Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 by Peter Knego
Ocean Liner Fittings, Furniture and Art For Sale at MidShipCentury.com
Peter Knego Videos Link: ON THE ROAD TO ALANG and THE WORLD’s PASSENGER FLEET, Volume Nine
Please click on image to open a larger version. All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2008 unless otherwise noted.
MV BRAEMAR Decked!
BRAEMAR builder’s plate.
Owners: Fred. Olsen Cruises
Builders: Union Naval de Levante, Valencia, Spain (hull #198)
Registry: Bahamas
Gross Tonnage: 24, 344
Length: 639.8 feet
Beam: 73.82 feet
Draft: 17.77 feet
passengers: 986
Crew: 400
Service Speed: 18.5 knots
Propulsion: twin screws powered by four 8 cylinder Wartsila-Echevarria diesels
MV BRAEMAR at Castries, St. Lucia.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s third MV BRAEMAR is not only the company’s most modern ship, she is also the latest to have undergone a major renovation and “stretch”. The Norwegian company’s passenger vessels have all had “B” names since the turn of the last century, each reflecting British heritage. Braemar is a Scottish Village in Aberdeenshire, near the Queen’s summer home of Balmoral, which is the name of another Fred. Olsen cruise ship.
BRAEMAR funnel with the Fred. Olsen company logo.
The cruise line is based at Ipswich, UK and caters mainly to a devoted British clientele, who prefer its five moderately sized, classic vessels to glitzy mega-ships.
In addition to the cruise line, Fred. Olsen is a major holding company with interests in shipbuilding, aviation, ships’ crewing, offshore industries, luxury hotels, estate management, property development, electronics, cargo ships and ferries.
Crown Cruise Line’s funnel logo.
In the early 1990s, despite an industry trend toward building mass market mega-ships, newly-formed Crown Cruise Line (an upscale division of Effjohn-owned Commodore Cruise Line) commissioned two relatively small 19,089 gt, 537 foot, 820 (916 max) passenger ships for the American cruise market. In addition to their intimate size, the CROWN JEWEL (1992) and our Decked! subject, the CROWN DYNASTY (1993), were distinguished for being built by the relatively obscure Valencia, Spain-based Union Naval de Levante shipyard.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY departs Los Angeles on 15 May 1994.
In 1993, shortly after former American first lady Betty Ford christened the CROWN DYNASTY, Crown Cruise Line’s operations were transferred to Cunard, who marketed the ships as CUNARD CROWN JEWEL and CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY (later revised to CUNARD JEWEL and CUNARD DYNASTY) on weekly Caribbean cruises.
The two ships boasted a full wrap-around promenade deck, an open fo’c’sle platform (the mooring equipment was housed a deck below), sheltered midships lido with pool, forward observation deck, terraced after decks culminating in a waterfall/fountain, large gymnasium, four deck atrium, casino, show room, formal dining room, casual buffet dining area, cabaret lounge, disco and a wide variety of staterooms, including ten balconied cabins.
The original, yacht-inspired interior design was by Yran and Storbraaten with abundant blond wood tones offset in pastels, lacquered brass accents and trellised ceilings
DECK 9
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Deck 9, facing port.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Aft from Deck 9.
In its original form, Deck 9 was a small platform behind a glass screen at the base of the radio mast overlooking the pool area.
DECK 8
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Forward Deck 8, facing aft.
Deck 8 began with an open observation platform, which led aft to the Olympic Spa
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Olympic Spa, facing port.
The workout area faced forward and was adjacent to a whirlpool with massage and sauna rooms aft.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Deck 8 Lido, facing forward from starboard.
The midships lido featured one pool, two whirlpools and the semi-sheltered Pool Bar. On the starboard side of the funnel housing, there was a 20 capacity children’s playroom called The Rainbow Room.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Buena Vista Lounge, facing port.
Overlooking the stern was a 20 seat card room called the Buena Vista Lounge. Terraces on either side extended aft.
DECK 7
Deck 7 began with the bridge, following with some of the DYNASTY’s best accommodation, including ten balconied suites.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Library, facing forward.
Just forward of the Atrium on aft Deck 7, there was an oak veneered, 15 seat Library.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Kit Kat Club, facing forward.
The 142 seat Kit Kat Club was the CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY’s nightclub. An alfresco terrace overlooked the stern on this level.
DECK 6
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Marco Polo Cafe, facing port.
The greater part of Deck 6 was devoted to accommodation. Aft of the Atrium, the Marco Polo Cafe accommodated 276 with inside and al fresco seating.
DECK 5
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY aft from fo’c’sle.
The open fo’c’sle head started off Deck 5. Today, this space is still open to passengers, and, with the removal of the spare anchor, has even more observation space.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Misbelled.
Someone made a mistake engraving the bell, which has since been replaced.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Rhapsody Lounge, facing aft.
The Rhapsody Lounge seated 415 and has largely kept its original layout as the main show room.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Alexander’s Bar, facing port.
The 114 seat Alexander’s Bar was significantly opened up and now serves as the BRAEMAR’s Morning Light Pub.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Garden Court Casino, facing aft from port.
The 215 seat Garden Court Casino space was absorbed into the Morning Light Pub and its long gallery became part of the Braemar Room.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Valentino’s, facing forward.
The 220 seat Valentino’s cabaret lounge is now the Coral Club.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Aft Deck 5, facing forward, showing the original fountain.
The stern terrace on Deck 5 is much as it was, albeit with a vintage Fred. Olsen figurehead in place of the fountain.
DECK 4
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY Bon Vivant Dining Room, facing forward.
Deck 4 contained accommodation and the 413 seat Bon Vivant dining room, which was redecorated and is now the BRAEMAR’s Thistle Restaurant.
DECK 3
Deck 3 was devoted to accommodation, with the galley at the stern.
DECK 2
Deck 2 had passenger accommodation on the starboard side and staff accommodation
to port.
End of CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY tour
MV CROWN MAJESTY at Los Angeles on May 17, 1997.
NORWEGIAN DYNASTY departs Los Angeles on November 5, 1997.
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY was chartered to Majesty Cruise Line in early 1997 and renamed CROWN MAJESTY. Later that same year, she was chartered to Norwegian Cruise Line and renamed NORWEGIAN DYNASTY. In 1999, Crown Cruise Line was resurrected and the ship returned to their fold as the CROWN DYNASTY, until being sold to Fred. Olsen in 2001. Renamed BRAEMAR, she was given a full refit that included the addition of pieces from the family-owned art collection as well as some key artifacts from the first BRAEMAR of 1953. At the same time, her capacity was reduced to 727 to accommodate a number of single, lower berth cabins.
In the spring of 2008, BRAEMAR proceeded to the Hamburg-based Blohm and Voss Shipyard for a multi million dollar refit and the addition of a 102 foot prefabricated midsection, increasing the ship’s length from 538 to 640 feet. An observation lounge was added, along with modular cabins, a second pool, a new library, an internet center and a new fitness center. The BRAEMAR’s tonnage increased to 24,344 with a new capacity of 986. According to her officers, the additional length has actually given the ship better sea keeping qualities.
MV BRAEMAR at Castries, St. Lucia.
The BRAEMAR has eight passenger levels, ranging from top to bottom with the Observation Deck (9), Marquee Deck (8), Lido Deck (7), Lounge Deck (6), Main Deck (5) and Atlantic Deck (4). Fore and aft stairtowers, each with two lifts, span Marquee to Atlantic Deck, while a midships stairtower connects Marquee to Main Deck. Aside from the Observatory on forward Marquee Deck and the Fitness Center on midships Atlantic Deck, public rooms and facilities are tiered on the ship’s aft upper levels and the full length of Lounge Deck (5).
BRAEMAR at St. John’s, Antigua.
In certain spaces, such as the Neptune Lounge, Purser’s Lobby, Atrium and fore and aft stairtowers, the vessel’s original Yran and Storbraaten design remains relatively intact. However, most of the ship has been very handsomely made over by British design firm, SPACE, featuring contemporary colors and new furnishing.
BRAEMAR Top To Bottom Decked! Tour
SUN DECK (9)
BRAEMAR over bow from Sun Deck.
BRAEMAR forward Sun Deck, facing starboard.
Sun Deck (9) features an open observation terrace overlooking the bow and a glass-screen that shelters a large sunning area.
BRAEMAR Sun Deck, facing aft from port.
BRAEMAR starboard Sun Deck golf driving net, facing forward.
BRAEMAR aft from Sun Deck.
Golf driving nets are situated on both sides of the mast housing, overlooking the midships lido.
MARQUEE DECK (8)
BRAEMAR Observatory, facing starboard.
Marquee Deck (8) begins with the new, 98 seat Observatory. Full length windows forward and on either side surround a seating area and circular bar decorated in lustrous shades of blue and ochre, offset by mahogany and stark white surfaces.
BRAEMAR Observatory, facing port.
BRAEMAR random Observatory carpet shot.
>
Aside from a lunchtime pianist, the Observatory is a relatively quiet nook in the daytime but comes to life as a favorite pre and post dinner cocktail haven.
BRAEMAR radio mast from Marquee Deck.
Following a block of newly added suite accommodation, the expanded open air midships lido area is sheltered on either side via full length glass panels. Although the stretch provided more space, dedicated sun worshippers are still advised to get here early on sea days.
BRAEMAR Marquee Deck, facing aft from starboard.
BRAEMAR midships Marquee Deck lido, facing forward.
The second, forward pool is a new addition, along with a children’s wading pool and two new whirlpools.
BRAEMAR midships Marquee Deck, facing aft.
BRAEMAR aft Marquee Deck pool, facing aft.
BRAEMAR Marquee Deck lido, facing forward from starboard.
The al fresco, sheltered Pool Bar is located at the base of the funnel.
BRAEMAR Pool Bar, facing port.
BRAEMAR aft port Marquee Deck, facing aft.
Narrow walkways on either side continue past the 128 seat Grampian Restaurant, which features oversized porthole style windows and full length glass panels that overlook the stern.
BRAEMAR aft port Marquee Deck, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Grampian buffet, facing aft.
BRAEMAR Grampian Restaurant, facing port.
The Grampian has a buffet counter on its forward/port side and its soft fittings are in autumnal gold and crimson, complementin
g the handsome wooden arm chairs, stark white linens and deep brown paneling.
BRAEMAR random Grampian carpet.
BRAEMAR over stern from Marquee Deck.
BRAEMAR, facing port from aft Marquee Deck.
Open terraces overlooking the stern complete this level.
BRIDGE DECK (7)
BRAEMAR Children’s Playroom, facing forward.
Bridge Deck (7) begins with the wheelhouse and a large block of balconied accommodation that stretches all the way to the aft foyer. The oak veneered Children’s Playroom, originally the ship’s library, is on the starboard side just forward of the top level of the Atrium, which features a four deck fresco by Norwegian artist Per Lundgren on its forward bulkhead and a wall of glass to starboard.
BRAEMAR Atrium, facing forward/down from Bridge Deck.
BRAEMAR Atrium, facing forward/starboard/down from Bridge Deck.
BRAEMAR Arts and Crafts Room, facing forward.
On the port side and just forward is the 17 seat Arts and Crafts Room, which can be reached via the Skylark Club.
BRAEMAR Skylark Club, facing port.
The 120 seat, orange and blue Skylark Club, with its large wooden dance floor and high tech dj booth, is just aft of the Atrium.
BRAEMAR Skylark Club, facing forward.
Demure by day, the Skylark Club is home to watercolor classes and exhibitions, quizzes and darts. At night, it becomes a popular karaoke parlor and pulsating nightclub.
BRAEMAR totally random Skylark carpet shot.
BRAEMAR aft Bridge Deck stairs, facing port/forward.
BRAEMAR random stairtower carpet shot.
Just beyond the Skylark’s full length glass windows, another open terrace completes this level.
LIDO DECK (6)
BRAEMAR Palms Cafe mural, facing starboard.
Lido Deck (6) houses accommodation forward of the Atrium. Adjoining the aft foyer, the 144 seat Palms Cafe’s main focal point is a large fresco of tropical birds.
BRAEMAR Palms Cafe buffet, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Palms Cafe, facing port.
Teak decking, art nouveau-styled mahogany arm chairs and full length windows give the room a casual and inviting ambiance.
BRAEMAR Lido Bar, facing forward/starboard.
The 95 seat al fresco Lido Bar, which contains the ship’s only espresso maker, lays just beyond.
BRAEMAR aft Lido Deck, facing starboard.
LOUNGE DECK (5)
BRAEMAR, aft from fo’c’sle.
BRAEMAR bell.
Lounge Deck (5) begins with the unique open fo’c’sle head, a wonderful spot for watching arrivals and departures.
BRAEMAR Lounge Deck promenade sign.
BRAEMAR Neptune Lounge, facing aft.
The interior portion of Lounge Deck begins with the 378 seat Neptune Lounge, which has an unusual lengthwise layout with stage to port and rows of seating starboard. This venue is the ship’s largest public room and hosts a myriad of activities, from yoga classes, pilates, cooking demos, guest lecture presentations, dancing lessons, quizzes, Bingo and afternoon recitals to comedy, game shows, guest vocalists, talent shows and Broadway-style production shows.
BRAEMAR Neptune Lounge, facing forward.
Tiered, banked seating provides good sightlines, although there are a few supporting pillars. The palette is maroon and yellow with brass accents.
BRAEMAR Morning Light Pub, facing aft.
Just beyond the forward foyer, the 102 seat Morning Light Pub has plush wingback chairs, leather settees, simulated maple veneers, paintings and models of schooners, a Fred. Olsen coat of arms and the figurehead from the 1953 BRAEMAR.
BRAEMAR Fred. Olsen crest in Morning Light Pub.
BRAEMAR Morning Light Pub, facing forward.
Despite its name, the Morning Light sees little activity until midday when it is home to quizzes, the Rosario Strings, and the occasional seminar. At night, the Rosario Strings return and full-bodied sing-alongs follow into the wee hours, traditional pub style.
BRAEMAR Room, facing aft.
The 66-seat Braemar Room comes next, continuing on the port side as a lounge, gallery and passageway, with its distinctive blue and gold tartan carpeting, comfortable arm chairs and a view of the promenade.
BRAEMAR (i) model in Br
aemar Room.
Some interesting primitive artwork and a builder’s model of the 1953 BRAEMAR are key focal points.
BRAEMAR Library rotunda, facing forward.
On the starboard side, there is the 44 seat Library with its circular alcove (a tradition on most Fred. Olsen ships), warm wood tones and large velvet arm chairs.
BRAEMAR Library sculpture.
BRAEMAR Library, facing forward.
Here the palette is autumnal and soothing, in ochre and rust, offset with pale jade accents.
BRAEMAR Card Room, facing aft.
Adjoining the Library is the 40 seat Card Room and an Internet Center with 11 computer stations.
BRAEMAR Internet Room, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Internet Room, facing port/forward.
BRAEMAR cubist painting from the Fred. Olsen family collection.
BRAEMAR Braemar Room, facing forward.
From the Braemar Room, a diagonal passage crosses aft through the Shopping Arcade and Shore Excursions offices to the Photo Gallery and Reception Lobby.
BRAEMAR Lounge Deck gallery, facing aft/starboard.
BRAEMAR Lounge Deck gallery, facing forward/port.
BRAEMAR Reception, facing port.
BRAEMAR (iii) model in Reception.
BRAEMAR Coral Club, facing aft.
Beyond the Lobby is the 163 seat Coral Club, the ship’s cabaret style show room. Fronted by an eight seat bar, it has a small casino (one black jack table and one roulette table) on the port side as well as a stage and dance floor.
BRAEMAR Casino, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Coral Club, facing forward.
The soft fittings are in complementary shades of peacock blue and coral and the venue is used by day for exercise classes, Bingo and quizzes and in the evenings, it is home to variety shows, singers and guest performers.
BRAEMAR port Lounge Deck promenade, facing forward.
The wrap-around open air promenade that encircles this level certainly does not go unappreciated by the ship’s guests.
BRAEMAR aft Lounge Deck, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR forward from aft Lounge Deck fantail.
At the stern, there is more open deck in the shelter of the handsome terracing, although the original fountain has been removed.
MAIN DECK (4)
BRAEMAR Atrium, facing forward/up from Main Deck.
Main Deck (4) is largely devoted to accommodation. At the base of the Atrium, various activities are scheduled, such as carpet putting and the traditional British pastime, carpet bowl (similar to Bocce Ball).
Muralist Per Lundgren’s signature in the Main Deck level of the Atrium.
Thistle Restaurant buffet, facing port.
The 396 seat Thistle Restaurant, the second of the BRAEMAR’s two main dining rooms, occupies the aft portion of this level.
Thistle Restaurant, facing forward.
With windows on three sides, it contains a small buffet area forward and is in a subdued palette of blond and ebony wood tones with gray/violet and white soft fittings.
ATLANTIC DECK (3)
BRAEMAR Fitness Center, facing aft.
Atlantic Deck (3) is mostly passenger accommodation but also contains the ship’s spa and beauty salon as well as a well-equipped Fitness Center (21 cardio and weight machines, free weights and a stretching area) in the newly-added midships section.
MARINA DECK (2)
BRAEMAR Marina Deck Laundrette, facing port.
Marina Deck (2) has passenger accommodation on the starboard side. Inboard, there is a medical center and the self service launderette (with nine combination washer/dryers).
BRAEMAR has a whopping nineteen cabin categories, ranging from 300 square foot Superior Suites on Bridge Deck to 130 square foot Single Insides on Atlantic Deck. Following her stretch, the ship now has eighty balconied cabins. All have a bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, interactive television with FOi (which offers pay-per-view movies, shore tour information and booking, wine ordering and daily activities), telephone, complimentary stationery. Some twin cabins have beds that convert to one double bed.
Suites also feature a small refrigerator and an entertainment system. Some bathrooms have twin sinks and a full tub.
BRAEMAR Superior Suite 7048, facing port/forward.
BRAEMAR Superior Suite 7030, facing port.
BRAEMAR Superior Suite 7030, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Superior Suite 7030 balcony, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Superior Suite 7030 bathroom.
BRAEMAR Superior Suite 7020, facing port.
BRAEMAR Balcony Suite 8001, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Balcony Suite 8001 balcony, facing aft.
BRAEMAR Balcony Suite 7012, facing aft.
BRAEMAR Balcony Suite 6040, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Superior Balcony Cabin 7042, facing port.
BRAEMAR Balcony Cabin 7047, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Balcony Cabin 7047 balcony, facing port.
BRAEMAR Large Superior Outside Twin 6008 with picture window, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Superior Twin Outside 6054 with picture window, facing port.
BRAEMAR Twin Outside Cabin 4030 with picture window, facing port.
BRAEMAR Twin Outside Cabin 3047 with twin portholes, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Twin Outside Cabin 3047 bathroom.
BRAEMAR Twin Outside Cabin 2089 with twin portholes, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Inside Twin 4092, facing starboard.>
BRAEMAR Inside Quadruple 4028, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Twin Inside Cabin 3060, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Single Balcony Suite 6067, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Single Balcony Suite 6067 balcony, facing starboard.
BRAEMAR Handicap Twin Inside 7017, facing forward.
BRAEMAR Handicap Twin Inside 7017 bathroom.
MaritimeMatters highly recommends: The Fred. Olsen Line And Its Passenger Ships by Anthony Cooke on Carmania Press. Available at Mainmast Books.
Very Special Thanks: Tony Cooke, Martin Cox, Wendy Hooper-Greenhill, Wendy Jeffries, Steve Kravitz
