Let me take you through the Ken Goes Cruising Group Cruise Martini Experience on Fred.Olsen Cruises Borealis.
As part of our recent Group Cruise, we asked if anyone wished to take part in the onboard Martini Experience. A total of 39 booked it and Fred. Olsen Cruises kindly arranged for us to hold this as a private event.
Warm Welcome
The venue chosen was the Poolside Bar area. We arrived to find tables and chairs already laid out, together with areas for the demonstrations and immersive experiences. This also meant that those of our group who had not booked places were able to join in from the sidelines.
We were welcomed by the ever-enthusiastic and friendly Bar Staff and invited to take seats. The tables were laid out with snacks and the all important list of Martinis available. These were Mangotini, Appletini, Cosmopolitan, French Martini, Expresso Martini, Blue Martini, Bronx and Lemon Drop Martini. Then came the most taxing part of the experience – choosing just 4 to drink!
Starting the Experience
Once you make your choice a waiter takes the form, your first choice is poured and returned to you, along with the form.
The Bar Team were introduced to everyone and we were given a very potted explanation of the Martini origin. Whilst origins are a little hazy it appears the Martini evolved from the 1860s and was largely popularised in the USA during the Prohibition era.
Getting Involved
Bar Tenders initially gave a demonstration of how to make a Martini and then invited members of the group to go up and try it for themselves. A member of the bar staff was with us all the time, taking us through the steps and assisting where required. Well except for the shaking – we had to do that ourselves. After all that excitement the Martini you made was yours to take back to the table.
The cocktail shaking was great fun and the music accompanyment added to the atmosphere. As this was a private group, we had a little competition to find the best `shakers’ – congratulations to the winners, Minnie and Gordon.
The Final Challenge
Bar staff performed several Flair demonstrations for us. This is a real talent and not particularly easy to do whilst at sea! We also had a demonstration of pouring multiple Martinis at one time. This is a skill that needs a steady hand and a certain amount of strength.
Once the demonstration was over, volunteers from the group were invited to try. Several accepted the challenge – fortunately with fewer glasses!
Over So Quickly
All of a sudden the hour-long event was over and we found ourselves thanking the bar staff who had taken us through the experience.
We commend the staff for providing such a fun Martini Experience. The Group thoroughly enjoyed it and our thanks go to all involved.
Would we do it again ABSOLUTELY!
General Information and Tips
If you are looking for a really fun experience with a few Martinis thrown in be sure to look out for this Martini Experience on Fred’s ships. Details will be in your Journey Guide under Bookable Experiences so you can ensure your place before you head on board.
Places are limited to 30 and at the time of writing the cost was £22 per person.
TIP: You do not have to drink all your choices on the same night. Waiters cross off the ones you have received and those left can be redeemed on another day – but it’s worth checking which bar to get them from.
TIP: If you take part in the immersive part of this experience the Martini you make is yours to drink in addition to the 4 chosen.
