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Award winning cruise blogger Danielle Fear, known to her readers as CruiseMiss recently returned home from an epic 108-night cruise aboard the world with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. We took a moment to catch up with her upon her return to Newcastle.
Can you tell us a bit about the ship you spent 108 nights on board?
The ship was Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ‘Black Watch’ and she became my home from home. She’s a lovely ship. Traditional, charming and just the right size. She has a variety of bars, 4 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a gym, spa, salon, cinema and 2 lounges. No casino, as such, but there are 2 gaming tables in the Bookmark Café (where you can also buy delicious chocolates).
Everyone dreams of a world cruise but was it what you expected?
It was so much more than I expected. It opened my eyes and my heart to a lot of new experiences and it’s changed me as a person. Everything about it was unique – it was unlike any other cruise I have been on, and we know I’ve been on a few!
Did you have a favourite port of call or part of the world?
I couldn’t pick just one port, but I did really enjoy our time in Asia and South America. Both were very different but equally as satisfying, from a travel lovers perspective. I loved the culture, especially that in Asia. Places like India and Myanmar were incredible.
What did you least enjoy about the cruise, if anything?
Having to disembark at the end of it. I would have given anything to stay there and do it all again. I also didn’t like Tahiti that much. It wasn’t what I imagined when I thought of the South Pacific.
You probably had quite a few sea days… What did you do to pass the time whilst at sea?
We had lots of sea days and I do love a good sea day. There were a million different activities for people to join in with, but I preferred to sit and watch the world go by. I’d often spend my mornings in the sun on the open decks and in the afternoon, after lunch, I would write, do laundry, plan my things for the following port. Nothing too strenuous.
Did you learn anything new whilst travelling the world?
It would be impossible not to learn anything new. Every single day was like a new lesson. Different cultures, customs and traditions. Learning what is and is not acceptable to wear in certain countries. I learned more about religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. Honestly, I am a mine of new and exciting information.
What moment will you remember forever that ranks above every other memory?
I’d remember the entire cruise. The thing with a world cruise is that it is different. It’s for hard-core adventurers, of all ages. The entire experience is what it is all about, not just a few ports here and there. There are things that come to the front of my mind first - holding a koala in Brisbane, seeing Komodo Dragons, taking a
selfie at the Batu Caves and eating authentic Indian food – but it is the overall trip that shines. What is it like to return home after being at sea for so long?
Absolutely rubbish. I completely adapted to my life at sea and I am missing it terribly. I dislike coming home after the end of any trip, but this has been torture.
Now you’re home what do you miss the most?
EVERYTHING. I mean that literally. I am missing everything and everyone.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a world cruise?
If you can do it, DO IT. Don’t give it a second thought. It will be one of the most exciting and enriching things you will ever do in your life.
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