Travel News January 2011 CRUISE SPECIAL 33

‘The ship adbecome homeand cre mysecond family’Contd from Opposite PageIt can be a bit overwhelming if you are of the faintheartedcategory, but otherwise you will love it. What an atmosphere!Once again, time was against us as after a tour of the El BahiaPalace and some frenzied shopping it was time to begin ourthree and a half hour hour journey baek to the ship or as I wasbeginning to think of it, home.

The following day we arrived at Gibraltar1 a British territorybut with many other European influenees; it was a bizarre mixof Spanish, French and British giving it a unique vibe. Atjusta.6 square miles, it’s small to say the least, but make no mistakethere is plenty to see and do. Gibraltat’s biggest attraction isthe rock, which stands some 1400 feet above sea level and ishome to the infamous Barbary Apes... which you will mostdefinitely get up close and personal with whether you like it ornot! Other attractions in Gibraltar include their impressivecaves, WWI I tunnels, tax free shopping, (needless to~y loverindulged), as well as a huge choice of restaurants and bars.

Next it was on to Cadiz, Spain; the last stop beforereturning to Southampton and where I sadly disembarked. Oporto, oneOver a short space of rime the Balmoral became my home and of the stop-the crew like a second family. I wasn’t surprised to learn that offs on theover ~o per cent of Fred. OlseWs passengers were returnees’. Fred Olsen

The crew have a huge part to play in Fred. Olsen’s suc~s. o~ise, andThey work extremely hard yet still go above and beyond to LEEr, theensure your stay is enjoyable and relaxed. It’s fair to say thatFred. Olsen is geared towards the more mature traveller, of Borderwhich a fair proportion are travelling solo, many of whom I crossing intospoke to were widowed and with that in mind it’s fantastic and Gibraltar,refreshing to see that there is a cruise line ofkring a holiday where you’recatering to their needs, with singles tables when dining, and sure to getparties for single travellers, you will never be without company. ___ up close andFred. Olsen offer so much more than great destinations, food personal withand activities but without a doubt their unique selling point is one of thetheir ability to provide for a wide variety of travellers; families, residents, farcouples, singles and managing to keep them all happy

Saying I was sorry to leave is an understatement, although it leftwas probably for the best as I put on half a stone!

——an

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