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.
Accommodation
Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
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.
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.
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.
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
Customer reviews for Balmoral
4.4
Based on 166 reviews
Cabin
4
Service
5
Excursions
4
Dining
4
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
4
They treat you like family
couple
10+ cruises
15 Apr 2025
Staff all very personable and couldn't have been more friendly and caring. We enjoyed most of the entertainment but some of it wasn't to our taste. The comedian was brilliant.
The food was very good with plenty of choice but not excellent. However, the kitchen staff are to be commended for their work.
The activities were very good and there was something for everyone. The beauty salon facials were excellent . We booked onto the cheese and wine experience and it was outstanding. We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather and so we e enjoyed the swimming pool and the jacuzzi.
The cocktails were great and very reasonably priced . Housekeeping do a brilliant job.
couple
2-5 cruises
13 Apr 2025
We have thoroughly enjoyed our first ever cruise - it has totally exceeded expectations in every way. From arrival at port the boarding process was so simple with no queues or waiting around. Once on board our luggage was already at our cabin and there was ample storage space for all the luggage we had brought onboard. The cabin was clean and plenty of room for the two of us- we slept better on this cruise than we do at home! The food throughout was excellent - good selection with very little repetition. Our waiters couldn’t do enough for us - nothing was too much trouble. The activities on board kept us busy at all times on sea days - we especially loved learning to dance - Steve and Lesley were excellent teachers. The entertainment was good standard and the hosts put so much work into all the quizzes and other activities. Shore excursions were varied and very well run. The overall experience has been wonderful and we have already booked another Balmoral cruise for next year. We prefer the smaller adults only offering that Fred Olsen offers.
couple
1 cruise
6 Apr 2025
Smaller cruise liner with great personality. Because the ships are smaller they can get in to different destinations. Entertainment was brilliant.
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.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
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.
Scenic Waterways & Cities of Scandinavia from Newcastle, 14 May 2026 (9 nights)
Your itinerary
Esther T.
17 Jan 2025
Esther T.
17 Jan 2025
Esther T.
17 Jan 2025
Esther T.
17 Jan 2025
Esther T.
17 Jan 2025
Esther T.
17 Jan 2025
Linda G.
10 Nov 2024
Mark N.
1 Nov 2024
Mark N.
1 Nov 2024
Newcastle
DAY 1
14 May 2026
The compact city of Newcastle has plenty to be discovered during a day onshore. Once an industrial hub, it has successfully transformed into a quirky and stylish destination, popular particularly for its vibrant nightlife. But, as well as the restaurants, bars and clubs, you'll find over 2,000 years of history and architecture thanks to the city's Roman origins. Discover the Roman ruins, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, many museums, parks and galleries to learn more about Newcastle.
Things to do in Newcastle:
Discovery Museum
A scientific and local history museum, The Discovery Museum is located in Blandford Square in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are several local history exhibits there, including the Turbinia ship. Showcasing the renowned maritime history, alongside fashion, science and technology, this diverse museum is fun for all the family.
Newcastle Castle
The castle is situated in the heart of the city, and is a prominent mediaeval fortification that was constructed on the site of an ancient fortress. Within the castle, you’ll find the iconic fortified gatehouse (the Black Gate) as well as the Castle Keep and other impressive features.
Biscuit Factory
Newcastle upon Tyne is home to the contemporary art gallery The Biscuit Factory. The Gallery underwent extensive renovations before opening in 2002, and was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The Biscuit Factory is the UK's largest commercial gallery for art, craft, and design, making it a popular attraction for those visiting the city.
At Sea
DAY 2
15 May 2026
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!
Oslo - Overnight onboard
DAY 3-4
16 May 2026
As Norway's capital city, there's no doubt that Oslo is a hub of stylish architecture, Scandinavian culture and quirky art scenes, as well as plenty of traditional Norwegian cuisine. The renowned Opera House and Holmenkollen Ski Museum are just two examples of the fascinating and eye-catching attractions you'll find in this cosmopolitan city, while outdoor adventurers will love exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Things to do in Oslo - Overnight onboard:
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is an amazing place to learn about Oslo's past. Under king Hkon V, construction on Akershus Castle and Fortress began in 1299. The 1300s saw the completion of the mediaeval fortress, which was strategically situated at the tip of the headland and resisted several sieges throughout the centuries.
The Vigeland Park
A bus ride away from the cruise port, Vigeland Park is an incredible sculpture park and museum that displays an array of exhibitions and pieces, including from the park’s namesake, Gustav Vigeland. A beautiful, tranquil park it spans an impressive 80 acres.
Oslo Opera House
Situated within easy reach of the cruise port, in the centre of Oslo, the Oslo Opera House is the permanent home of the Norwegian Ballet and National Opera. Unique in design, it’s located within the popular Bjorvika neighbourhood. You can even climb the opera house, which grants incredible views of the Oslofjord from the top.
Copenhagen - Overnight onboard
DAY 5-6
18 May 2026
Comprising unique architecture, scenic canals and a wide range of attractions within easy reach of the cruise port, Copenhagen is often hailed as the best city in the world in which to live. No matter your age or interests, and no matter the weather, there's something for everyone - take a bus tour to get your bearings, then explore royal palaces, museums and parks. Nyhavn is an iconic spot for photos, cafes and culture, and breathtaking 18th-century architecture.
Things to do in Copenhagen - Overnight onboard:
Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid sculpture, perhaps one of Copenhagen's most well-known tourist destinations, took inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's well-known fairy tale. The Little Mermaid, a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen, was unveiled on August 23, 1913 and is located on Langelinie Pier.
Tivoli Gardens
Situated in the centre of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a theme park with rides, a beautiful lake, shops, cafes and more. The third-oldest operational amusement park in the world, it dates back to 1843. A magical attraction that’s worth a visit when you’re in Copenhagen, it has something for all ages.
National Museum of Denmark
Denmark's main cultural history museum, the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, contains a variety of exhibits, from Danish artefacts to international exhibits. Located near Strget in Copenhagen's downtown, it's the perfect day out for those wanting to learn more about Denmark's captivating past.
Gothenburg
DAY 7
20 May 2026
Situated on the shores of the Göta älv river on Sweden's west coast is the country's largest city, Gothenburg. A significant seaport, it is renowned for its Dutch-inspired canals and green boulevards like the Avenyn, which is the city's main avenue which is surrounded by an array of popular cafés and shops.
Things to do in Gothenburg:
Liseberg
Featuring a variety of thrilling rides, theatre spaces and a beautifully designed sculpture garden, Liseberg was opened in 1923. With around three million visitors each year, it is one of the most popular theme parks in Scandinavia.
Horticultural Society
In the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, there is a park and horticultural garden called The Garden Society of Gothenburg. Situated next to Kungsportsavenyen, it was established 1842 and features an array of beautiful plant life from local flowers to tropical plants found within the greenhouse.
VOLVO Museum
Gothenburg is home to the popular Volvo Museum. It covers the growth of Sweden's top automaker, Volvo, from the original "V 4" to the present-day automobiles, lorries, buses, and other goods. A popular attraction with those that love to learn about the history of cars, it's situated just outside of the city centre.
Skagen, Denmark
DAY 8
21 May 2026
Since the 19th century, Skagen has lured visitors from all around the world for its breathtaking landscapes and beautiful beaches. Nowadays, travellers visit for all this as well as the unique neighbourhoods, array of museums and fantastic shopping. Skagen's artistic flair makes for great photo opportunities, but if you're looking for more active excursions, enjoy a guided hike, a full-day horse ride or water sports at the beach.
Things to do in Skagen, Denmark:
Skagens Museum
Showcasing an array of Scandinavian art and collections, the Skagens Museum is a popular place to visit for those wanting to discover late 19th and early 20th century local art. Centrally located, the museum’s collection is continuously rotating.
Tilsandede Kirke
A church honouring Saint Lawrence of Rome from the late 14th century has become known as the Sand-Covered Church and is a popular photo spot with tourists visiting the town. Located 2 km from the centre, it's worth a visit if you have the time to wander down to it whilst in Skagen.
Skagen Gray Lighthouse
With a height of 46 metres, Skagen Lighthouse is the second-largest structure of its kind in Denmark. It is also the perfect location for anybody seeking a breathtaking panoramic view that encompasses both the entire city and the sea. Furthermore, it also has a lovely cafe where a variety of foods and beverages are served, as well as a store with numerous items for those who want to feed the local birds.
At Sea
DAY 9
22 May 2026
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!
Newcastle
DAY 10
23 May 2026
The compact city of Newcastle has plenty to be discovered during a day onshore. Once an industrial hub, it has successfully transformed into a quirky and stylish destination, popular particularly for its vibrant nightlife. But, as well as the restaurants, bars and clubs, you'll find over 2,000 years of history and architecture thanks to the city's Roman origins. Discover the Roman ruins, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, many museums, parks and galleries to learn more about Newcastle.
Things to do in Newcastle:
Discovery Museum
A scientific and local history museum, The Discovery Museum is located in Blandford Square in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are several local history exhibits there, including the Turbinia ship. Showcasing the renowned maritime history, alongside fashion, science and technology, this diverse museum is fun for all the family.
Newcastle Castle
The castle is situated in the heart of the city, and is a prominent mediaeval fortification that was constructed on the site of an ancient fortress. Within the castle, you’ll find the iconic fortified gatehouse (the Black Gate) as well as the Castle Keep and other impressive features.
Biscuit Factory
Newcastle upon Tyne is home to the contemporary art gallery The Biscuit Factory. The Gallery underwent extensive renovations before opening in 2002, and was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The Biscuit Factory is the UK's largest commercial gallery for art, craft, and design, making it a popular attraction for those visiting the city.
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