five
Bars & Lounges Five
Facilities:
2 Swimming Pools | 2 Jacuzzis | Spa | Hairdressers | Fitness Centre | Library | RIBs
Cabins on Braemar
Braemar has a total of 8 decks, 7 of which are accessible and 6 with cabins. There are a total of 485 cabins over 21 grades, including 19 Suites, 200 Balcony cabins, 130 Inside cabins, The majority of Braemar cabins are balcony cabins measuring 130-175 sq ft. The largest accommodation is the Superior Suite (300 Sq ft). Braemar has a total of 40 solo cabins (single-occupancy rooms).
View Accommodation On Braemar
Dining on Braemar
With two main dining rooms, a seasonal Grill and a stylish cafe onboard, I advise you to leave your diet at home. Also with 5-course dinners, relaxed lunches and afternoon tea on offer, you may want to pack some stretchy waistbands.
The largest dining room is Thistle Restaurant which is located at the bottom of the Atrium on Main Deck 4. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, there is something to suit every appetite. Breakfast is open-seating buffet-style served between 8:00 - 10:00 am; lunch is served between 12:00 - 2:30 pm. You can choose from soups, salads, sandwiches, hot main courses and desserts. Dinner is a sumptuous a la carte banquet with two sittings at 6:15 p.m. or 8:30 p.m and offers daily choices, regional treats and staple options such as steak, chicken and salmon.
The smaller Grampian Restaurant is situated at the top of the Atrium on Marquee Deck and is perfect if you prefer a more Intimate dining ambience in a cosy, stylish environment. The Grampian Restaurant serves similar fare to the larger Thistle Restaurant.
For a less formal culinary option, particularly if you prefer to be more flexible with dining times, the Palm Café can be found aft on Lido Deck 6. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets and even late night snacks, in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
Al Fresco Dining
For me a cruise is all about making the most of the sea air and ocean views, so being able to eat outdoors is a real plus. If this appeals to you, head up to The Marquee Bar on the top deck on Braemar for daytime dining (breakfast and lunch).
When sailing during warm weather, you may choose to visit The Grill for an elevated dining experience. Situated aft on Lido deck, The Grill is al fresco dining at its finest, and is very popular with discerning guests wanting that extra-special meal. Booking is highly recommended.
Afternoon Tea
Whilst complimentary afternoon tea, consisting of sandwiches, cake and scones, is served daily, on sea days you can make it into a special event. For just £11.99 you can enjoy a white-gloved Premium Afternoon Tea in the Observatory Bar to a musical accompaniment.
Activities & Entertainment On Braemar
Daytime on sea days will usually find me by the pool. On Braemar there are 2 swimming pools, both of which are situated on Marquee Deck. There are also 2 jacuzzis and a paddling pool.
There is also a spa and fitness centre and for the more active, you can look forward to some traditional deck-game tournaments like quoits, skittles, deck tennis and shuffleboard.
If you want something more cerebral, why not learn a new skill like playing an instrument (ukelele), watercolours or photography.
Live music and entertainment is a very important part of life on board Braemar - whether that is listening to a band, joining a choir, or watching a show in The Neptune lounge.
Fred Olsen Braemar Itineraries
Braemar sails out of U.K. ports of Southampton and Dover currently. Itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, Ireland, Scandinavia and the sunny Mediterranean. As mentioned above, her smaller size allows her to reach more inaccessible destinations - she is almost a hybrid between an ocean cruise vessel and a river cruise ship. Her itineraries include the rivers and waterways of France and of course the iconic Corinth Canal in Greece.
Braemar’s Current Itineraries
So if you think you might enjoy the intimacy of a smaller ship coupled with some traditional cruise features, you might well take a closer look at Fred.Olsen Cruise Line, and, in particular, the small but perfectly formed Braemar.
Take a 360 degree Tour of Braemar
Braemar Deck Plans