Balmoral In Olden, Norway

Balmoral Cruise Ship

Introducing Balmoral

Named after the British Royal Family's Scottish residence, Balmoral provides an exceptional cruising experience. Covering regions as diverse as Northern Europe and Scandinavia to North America and the islands of Cape Verde, there are plenty of enthralling adventures to choose from.

With departures from Dover, Southampton, Newcastle and Rosyth, Balmoral cruises offer the chance to explore some of the world's most spectacular destinations. What's more, despite being one of the largest Fred Olsen ships, Balmoral is small enough to take advantage of the tighter waterways along each route, so guests do not miss out on remarkable sights along the way, such as the Norwegian fjords or Germany's Kiel Canal.

As well as incredible scenery, Balmoral cruises provide the very best in amenities and dining experiences, as well as stylish and comfortable accommodation. With fewer than 1,400 guests, there is ample room for every passenger to enjoy the spacious venues and public areas, while still having plenty of chances to enjoy the company of others. Whether you're travelling around the culture-filled Americas or the Scottish Lochs, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on board Balmoral.

Featured Balmoral cruises

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St Peter Port, France
Free case of wine
New
European Cities and Scenic Rivers from Newcastle (L2629)
France, Guernsey, Belgium
Enjoy scenic river cruising and city exploration with stops in Antwerp, Rouen, and Pauillac, plus extended stays and local highlights.
  • Discover the beauty of the River Seine and enjoy leisurely cruising through its picturesque landscapes.
  • Experience the vibrant city life along the River Scheldt, with a stop in Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Explore the charming town of Honfleur, France, and the scenic port of St Peter Port, Guernsey.
  • Depart From

    Newcastle

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Bilbao, Spain
Free case of wine
New
Spain and the River Cities of France from Southampton (L2631)
France, Spain
Cruise Northern Spain and France aboard Balmoral, with Seine river views, visits to Rouen, Paris, and Bordeaux, plus enjoy local flavours and wine tours during harvest season.
  • Visit Pauillac (for Bordeaux), France, and explore the world-renowned vineyards during the grape harvest.
  • Discover the charm of Getxo (for Bilbao) and Santander, Spain, with their beautiful coastal views and rich culture.
  • Explore the historic port town of Saint-Malo, France, with its medieval walls and stunning seaside vistas.
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

High angle view of a pebbly beach, the land curving round to the right and has grass and trees in the left forefront, a few hotels and villas and a mountain further down.
Free case of wine
New
Mediterranean Grand Voyage from Southampton (L2632)
Spain, Italy, France, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, …More
Embark on a grand cruise exploring Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Morocco, Cyprus, and Portugal, with iconic landmarks, historic cities, and stunning coastlines.
  • Explore iconic Mediterranean destinations like Dubrovnik, Rhodes, and Crete.
  • Sail past breathtaking sights like the Strait of Messina, the Bay of Kotor, and the Temple of Poseidon.
  • Visit cultural gems like Alexandria, Egypt, Istanbul, Turkey, and the historic city of Valletta, Malta.
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Funchal, Portugal
Free case of wine
New
Canaries Christmas and Funchal Fireworks from Southampton
Spain, Portugal, Canary Islands
Escape to the Canary Islands for a festive cruise with Christmas Day at sea, New Year’s Eve in Madeira, sun-soaked beaches, vibrant towns, and an overnight stay in Lisbon.
  • Celebrate the New Year in Madeira and enjoy the stunning fireworks display in Funchal.
  • Explore the historic old town of Cádiz, relax on beautiful beaches, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Unwind on Maspalomas Beach, known for its stunning sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Hamburg Christmas Market, Germany
Free case of wine
New
German Christmas Markets from Southampton (L2641)
Germany, France
Celebrate the festive season with a cruise to Hamburg’s Christmas Markets and the picturesque town of Honfleur.
  • Sail to Hamburg, home to one of Germany's most renowned Christmas Markets, with an overnight stay to soak up the festive atmosphere.
  • Wander through Rathausmarkt in Hamburg's Town Hall Square, where twinkling wooden huts offer handmade crafts, ornaments, and festive treats.
  • Warm up with glühwein and indulge in traditional specialties like lebkuchen, bratwurst, and roasted chestnuts.
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Antwerp, Belgium
Free case of wine
New
Festive France and Belgium from Southampton (L2640)
France, Belgium
Experience festive charm with extended stays in Rouen and Antwerp, sailing the scenic Seine River, and exploring Christmas markets filled with local treats and twinkling lights.
  • Sail the scenic Seine, enjoying the French countryside and picturesque riverside villages.
  • Wander Rouen's medieval streets, famous for timber-framed houses and the stunning Rouen Cathedral.
  • Explore Antwerp’s historic centre, art, architecture, and festive Christmas Markets with local treats.
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Copenhagen, Denmark
Free case of wine
Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic from Rosyth (L2514)
Estonia, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania
Explore enchanting Baltic cities, from castles to old towns, while experiencing local culture and cuisine with Newmarket Holidays. Book with us today!
  • Discover the Baltic’s fairytale landmarks, including the castles of Schwerin, Frederiksborg, and Rosenborg
  • Delve into the rich Hanseatic history in Tallinn, Helsinki, Riga, and Copenhagen
  • Immerse yourself in the Nordic-Baltic lifestyle with experiences like a Finnish sauna and enjoying hygge in Copenhagen
  • Depart From

    Rosyth

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Bordeaux, France
Free case of wine
France and Spain with The River Seine from Southampton (L2508)
France, Spain
Sail to Bordeaux and Rouen, enjoying local delicacies and stunning architecture on this unique cruise with Newmarket Holidays. Book with us today!
  • Benefit from Balmoral’s smaller size, allowing access to Bordeaux and a scenic sail along the River Seine to Rouen.
  • Indulge in traditional delicacies like pintxos in Bilbao and camembert and calvados in Honfleur.
  • Embrace friluftsliv in Ulvik with outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and foraging
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Oslo, Norway
Free case of wine
Scenic Waterways and Cities of Scandinavia from Southampton (L2511)
Norway, Sweden, Denmark
Explore Scandinavia with Newmarket Holidays, navigating Oslofjord and Kiel Canal, and savouring local traditions from Oslo to Gothenburg.
  • Sail through scenic waterways, including Oslofjord, Copenhagen’s canals, and the stunning archipelago of Gothenburg
  • Immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture with fika in Sweden, hygge in Denmark, and aquavit tastings
  • Celebrate Norway National Day in Oslo, experiencing the festivities and traditions of this annual event
  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred. Olsen

Ship facilities

Tonnage (GT) 43,537 | Length 218m | Passengers 1,325 (standard occupancy) |  Cabins 710 | Crew 510 | Decks: 10 | Cruising speed: 22.5 knots

Restaurants

Savor a truly exceptional dining experience aboard Balmoral, where every meal is crafted to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re craving bold international cuisine, comforting British favorites, or indulgent gourmet creations, Balmoral’s diverse dining venues are designed to satisfy every culinary desire.

From sophisticated formal dining rooms to more relaxed, informal settings, each venue offers a unique atmosphere and menu that ensures dining is always a highlight of your cruise. Enjoy beautifully prepared dishes and impeccable service that will transform each meal into an unforgettable experience, adding an extra touch of luxury to your voyage.

Leisure

Leisure facilities aboard Balmoral are designed to offer both relaxation and entertainment, with something for every guest. Take a dip in the heated pools, unwind in the Jacuzzis, or perfect your swing at the golf net. Indoors, the ship offers a cozy card room and a well-stocked library for a quiet retreat, while outdoor deck games like shuffleboard and quoits provide a classic cruise experience.

For those looking to get creative, arts and crafts workshops offer a chance to explore new hobbies, and the onboard cinema is perfect for catching a film. 

Entertainment

Prepare for an unforgettable entertainment experience aboard Balmoral, where excitement and enjoyment await at every turn. Whether you're in the mood for show-stopping live performances, intimate musical sets, or interactive activities, 

From dazzling stage productions and vibrant musical acts to thought-provoking lectures and lively themed events, there's always something happening on board to keep you entertained. No matter your mood or interests, the diverse entertainment options will leave you engaged, delighted, and eager for more with every moment of your journey.

Wellness

Discover the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience aboard Balmoral, where wellness is a top priority. Whether you’re looking to unwind, refresh your senses, or maintain your fitness routine, you'll find a range of luxurious treatments and state-of-the-art facilities to elevate your well-being throughout your cruise.

Indulge in blissful spa treatments, restore your energy in the tranquil thermal suite, or keep active in the modern fitness center. From rejuvenating massages to invigorating fitness classes, it's the perfect setting to nourish both body and mind, leaving you feeling completely renewed. Embark on the wellness journey you deserve!

Bars & lounges

Immerse yourself in luxury and sophistication aboard Balmoral, where the diverse lounges offer a perfect retreat for every mood and occasion. Whether you crave a peaceful haven to relax in or an energetic spot for lively entertainment, you’ll find the ideal setting on this ship.

Relish in expertly crafted cocktails while gazing at stunning ocean vistas, unwind with the soothing melodies of live piano music, or join the vibrant social scene in our elegant bars. Each lounge is thoughtfully designed to provide a unique blend of relaxation and excitement, ensuring that every moment you spend aboard is both delightful and distinctive. Explore our array of lounges and discover the perfect ambiance to enhance your cruise experience!

Accommodation

Discover the epitome of relaxation and sophistication aboard Balmoral, where the accommodations are designed to provide an exquisite retreat throughout your journey. With a selection of elegantly appointed cabins to suit every preference and budget, you’re sure to find a space that feels just right.

From opulent suites featuring private balconies and sweeping ocean views to intimate interior cabins that exude cosy charm, each room is meticulously designed for your comfort. Enjoy modern conveniences, stylish décor, and a welcoming ambiance that transforms your cabin into a serene sanctuary. No matter your choice, Balmoral delivers a memorable stay where comfort and elegance come together to enhance your cruising experience.

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