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.
Drinks
Some teas, coffees and soft drinks will be included but alcoholic drinks are extra. If you want alcoholic drinks you can buy individually at the bar or buy the Premium Drinks Package (see details below).
Drinks Package
Tips
Typically, gratuities are charged at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over. While very much appreciated, these gratuities are voluntary, and therefore can be adjusted or removed completely at Guest Services on board the ship if you wish.
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
Insurance is not included in your package. We've partnered with Holiday Extras. They have 40 years of experience and offer excellent insurance cover for your holiday. Their flexible policies offer cruise-specific cover, so you can rest assured that you are completely covered when you go away. Get a Holiday Extras insurance quote
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.
We've partnered with The Travel Visa Company for all your visa needs. They will be able to provide tailored advice and for a fee, assist with arranging your documents.
Ship Facilities
Balmoral - By Fred. Olsen
Good for couplesOver 50sInformalSmall Ship
Year: 07/06/1988
·
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
4.5
Based on 225 reviews
Cabin
4
Service
5
Excursions
4
Dining
5
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
4
The ship was very traditional in nature but a little aged. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was of a good standard but not outstanding with the exception of that in the Colours & Tastes restaurant which was at additional cost. The window cabin we had on deck 6 was well fitted with storage but was a little cramped and the bathroom is well past its sell by date.
The majority of the people on the ship were of a certain age which was no problem.
The entertainment was fairly good and of a reasonable variety.
It was unfortunate that stormy weather prevented the trip to Lerwick and an outbreak of Gastroenteritis severely restricted the dining options although the ship's crew handled it to the best of their ability.
Would I travel again with Fred Olsen? Well they have offered a 15% discount on any future cruise booked within the next 6 months which, unless you are a Fred fan, is probably not enough of an enticement for me to accept. My wife was unable at any point during the cruise to book a gym class without going to the spa personally and waiting in line for the limited availability. Booking over the phone was not accepted which was very disappointing for her.
However, we've put the disappointments down to life's experiences and will move on.
couple
10+ cruises
31 Jan 2026
Smaller ship,cosy,lovely decor, friendly staff
couple
6-10 cruises
31 Jan 2026
Just love the Fred Olsen culture! Great ship, amazing staff and attractive itineraries. Just been to Canaries on Balmoral. Expert navigation by Captain Stoica to avoid storms and the resulting unexpected changes to the itinerary due to weather actually enhanced our experience, giving us overnight in port in both Madeira and Lisbon for a truly memorable experience. The staff are the company's biggest asset, always friendly, engaging and approachable. Sailing from the UK means no flying and travelling is very much a part of the holiday experience rather than something to be endured to get to your holiday. The quality of service on Fred Olsen ships and at head office is always first class and any niggles are always resolved promptly and without fuss. I left an item in the cabin on disembarkation in Southampton and, having luckily realised very quickly, was able to collect it from the cruise terminal later the same day before the ship sailed!
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.
Supplier Reference:
L2533
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.
The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre or post-cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
Rouen - Overnight onboard
DAY 2-3
17 Dec 2025
Time at Port: TBD
Considered a cultural capital of France’s Normandy Region, Rouen is a remarkable historical city sitting on the banks of the River Seine, which has been significant in one way or another since the Middle Ages. Seat of the Exchequer of Normandy and a capital of the Anglo-Norman and Angevin dynasties throughout the 11th to the 15th centuries, home to the site where Jeanne d’Arc was tried and burned alive, severely damaged during Operation Overlord in 1944, and now contributing to France’s impressive HAROPA Port – of which Le Havre and Paris also contribute – the cultural, historical, and economic importance of Rouen and cannot be overstated. With an overnight stay aboard your cruise ship in Rouen, you’ll have even more time to enjoy this remarkable city – and, of course, more time to travel inland to Paris and indulge in everything the French capital has to offer.
Things to do in Rouen - Overnight onboard:
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen is one of the main regional fine art museums in France and features collections including impressionist paintings, Russian icons, Objets d’art, and more. The building currently housing the museum was constructed between 1877 and 1888 and features regular seasonal exhibitions alongside the permanent display of an incredible wealth of art from the 16th century onwards.
Le Gros-Horloge
An impressive 14th-century astrological clock in central Rouen, Le Gros-Horloge, is a marvel of technological advancements in the Middle Ages. Originally constructed without a dial, in which one revolution of the hour hand represented a day, a fresh facade was introduced in the 1520s, and the whole clock was electrified in the early 20th century. It’s one of the largest mechanisms of this type still in existence today and an impressive landmark to admire while exploring this incredible destination.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is an impressive 12th-century Catholic cathedral in the heart of Rouen; a must-see and hard-to-miss landmark, it’s famous for its three towers, each boasting a distinct architectural style. It’s believed that Rouen’s first church, which would have been established circa 260 by Saint Mellonius, is under or close to the present location of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. To say this site has cultural significance would be an understatement; it was also briefly the tallest building in the world from 1876 to 1880 and the subject of several impressionist paintings by Claude Monet.
At Sea
DAY 4
19 Dec 2025
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!
Antwerp - Overnight onboard
DAY 5-6
20 Dec 2025
Time at Port: TBD
From stunning architecture and intriguing museums to charming cafes and bustling bars, Antwerp is one Belgian city worth exploring when you arrive along the Scheldt. Home to rich cultural experiences and a vibrant atmosphere, this city is buzzing with things to see and do; there will be something every type of traveller can enjoy in Antwerp. If you’re someone who wants to stroll the cobblestone streets soaking in the sights, stopping to sample some local sweet treats or sip on a regional beer brewed mere minutes away, Antwerp is the perfect place to do just that with an incredible historic city centre. And, those looking for a more concentrated cultural experience will find a variety of world-class museums and art galleries to explore, whether you’re looking for galleries overflowing with contemporary art, exhibits on Antwerp’s modern history, an exploration of the history of printing, or even a war museum that’s set within a former bunker! If, though, you’re someone who would rather avoid the crowds, you’ll never be too far away from a park in Antwerp; this city is home to an abundance of green spaces, with some of the most impressive surrounding remarkable palaces and castles. That’s far from everything Antwerp has to offer though, and the options are near-endless when it comes to the shore experiences available here. From intimate brewery tours and indulgent shopping sprees to finding hidden fortifications and tucking into freshly-baked pastries, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Things to do in Antwerp - Overnight onboard:
Kasteel Schoonselhof
An impressive 16th century pleasure palace that was born of an agricultural settlement from centuries before, Kasteel Schoonselhof is a fantastic example of neoclassical architecture, boasting extensive grounds worth spending some time exploring. While much of what we see today is the result of 19th-century renovations, tangible traces of the original buildings remain – hinting at the remarkable history found here. Located on the edge of Antwerp, with grounds home to an important cemetery, this castle pulls you from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city and invites you to appreciate the unique serenity that comes with such elegant gardens.
Middelheimmuseum
Middelheimmuseum is a must-visit destination in Antwerp, especially if the sun is shining, and somewhere where you’ll always find something new to discover. A charming (and largely open-air) modern art museum boasting a collection of around 400 works of art, Middelheimmuseum invites you to explore the vibrant park surrounding Kasteel Middelheim – an area which is littered with impressive statues and sculptures from talented artists like Auguste Rodin, Rik Wouters, Henry Moore, and more. In the park, you’ll also find Braem Pavilion and Collection Pavilion, two areas where you’ll find the more fragile and delicate artworks on display.
Chocolate Nation
The world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum, Chocolate Nation is a fascinating destination to visit when in Antwerp – even if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth. Home to a number of interesting exhibits on the history of chocolate-making, what it’s like being a chocolatier, and how Belgian chocolate stands out from the rest of the world’s chocolate, this museum is so much more than hands-on workshops and taste-testing – although, those are definitely worth the trip, too!
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
A remarkable museum in a striking modern structure, Museum aan de Stroom (which translates as Museum on the River) is a fascinating place that explores Antwerp’s connection to the wider world through exhibits on history, art, culture, international shipping trade, and more. Home to eight exhibition spaces and a collection of over 600,000 objects of interest, you’ll also enjoy incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area from the top of this 60-metre tall building – should you venture up onto the roof terrace, anyway.
Southampton
DAY 7
22 Dec 2025
Time at Port: TBD
The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre or post-cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
Drinks Package
Drinks Package
Enhance your stay on a Fred Olsen cruise. Enjoy house wines and spirits, selected branded beers and ciders, and a selection soft drinks by the glass. You are also entitled to 50% off selected premium and branded drinks.
How to book
You can add the drinks package when booking your cruise, up to 6 days prior to your departure date or onboard by going to guest services and have them add it to your cabin account (subject to availability and only on days 1 and 2 of your sailing). You cannot book onboard if your cruise is less than 5 nights.
Included
Wines
Beers & Ciders
Spirits
Cocktail of the Day
Mocktail of the Day
Soft Drinks
Excluded
Drinks ordered via Room Service
Mini Bar Items
Terms and Conditions
The “Drinks Package Upgrade for F.OCL Cruise Holidays”, shall include, where possible, selected house beers, house cider in cans, house wines, house spirits, draught (post-mix on pump) soft drinks and mineral or spring water by the glass.
Excluded from the Drinks Package Upgrade are champagne, special selection red, white and rosé wines, sparkling and dessert wines, cocktails, bottled water, drinks ordered on room service (other than those listed in the room), mini-bar drinks, coffees and teas served in The Bookmark Café, drinks taken ashore, and drinks ordered via duty free or via cabin shopping.
Guests who purchase our Drinks Package Upgrade package can also save 50% off premium and branded drinks, other red, rosé and white wines (excluding Champagne or sparkling wine) cocktails and bottled water.
House spirits will be served in single measures and one drink to be ordered per person, per transaction.
For the avoidance of doubt, any Guest entitled to the “Drinks Package Upgrade” must order each drink for themselves.
The quantity of drinks that FOCL can carry on board any vessel is limited by the size of the vessel and it is possible that certain drinks included within the
Drinks Package Upgrade may be unavailable from time to time, in which case the
Guest shall not be entitled to any refund.
Subject to availability, guests can book our Drinks Drinks Upgrade once on board the ship, for £34.99 per person, per night (cruises of six nights duration and above) and £45 per person per night (cruises of five nights duration). Please note the Drinks Package Upgrade is not available to book on board your ship for cruises of one to four nights.
Those booked under a concession, or as a prize winner, will be charged the on board price.
Once the cruise has commenced, the All Inclusive upgrade package cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable.
The Drinks Package Upgrade must be booked at least 6 days prior to departure.
The Drinks Package Upgrade must be booked for all guests on a booking, with the exception of children/youths where the purchase is not compulsory (For example, if two guests are sharing a cabin and only one wishes to book the All Inclusive
Upgrade, it must still be booked for both guests).
Children/youths are charged at the same price as adults, when the adults are charged at £35 per person per night, with the exception of cruises of five nights duration where the Drinks Package Upgrade if free for children/youths.
Please note that the Drinks Package Upgrade is only available for beverages served on board and does not extend to pre or post cruise arrangements, hotels, flights or any establishment ashore. The cost of the Drinks Package Upgrade is calculated on the cruise duration and not the entire holiday duration.
On board purchase of the Drinks Package Upgrades must be made no later than the end of the second day of the cruise.
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.