Liverpool Cruise Terminal by John Cooper

Being lucky enough to be invited to the first ‘turn around cruise departure’ from the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

I was unsure what to expect, after all it was only a week earlier permission had been given, and 6 weeks prior to that since the new Mayor of Liverpool had stated he would open the facility. I approached the side of the Liver building to find a brand new structure had appeared on adjacent land that was obviously a temporary structure that did not look unlike a white where house, with coach and taxi drop-off facilities, and a new side road that diverts traffic around the facility when a cruise was in.

Upon going inside, I must say I was really impressed. No so much at the facilities, but what they had managed to do in such a short time, it looked new, but as though it had been there a while, with everything working and desks open, people checking in, there was plenty of seating, and the operation looked as though it had been going for years. I spoke to the Terminal Manager, who told me that the arriving passengers had all passed through in just over half an hour, which is really fast.

Then we strolled down on to the floating landing stage, which, I have to admit is fairly steep when the tide is out! But from there it is a doddle to board the ship, and the Ocean Countess actually looked small to some of the cruise ships I have seen at the berth, but because she does only have 800 passengers, it was not necessarily a baptism of fire for the Liverpool facility, and as the facility is only going to be handling these sort of numbers for the next couple of years with just the Ocean Countess and Fred Olsen’s Boudicca due to sail from here, by which time, the staff will also have a lot more experience, and I think they will expand this temporary facility into something more permanent, that ill be able to handle large passenger numbers.  

MSC Fantasia by John Cooper

As we pulled up outside the check-in area at the port, we where met by almost a gaggle of MSC butlers, all trained at ‘Butler School’ (I never even knew it existed!) but they soon had our luggage and where off, taking us through a speedy booking in process, which even included champagne!

We were travelling as part of the ‘MSC Yacht Club’ onboard the MSC Fantasia, and this was just a taste of what was to come, in an exclusive part of the ship, right at the front, where access can only be gained by swiping your cabin card, you are taken into a byword for luxury. The cabin I had was well appointed with walnut furniture, and a rather good sized balcony. There where also little touches like a bowl of fruit, bottle of champagne, and a full mini bar to welcome you! When you are in the MSC Yacht Club, all drinks (with only an odd exception) are included, including the mini bar!

My Butler, Johnny, introduced himself, and even gave me his card, and if I needed anything, just to let him know, including unpacking or packing my case (they even polish your shoes for you!). The cabin was specious, and also what surprised me was how many English language TV channels they had!

Once coaxed out of my cabin, the surroundings are really opulent, and the exclusive lounge area, which also serves English high tea, and nibbles before evening meal, also has stunning views of the front of the ship. This was a great place just to relax and enjoy a drink before dinner.

As we explored we came across the exclusive MSC Yacht Club Deck area, which apart from a couple of Jacuzzi’s and a swimming pool, had plenty of luxury sunbeds, with deep cushions on, and a towel service. The poolside bar also served buffet breakfast and lunch, and as it’s all included in the price, it meant sitting on Deck watching the world sweep along even more satisfying.

Being part of the MSC Yacht Club also meant you had an exclusive restaurant, you can naturally eat in any of the restaurants onboard, but there is a special atmosphere in the French style restaurant set aside for the Yacht Club members, with fabulous vies of the back of the ship as you slip away from port.

The service throughout the Yacht Club area, as you might expect is second to none, and what I found really impressive (infact the folks in the office are board stiff by this!) is the fact you get a choice of newspapers to have delivered to your cabin each morning, and this can be from a UK National Newspaper, to a regional local newspaper, all printed onboard that morning, I chose the Mail on Sunday, and had the full paper printed in full delivered to my cabin before we arrived in Barcelona!

OK the MSC Yacht Club is a few quid more, but do you get what you pay for? I would say so, and it’s all about a level of service you just don’t expect, even down to my butler Johnny sorting out my laptop so the wi-fi on board worked correctly, then fast tracking us through customs at the end whilst carrying all our luggage, and finding our taxi, amongst hundreds at the dockside in Barcelona.

Now that is what I call service.

Queen Elizabeth by Nicola

Me and my colleagues were invited aboard queen Elizabeth for a full tour and lunch, this was my first experience of Cunard and it was everything I imagined rich luxurious and very grand.

We had a warm greeting from the staff as we embarked after passing through security we entered the grand lobby and very grand it is.

If you are looking for a cruise with class then this is definitely for you there is something for everyone without attending one of the many seminars on board the ship itself is full of history and fine art work.

This ship oozes class luxurious marble and polished wood not forgetting the huge chandeliers If you are spending a day at sea there a lot to keep you entertained, if you like to keep active there is lots to choose from and if you like to relax and pamper yourself there is a wide range of treatments available.

I can highly recommend the food on board as we were treated to a 3 course lunch in the beautiful Britannia restaurant.

I look forward to sailing with Cunard in the near future to have the full experience.

Arcadia by Kelly

I was given the opportunity to have a guided ship visit on board the Arcadia when she came into Liverpool.

I found a warm feel to the ship and the staff were very friendly. The ship has a lovely relaxed pace which you feel as soon as you step on board. The ship also has some very prominent features like its glass lifts and huge range of art on board. In fact, whilst admiring the art, a member of staff kindly informed me there were over 3,000 works of art on board!!

The food was very good and the service was excellent. From the Asian Fusion restaurant, The Orchid to the Gary Rhodes Restaurant ‘Arcadian Rhodes’, there is plenty to choose from - a total of 4 restaurants in fact!!

I would also say that if you do have a day at sea, the ship offers a wide variety of daytime activities, my favorite would be the spa with its own hydrotherapy pool and lovely fragrant aromatic showers! They also have a fully stocked gym if you feel the need to burn some extra calories from all that lovely food.

Also of an evening you would never find yourself at loss of what to do there’s a cinema, casino, theatre, nightclub and 6 indoor bars to choose from! It even has its own pub that hosts karaoke nights and live bands.

I would recommend this ship and would travel on it myself.

Holland America Line's Rotterdam by Nicki

I was given the opportunity to visit Holland America Rotterdam when she came into Liverpool.

The ship is one of the five star class of Holland America and the décor onboard is very elegant with rich polished woods and comfortable furnishings. The décor features Holland America memorabilia throughout. The atmosphere onboard was very inviting and I found that the staff were very friendly and attentive to the needs of the passengers onboard.

We were fortunate to experience a taste of dining onboard where we ate in the elegant two level La Fontaine Dining Room which continues with the elegant décor found onboard as well as enormous glass windows overlooking the stern which would provide beautiful sea views whilst sailing. The dining staff were very attentive to our every need and the food was of high standard as you would except from a five star ship.

Whilst onboard we had the chance to have a self guided tour. If passengers preferred a change in dining they also have the option to visit The Pinnacle grill which provides an intimate, luxurious and romantic feel and represents exceptional dining. The cuisine served here is Pacific Northwest cuisine and levies a $20 service charge. On the Lido deck passengers also have the option to buffet lunch and casual breakfast as an option and the menu here is extensive including salad, drink, deli and dessert along with stir fry stations. Snacks such as burgers and hotdogs are accessible from pool side until 4pm.

Passengers can experience a number of activities whilst onboard and we got the chance to take a wander through the spa and salon area. Here passengers can relax and rejuvenate enjoying luxury spa therapies such as massages. The ship also features a fully equipped fitness centre with fitness trainers on hand to help get the perfect regime for you. There are also a number of classes offered to passengers. Onboard activities also include two refreshing outdoor pools, basketball courts, tennis and volleyball courts. If this doesn’t appeal and you would like to adopt a relaxing attitude whilst onboard Rotterdam also offers a whirlpool, hot tub, sauna and steam room.

It’s not all about the adults about Rotterdam. The ship is a family friendly ship and offers club HAL for ages 3-7 and ages 8-12 which offers stories, arts and crafts and other activities and workshops. Teenagers can rest assured they are not left out, they have exclusive areas onboard in the form of ‘The Loft’ and ‘The Oasis’.

I would recommend this ship to passengers considering travelling on a five star ship and would definitely travel on it myself.

Balmoral by Jayne

Balmoral is the largest ship in the Fred Olsen fleet. It has 9 decks and holds 1350 passengers.

I joined the cruise in Greenock part way through it’s British Isles cruise. I had an outside cabin on Coral Deck with a picture window which was lovely and spacious.

The public lounges where very bright and spacious with plenty of seating areas. The main dining room is called The Ballindalloch located on Main deck, but if you’re looking for something a little smaller and intimate you can chose to eat in The Avon or Spey restaurants located on Highland deck.

The entertainment was very professional from the Crew Shows to Singers and Comedians. Ballroom dancing was held every evening in The Lido Lounge accompanied by a singer or a band.
The nightclub on Marquee deck is open until the early hours.

I had a chance to use the facilities in the Spa & Fitness centre which I found to be very professional and reasonably priced. The drinks on board are charged in sterling and very similar to UK pub prices.

Ocean Countess by Richard Cross

With its distinctive dark blue hull, the Ocean Countess takes 800 passengers on a variety of Cruises including Northern Lights, Norwegian Fjords, The Baltics & Russia, Iceland, the British Isles, Canaries and Mediterranean with regional departures available from Hull, Liverpool & Greenock.

I went for lunch and a tour of the Ocean Countess whilst it was in port in Liverpool on a cruise turn around.

The ship is decorated to a high standard with comfortable surroundings and friendly services. The ship was originally the Cunard Countess, before undergoing a major renovation in 2009, prior to her maiden season as Ocean Countess in 2010.

The ship has six passenger decks, comprising of comfortable cabin accommodation including Inside, Ocean View and Superior Cabins, Boutiques, 24 hour reception and a tour desk.

Our tour started in the Hamptons, which comes alive at night with its cabaret entertainment. We then were taken through to the Gym & Sauna, the Jade Wellness Centre with its spa, massage, hairdressing and beauty facilities available to all passengers whilst on board for a small charge.

On the top deck, the Tower Piano Bar has panoramic views, ideal for spotting the sights whilst in port, if you choose not to get off the ship. There is also a well stocked library, card tables and even an internet room for you to check emails whilst away if you want.

The food on board is fantastic, we were treated to a four course dinner in the Kensington Restaurant, which was delicious. The staff went out of their way to cater for our needs and kept the wine flowing!

The Holyrood Show Lounge is on the Promenade Deck and hosts nightly performances from the on board show team.

Children and teenagers are welcome on board Ocean Countess, although there are no dedicated facilities for them, there is plenty of time to read, surf the internet or relax on deck.