A chance to visit the only Fred Olsen ship I had yet to set foot on arose so off I went to the QEII Terminal on the 5th August 2017.  Braemar was the third ship to bear the name and one thing I like about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is they embrace their heritage.  She was docked in my favourite terminal, the Queen Elizabeth II.  The maritime historian, Chris Frame, was having a flying visit to the UK and would be joining me on the tour.  We had been told to meet a crew member at 10am at the terminal but once we'd got our passes, were told to just go straight on.  The terminal had a revamp in 2016 which moved security to the departures lounge and closed the viewing area, which was a shame.  

Our guide was Geraldine Allen, the Guest Relations Manager.  We began with some cabins on Marina and Atlantic Decks.  What was interesting was how there were slight differences between rooms on all decks between the original ship and those in the section added in 2008 when she was stretched.  During her 2017 refit there will be a few changes including adding a fridge to all cabins.  As well as dedicated single cabins, there are also adapted cabins for passengers with a disability.  They are not specifically disabled cabins like you find on other ships, although there is a wet room.  As with all in the fleet, Braemar provides a kettle in the cabin.  The sockets are European round pins but you can rent an adapter from Guest Services for £5 which is you are refunded when you return it.  The atrium has a lot of natural light and a beautiful mural as its centrepiece.  As well as dedicated single cabins, there are also adapted cabins for passengers with a disability.  They are not specifically disabled cabins like you find on other ships, although there is a wet room.  As with all in the fleet, Braemar provides a kettle in the cabin for your anytime cuppa.  The sockets are European round pins but you can rent an adapter from Guest Services for £5 which is is refunded when you return it.  The atrium has a lot of natural light and a beautiful mural as its centrepiece.  All cabins have a shower but some higher grades include a bath.

Braemar has two main restaurants.  The Thistle is on Main Deck (4) while the Grampian is on Marquee Deck (8).  Your booking determines which you are allocated.  As well as a buffet, there is also The Grill, a speciality restaurant for a fee (at time of writing £20), which is located on the aft deck outside Palm's Cafe  Here, you can choose between steak, lamb, chicken or fish.  It is also available for breakfast and lunch.  Fred Olsen do a white gloved afternoon tea for £7.50 per person.

There's a self-service lauderette close to the Medical Centre.  The machines are modern Miele.  You buy a token from Guest Services, pop it into the washing machine and out comes the powder so no need to bring your own.  She has a lot of deck space thanks to being an older ship.  Above the Observatory is the Sun Deck, where you can also go for sailaway.  This part was added during her stretching.  On Lounge Deck (5) you can find a forward observation area.  The Neptune Lounge is located forward on Lounge Deck and most seats have a good view of the stage.  There are a couple of pillars obscuring some seats.  At the other end of the Coral Club if you like dancing.  Or you could just relax by listening to the musician in the Morning Light Pub.  A library is onboard while the Bookmark Cafe sells speciality coffees and teas by Taylors of Harrogate as well as chocolates.

Our tour came to an end before boarding commenced.  If you don't like battling thousands of people then Braemar is for you.  She is a small ship with big heart like her fleet mates.  Many thanks to the crew onboard Braemar, especially Geraldine Allen, for making us feel so welcome, as well as Rachael Jackson and Amanda Cresswell at head office for arranging the visit.