A card room - perfect for an afternoon game of Bridge
An extensive library
4 Stylish Restaurants including The Ballindoch Restaurant
A fantastic selection of bars/lounges including the popular Lido Bar
A fully equipped Fitness Centre
Enjoy selected drinks with lunch & dinner, gratuities, complimentary guided walks ashore & shuttle buses for selected ports when booking on Freedom Fare on 2026 & 2027 Sailings!
On 2026 sailings selected house beer (by the glass), selected red, white and rosé wine (by the glass), and draught soft drinks, included with lunch and dinner. Available with waiter service only in selected venues, including the main, buffet and speciality restaurants. Non-alcoholic options are also available
Tips
Tips are now included in the Freedom Fare for 2026 sailings and beyond.
Entertainment
Choose from a variety of things to entertain yourself including restaurants, bars, theatre, pools and much more.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
Accommodation
Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.
Port Fees & Taxes
No surprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price.
Extras
Wi-fi
If you would like to use the internet onboard you can add a package from £8.50 - £12 per day depending on the length of the cruise. This can be added to your package after booking.
Speciality Dining
Specialty restaurants allow travellers to enhance their dining experience during the cruise. This is a great way to add variety to your holiday or celebrate a special occasion. You can pay for meals in the special dining restaurants onboard.
Excursions
If you would like to do any excursions/tours while docked these will be an additional charge. Excursions/tours can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package. Alternatively these can be bought while on the ship but may be more expensive than pre-booking.
Parking
Car parking at the port or airport for the duration of your trip is not included within the price of the cruise. Port/airport parking can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add this to your package. An approximate cost for parking is between £12 - £20 per car per day. Alternatively we can arrange transfers from your home to the departure airport/port.
Insurance
Have the peace of mind that you're covered. Contact us after you have made the booking if you would like us to add this to your package.
Transfers (home to port)
Transfers from your home to the port or airport aren't included but we can help organise coach transfers, taxis etc to make your life easier. Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package.
Visa
Visas are not provided by us or the cruise operator. Visas and other travel documents have to be obtained by the individual passengers prior to sailing.
Ship Facilities
Balmoral - By Fred. Olsen
Good for couplesOver 50sInformalSmall Ship
Year: 07/06/1988
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Refurbished: 01/11/2020
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9 Decks
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Max capacity: 1350 people
To book an accessible cabin, please give us a call
020 3991 1166
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Balmoral
4.4
Based on 226 reviews
Cabin
4
Service
5
Excursions
4
Dining
4
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
4
best small cruise ship i have cruised on
user
10+ cruises
15 Jan 2026
We really enjoyed our recent cruise to Norway on Balmoral. However, some public areas on board were too cold to sit in. The bar staff in the observatory were reduced to wearing coats and gloves on some days. The rear part of the Thistle restaurant and the Lido Bar were also very cold for much of the trip, with staff needing to wear coats there too. Because of this, passengers were all crammed together in the remaining public areas on board, meaning it became difficult to find somewhere to sit on the coldest days. Apart from this, the food and service were really good. The excursions we went on were very well organised and we enjoyed most of the entertainment. The pantomime was the highlight, funniest thing ever.
couple
2-5 cruises
7 Jan 2026
The young man you did the Scottish show was excellent. Enjoyed every minute. Including the brilliant tap dancing my another member of the entertainment team.
couple
2-5 cruises
19 Dec 2025
Amazing itinerary together with excellent weather
Nice ship with decent entertainment
Very good with solo travellers
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Talk to a Cruise Expert
Our cruise experts will help you pick the perfect cruise line, ship and destination.
We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
With excellent transport links to the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Rosyth is an idyllic village nestled on the east coast Scotland. Whether you're looking to escape on a day trip to the city or are looking to soak up the quiet life of the quaint countryside, Rosyth is a great starting point for a range of adventures. Discover creatures of the sea at Deep-sea World, explore Edinburgh Castle for stunning views from Castle Rock, and shop along Royal Mile for souvenirs.
At Sea
DAY 2
12 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
Skjolden
DAY 3
13 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Skjolden is a picturesque village in Vestland County, Western Norway. It’s part of the Lustre municipality, and located at the head of the Sognefjorden, the longest navigable fjord in the world, making the sail there a spectacle in and of itself. With a small population of only 300 inhabitants, if the busyness of a major city is what you're looking for, you're in the wrong area; on the other hand, if you want peace and quiet together with a breathtaking landscape, you're in the perfect spot. With 3 national parks at its doorstep (Jostedalsbreen, Breheimen and Jotunheimen), alongside a variety of other attractions, you’ll have an unforgettable stop in Skjolden.
Things to do in Skjolden:
Wittgenstein Lodge
The Wittgenstein family was one of the most powerful in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in the second part of the nineteenth century. Hochreit, Karl Wittgenstein's hunting lodge, was furnished by Hoffmann in 1907 and is situated in a lovely area directly on the lake. Inside, feel like you've been transported back in time as you discover the historic future from the early 19th century.
Åsafossen
A stunning waterfall that is reachable on foot from the cruise port, the Asafossen waterfall is simply stunning. Measuring 180m, this impressive attraction rushes down the slope across the street from Vassbakken Kro & Camping in Skjolden. And over the years, Sherpas from Nepal have strengthened and protected the ascent to the waterfall, making it quite simple to walk up to it.
Skjolden Llamas
If you’ve ever wanted to meet or walk llamas, you’re in for a treat. At this scenic farm you can opt to walk along the lake and get to know these amazing animals. And with the farm being located just 500 metres from the centre of Skjolden, it’s perfectly located for those wanting to stay closer to the ship.
Lustrafjorden (Scenic Cruising)
DAY 3
13 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
Sognefjord (Scenic Cruising)
DAY 3
13 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
The ever-impressive Sognefjord, which is nicknamed King of the Fjords, is both the longest and the deepest fjord in Norway. Cutting comfortably through Vestland county, with several sizable offshoots branching into smaller fjords as you head further inland, Sognefjord stretches roughly 127 miles and boasts some of the most breathtaking Scandinavian scenery you can see while sailing in Northern Europe. As wide as four miles at some points, and as narrow as 250 metres at others, this is a dramatic natural waterway where you can enjoy sensational views of snow-capped mountains stretching up into the sky, impressive icy glaciers, and vibrant forests while relishing in the comfort afforded by your cruise ship. With tumbling waterfalls, small coastal settlements, and impressive wildlife littering the shores, there’s always something interesting to spot while you’re enjoying this scenic cruising experience.
Olden
DAY 4
14 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Found at the end of the magical Nordfjord, Olden has a population of just 505 and is home to some of Norway's most breathtaking glaciers. Each point of interest is within walking distance of the cruise port, including tourist information, cafes and a picturesque old church. Take an excursion to the Briksdal Glacier where you can hike to the glacier viewpoint, or hop on the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven for unforgettable views of the landscape.
Things to do in Olden:
Loen Skylift
If you’re looking to soar high above the Nordfjord, take the impressive Loen Skylift. An aerial tramway, 7 metres per second is the top speed and it is among the steepest in the world with a gradient of up to 60 degrees.
Huaren Viewpoint
Taking 3 hours, this incredible hike takes you up the picturesque Mount Hauren. When you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with an all-encompassing vista of the natural splendour that surrounds Olden. Well worth the effort, you’ll pass a lush forest and other captivating scenery throughout your hike.
Oldevatnet Lake
Located in the valley of Oldedalen, this impressive lake covers just under 8 square kilometres and spans 12 kilometres. Situated between the fjords, the turquoise waters of the lake are like something out of a dream and the surrounding mountains are simply magical.
Nordfjord (Scenic Cruising)
DAY 4
14 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Nordfjord is a traditional district of Norway and home to some of the nation’s most famous fjords – particularly, Nordfjorden, the sixth-longest of the fjords found in Norway. While cruising this stunning area of Scandinavia, you’ll have the chance to admire the dramatic landscape northern Norway is known for alongside the rough coastline of the Stadlandet peninsula and Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest surviving mainland glacier at the moment. With calm waters, stunning forest-covered slopes, and snow-capped mountains, sightseeing doesn’t get more rewarding than this.
Hornelen - Cruising
DAY 4
14 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
Molde
DAY 5
15 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Known as the 'City of Roses', Molde is teeming with breathtaking, panoramic views, lush gardens and plenty of jazz music. From the town's best viewpoint you'll see fjords, the archipelago and 222 snow-capped peaks. Looking for something adventurous to do? Go for a hike, a swim or rent a boat to kayak the pristine waters. As well as this, history buffs will enjoy a wander around the museum and cathedral to truly get to know the heart of Molde.
Things to do in Molde:
Molde Cathedral
The cathedral, which was formally opened in 1957, is a large church with two naves built in the Gothic architectural style. A copper-clad pyramid rises from a freestanding bell tower that is 50 metres tall and the interior is lavishly ornamented with Christian symbols and signs, including some exquisite stained glass. After the first two churches on the property were destroyed by fire, the cathedral in its current form was built on the grounds.
Romsdal Museum
Only ten minutes' walk separates Molde's downtown from one of Norway's biggest and most comprehensive folk museums. The Romsdal Museum was founded in 1912 and features noteworthy interiors and structures from the entire area, such as pre-war townhouses in Bygata street.
Varden Viewpoint
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Molde, head to the Varden Viewpoint. At 407 metres up, you can enjoy views over the town, fjords and its surrounding islands. Reachable in one hour by foot or a 10 minute car journey, the viewpoint’s panoramic views are out of this world.
Alesund
DAY 6
16 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
The artistic, quirky and historic town of Alesund is not only a great stop off on your way to explore the Geirangerfjord, but a hidden gem in itself. Boasting unique Art Nouveau architecture throughout the town, you'll find an abundance of boutiques, bars and eateries surrounded by the backdrop of the picture-perfect Sunmore Alps. Whether you're on a leisurely stroll through town or enjoying outdoor excursions, Alesund is an unforgettable port of call on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.
Things to do in Alesund:
Storhaugen
If you’re looking for beautiful panoramic views of Alesund and scenic walks, Storhaugen park is a must visit. A picturesque green space high above the port town, you can take in sights of the quaint town centre, alongside Sunnmoresalpane mountain range and Sula.
Fisheries Museum
Whether you want to learn about the captivating fishing history of Alesund or you’re simply looking for an activity that’s a little more unique, the centrally located Fisheries Museum is just the ticket.
The Art Nouveau Town
Wonder through the beautiful town and discover all of the breathtaking Art Nouveau buildings, from houses to churches. A picturesque walk, there are often tours offered around the area, which will inform you all about the history of Alesund, alongside the captivating architecture.
Hjorundfjord - Cruising
DAY 6
16 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
At Sea
DAY 7
17 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
Rosyth
DAY 8
18 Jun 2027
Time at Port: TBD
With excellent transport links to the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Rosyth is an idyllic village nestled on the east coast Scotland. Whether you're looking to escape on a day trip to the city or are looking to soak up the quiet life of the quaint countryside, Rosyth is a great starting point for a range of adventures. Discover creatures of the sea at Deep-sea World, explore Edinburgh Castle for stunning views from Castle Rock, and shop along Royal Mile for souvenirs.
AI review summary
Entertainment
A significant number of customers remarked that the entertainment provided was varied, excellent, and enjoyable.
Service
Many customers appreciated the excellent service provided by the ship, praising its friendliness and cleanliness.
Crew
Customers expressed appreciation for the friendly and helpful crew, which was mentioned multiple times in the reviews.
Trip
Customers appreciated the good selection of shore trips and the variety of ports available, although some were a little expensive.
Cabin
A significant number of customers remarked that the cabin was spacious, clean, warm, and well-appointed.