Spain & the River Cities of France from Southampton, 18 September 2026 (12 nights)

star star star star half star 225 Reviews
"Breathtaking Entertainment"
Ship Balmoral  -  Fred. Olsen
Price Drop
Interior Cabin from £1,408 per person
No Fly Cruise No Fly Cruise
+
  • Overview of a Interior Cabin Interior Cabin from Was £1,449 pp £1,408 pp You save £41 pp
  • Overview of a Ocean View Cabin Ocean View Cabin from Was £1,809 pp £1,757 pp You save £52 pp
  • Overview of a Interior Cabin Interior Cabin from Was £2,523 pp £2,450 pp You save £73 pp
  • Overview of a Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View from - £2,526 per person
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ID: 398341 Icon for 398341
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Your itinerary

  • Day at Cruise
    Day 1-13 Cruise from Southampton and back
    • Day 1
      • Day at Port Cruise departs from Southampton
        18 Sep 2026
        Southampton, UK
        Southampton, UK
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        SeaCity Museum
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        Solent Sky Museum
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        The New Forest
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        Tudor House and Garden
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        Southampton City Art Gallery

        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.

    • Day 2-3
      • Day at sea At Sea
        19-20 Sep 2026
    • Day 4-5
      • Day at Port Pauillac (tours to Bordeaux) - Overnight onboard
        21-22 Sep 2026
    • Day 6
      • Day at Port Getxo (tours to Bilbao)
        23 Sep 2026
        Uncover the Charms of Bilbao
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        Bilbao Cathedral
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        Basilica de Begona
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        Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
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        Guggenheim Museum
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        Plaza Nueva

        Admire iconic architecture, explore vibrant streets, and indulge in Basque cuisine in this cultural hub of northern Spain.

    • Day 7
      • Day at Port Santander
        24 Sep 2026
        Santander, Spain

        Just west of the Bay of Biscay, Santander has played a vital role in the economy of the region for over 2000 years. Nowadays it is a thriving fishing town and a quiet cruise port, meaning you'll never see too many tourists at once. Architecture enthusiasts will love discovering the 13th century cathedral, while the main square is the place to go for cafes, restaurants and bars. If shopping is the name of your game, the city's two shopping streets will be sure to delight you.

    • Day 8
      • Day at sea At Sea
        25 Sep 2026
    • Day 9
      • Day at Port Saint-Malo
        26 Sep 2026
    • Day 10
      • Day at sea Scenic Cruising Seine River
        27 Sep 2026
    • Day 11
      • Day at Port Rouen
        28 Sep 2026
        Rouen, France
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        Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
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        Le Gros-Horloge
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        Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

        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.

    • Day 12
      • Day at sea Scenic Cruising Seine River
        29 Sep 2026
    • Day 13
      • Day at Port Southampton
        30 Sep 2026
        Southampton, UK
        Southampton, UK
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        SeaCity Museum
        IgluCruise.Application.ViewModels.Shared.WebImageViewModel?.Description
        Solent Sky Museum
        IgluCruise.Application.ViewModels.Shared.WebImageViewModel?.Description
        The New Forest
        IgluCruise.Application.ViewModels.Shared.WebImageViewModel?.Description
        Tudor House and Garden
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        Southampton City Art Gallery

        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.

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What's included

Included

Image related to Drinks Drinks

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

Image related to Tips Tips

Tips are now included in the Freedom Fare for 2026 sailings and beyond.

Image related to Entertainment Entertainment

Choose from a variety of things to entertain yourself including restaurants, bars, theatre, pools and much more.

View entertainment facilities
Image related to Meals Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.

Image related to Accommodation Accommodation

Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.

Image related to Port Fees & Taxes Port Fees & Taxes

No surprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price.

Extras

Image related to Wi-Fi
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Balmoral - By Fred. Olsen
Good for couples Over 50s Informal Small Ship
Year: 07/06/1988 · Refurbished: 01/11/2020 · 9 Decks · Max capacity: 1350 people
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Cruises on Balmoral

Cabins on Balmoral

Select cabin
  • Outside from £1,757
  • Ocean View £1,757 pp
  • Superior Ocean View £2,281 pp
  • Inside from £1,408
  • Interior Room £1,408 pp
Select cabin
  • Outside from £1,757
  • Ocean View £1,757 pp
  • Superior Ocean View £2,281 pp
  • Inside from £1,408
  • Interior Room £1,408 pp
Select cabin
  • Outside from £1,757
  • Ocean View £1,757 pp
  • Superior Ocean View £2,281 pp
  • Inside from £1,408
  • Interior Room £1,408 pp
View images
Image related to Interior Room

Interior Room

from £1,408 per person

A great affordable option, you’ll have ample space to relax and find yourself close to all the action in these cabins.

Cabin Size 160 square feet

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Image related to Ocean View

Ocean View

from £1,757 per person

With ample space and lots of natural light, these cabins are perfect for guests wanting stunning sea views anytime of day.

Cabin Size 165 square feet

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Image related to Superior Ocean View

Superior Ocean View

from £2,281 per person

With large windows letting in lots of natural light, you can enjoy sensational sea views in these comfortable A Grade cabins.

Cabin Size 165 - 200 square feet

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To book an accessible cabin, please give us a call 020 3991 1166

Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Balmoral

4.5
star star star star half star
Based on 225 reviews
Cabin
4
Service
5
Excursions
4
Dining
5
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
4
star star star star no star

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
couple
10+ cruises
31 Jan 2026
star star star star star

Smaller ship,cosy,lovely decor, friendly staff

couple
couple
6-10 cruises
31 Jan 2026
star star star star star

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!

couple
couple
10+ cruises
27 Jan 2026
star star star star star

best small cruise ship i have cruised on

user
user
10+ cruises
15 Jan 2026
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Terms and Conditions

Save up to £100 per cabin* on selected cruises departing September 2026 until 8th April 2027. Savings based on Freedom Fares. Applicable to new bookings only, made between 17/03/2026 & 30/04/2026 inclusive, on cruises of five nights or more, departing from 02/09/2026 to 08/04/27, as highlighted on fredolsencruises.com. *based on two passengers sharing

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: L2631 Icon for L2631