ABOARD the Balmoral, I could sit back and relax while the crew took care of my every need.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I was waited upon hand and foot by the staff who just couldn’t do enough for me.

My cabin was never left untidy, my day was organised with the help of an evening newsletter, and I certainly never went hungry.

As a first-time cruiser I was apprehensive about being at sea, but a warm welcome at the check-in desk and my comfortable cabin soon made me feel at home.

It wasn’t long either before I gained my ‘sea legs’ and the movement of the ship began to seem normal.

Sitting in the Observatory Bar on my first night aboard, staring out into the blanket of blue that surrounded me, it really did feel as though I was a world away from the mundane routine of every day life.

I boarded the two-week Canary Islands cruise a week late, meeting the ship in the volcanic landscape that is Tenerife. Previously, the ship cruised from Dover and stopped at Madeira and La Palma.

My first excursion was on day two where I woke up to the pure blue skies of Gran Canaria. Taking the South Island Tour by coach, I visited ‘the viewpoint of the Dunes’ in Maspalomas, followed by Playa del Ingles beach resort and the picturesque fishing port of Mogan.

The next excursion took place later in the week in Portugal. We arrived in the city centre of Lisbon, where it was a delight to watch the landscape transform from urban to rural as we travelled out of the capital and into the suburbs of Cascais and the historic town of Sintra.

If organised trips aren’t your thing, you can always opt to take a taxi ride and explore for yourself – or if you’d prefer to stay on board there is plenty to keep you occupied.

From fitness classes, sporting and gaming activities, quizzes, arts and crafts workshops, ballroom dancing and even Nintendo Wii sessions, all organised by the crew, there really is something for everyone.

Taking the day as it comes is also just as enjoyable. You can take a leisurely swim in one of the ship’s two pools or relax in one of its four Jacuzzis, simply sit on the deck and enjoy the scenery, or if you’re feeling more active work out at the fitness centre. The library on board is ideal for some peace and quiet, while the bars, cafes or lounges are perfect for good conversation.

If you really want to treat yourself, the spa has plenty to choose from including many beauty treatments.

At night the ship evolves into a world of glamour, particularly on the formal nights. The Balmoral is aimed at the over 55s and they certainly know how to have a good time – right through until the early hours.

The food in the three main restaurants is of an exceptionally high standard and the service is second to none. After dinner you can prolong the evening with a night cap (or two), dance the night away, enjoy the live entertainment or try your luck in the casino area.

If you’re still feeling peckish, you can indulge in some supper which is available up until midnight.

Food really does seem to dominate your cruise, where you’ll find yourself planning your day around breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper – so remember to pack some looser clothing.

The Balmoral may be the largest of the Fred Olsen fleet, yet it still manages to offer a homely atmosphere .

After spending just a few nights on board, the ship soon became a home from home.

This may be partly down to the ‘Britishness’ of the ship.

Although it’s a Norwegian company, the decor, dining experience and the nationality of most of its passengers makes it seem British.

For most of the year the ships are also based in the UK, the language on board is English and prices are in pounds sterling.

However it is achieved, the Balmoral manages to offer the perfect escapist retreat, while maintaining that ‘home from home’ feel.

During my stay, passengers told me how they returned time after time – and I don’t blame them.

FACTFILE: Balmoral will offer a similar cruise this year, departing from Southampton on 28th October 2011.

Prices start from £970 per person, based on two sharing an inside twin bedded cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes accommodation, all food and entertainment on board, and port taxes. The cruise also offers Flagship Golf, Fred Olsen’s exclusive package for golfers, priced at £375 per player.

• For further information and reservations on all Fred Olsen cruises, visit the website fredolsencruises.com or call Fred Olsen Reservations Department on 01473 742424. Alternatively, visit your ABTA travel agent.

Ship statistics: Passengers: 1,350 Cabins: 710 Crew: 510 Tonnage: 43,537 grt Length: 218.18m Width: 28.2m Speed: 20.0 knots Other Fred Olsen cruise liners: Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar Destinations: Amazon, World Voyage, Canary Islands and West Africa, Caribbean, Iberia, Iceland, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, UK and Ireland, USA and Canada