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
ENDS TODAY! Enjoy £200 per cabin Onboard Spend on selected sailings in 2026 & 2027! BOOK NOW & set sail on your next adventure with Fred.Olsen! Ends 29th Jan!
Choose to fly from a variety of airports included within the price.
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
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.
Say goodbye to your current destination, for it’s time to head somewhere new! Flight information will be available closer to your embarkation date, but this will be when you’re hopping on a plane to continue your adventure – be that travelling somewhere new, or heading home.
Athens (Piraeus) - Overnight onboard
DAY 1-2
19 Nov 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Just a short distance from Athens, Piraeus is the biggest port in the Mediterranean and sees over 20 million cruisers each year. This port city is a perfect example of life by the sea, boasting an impressive harbour and authentic seafood dining, as well as the rich and fascinating history of ancient Greece. Whether you’re looking to discover archaeological findings or just want to relax in the sun at a friendly café, Piraeus is the place to be.
Things to do in Athens (Piraeus) - Overnight onboard:
Agia Triada Church
Despite being a modern construction, Agia Triada features Byzantine architecture as well as an impressive dome that is visible from every spot within the church. Overlooking the port of Piraeus, Agia Triada is a must visit to discover the history of the town and take in the tranquillity.
Castella
This vibrant and colourful district is nestled on top of a hill with views out over the bay. A walk around this neighbourhood will take you to quaint cafes, neoclassical architecture, Prophet Elias church and the Veakeion outdoor theatre.
Archaeological Museum
Covering the Mycenaean period to the Roman era, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum offers artefacts excavated from Piraeus’ landscape, as well as collections donated from other sites. Visitors will discover monuments, statues, artwork and more.
Hellas Liberty
One of only three surviving Liberty ships, the SS Hellas Liberty is a fascinating vessel to explore. This floating maritime museum was presented to the public in 2010 and covers a range of exhibits people of all ages will enjoy.
Zea Bay
With stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the beautiful vessels moored in the harbour, the bay of Zea is the perfect place to go for a walk, enjoy a delicious coffee and take in the sunshine. You’ll find many hidden gems here, including ancient walls.
Kalamata
DAY 3
21 Nov 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
At Sea
DAY 4
22 Nov 2026
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!
Trapani, Sicily
DAY 5
23 Nov 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Trapani is located on the north-western side of Sicily, about 115 km from Palermo. It is believed that the Elymians - a population from western Sicily - first settled in present-day Trapani, in around the 12th century BC. Today it is rich in places of historical and cultural interest, the most popular being the Salt Museum, the Tower of Ligny - erected in defence of the city - and the Cathedral of Trapani which dates back to the 15th century.
Things to do in Trapani, Sicily:
Erice Cable Car
The cable car that connects Trapani and Erice is undoubtedly one of the best ways to admire the surrounding landscape and reach the top of Mount Erice.
Ligny Tower
The construction of the Tower of Ligny dates back to the year 1671, during the period of Spanish domination in Sicily. It was commissioned by Claude Lamoral, a Spanish general of Belgian origin, with the aim of defending the city from foreign incursions.
Salt Museum
The Salt Museum was created by its owner, Alberti Culcasi, to celebrate the importance of salt production in the history of the city of Trapani. The museum can be visited every day and is easily accessible by car.
Trapani Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo dates back to 1421, and was built at the behest of Alfonso V of Aragon. The structure boasts a predominantly Baroque architectural style, with Neoclassical elements added later.
At Sea
DAY 6-7
24 Nov 2026
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!
Tangier
DAY 8
26 Nov 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Situated in northwestern Morocco, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea is Tangier. Built on the slopes of a chalky limestone hill, it offers a wonderful combination of historic attractions and traditional restaurants with a bustling atmosphere. In Tangier, you’ll find the impressive Great Mosque, an ancient old town, and a vibrant casbah that’s now home to Moroccan art.
Things to do in Tangier:
Medina
The Medina, Tangier's main draw, is a maze of residential and commercial passageways. The Portuguese defensive walls from the 15th century surround it, yet most of the structures are very modern. Within the Medina, you'll see beautiful and colourful houses, many of which look like something out of a fairytale. Arguably the most picturesque and iconic area within Tangiers, you could spend hours wandering through the different passageways.
Caves of Hercules
Within easy reach of Tangier lies the mystical and historic Caves of Hercules. Overlooking the sea, the caves are steeped in myth and legend; with many tales depicting the caves as a stop off for iconic Roman mythical heroes. The caves are associated with Hercules, as there is a tale about the hero visiting the caves whilst en-route to the Garden of Hesperides.
Kasbah Museum
If you want to feel immersed into the culture and history of Tangier, head to the Kasbah Museum. This centrally located attraction is home to a vast collection of artefacts, antiques and statues which detail the history behind the city.
At Sea
DAY 9
27 Nov 2026
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!
Agadir
DAY 10
28 Nov 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Rebuilt in 1960 following an earthquake, Agadir has established itself as a thriving destination for sun, beaches, markets and delicious Moroccan cuisine. The beachfront promenade is where you’ll find a buzz of attractions as well as the numerous activities on the beach itself. Try your hand at jet skiing, take some photos with a camel or simply relax in the sun before dancing the night away at the many bars and clubs.
Things to do in Agadir:
Agadir Beach
With numerous waterfront cafés and the promenade just a short walk away, Agadir Beach is a tourist hotspot when in Morocco. For those looking to relax, grab a lounger and top up your tan, but for the more adventurous, try your hand at jet skiing, quad biking and even camel riding.
Agadir Bird Valley
Perfect for families and children, Agadir Birds Valley is home to a huge variety of birds including peacocks and ostriches, as well as goats and llamas. Wander around at your own leisure in the sun, admiring the animals and waterfalls, or let the kids enjoy the play area.
Agadir Crocodile Park
More than 300 crocodiles await you at Agadir Crocoparc! Follow the circuit around the park and discover more about the resident species, the Nile crocodile, as well as the botanical garden boasting more than 300 species of plants.
Kasbah
For some of the best views of Agadir city, venture up to the Kasbah on the hilltop. This imposing structure survived the 1960 earthquake and is well worth exploring to discover the history and stories surrounding the mountain.
Souk Al Ahad
The third biggest market in North Africa, Souk Al Ahad is where you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, fragrant herbs and spices, as well as traditionally-produced souvenirs. A guide can help you find your way through this vibrant market, which is well worth a visit for a taste of local life.
Museum of Amazigh Culture
Dedicated to the history and culture of the Berber people of the region, this museum features traditional Berber artefacts, predominantly jewellery, as well as pottery and crafts. Events and exhibitions are also held here.
At Sea
DAY 11
29 Nov 2026
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!
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
DAY 12
30 Nov 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Tenerife’s capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a hub of lively locals, beautiful architecture, traditional tapas and, of course, sun-soaked beaches. Whether you’re looking for a lazy afternoon spent on golden sand, ready to shop until you drop, or are eager to participate in one of the biggest carnivals in the world, Santa Cruz will not disappoint. Put on your dancing shoes, let down your hair and get ready to enjoy this laid-back lifestyle.
Things to do in Santa Cruz, Tenerife:
Playa de Las Teresitas
With beautiful sand stretching for almost a mile, Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the best beaches in Tenerife. Lined with lush palm trees and picturesque mountains, visitors will find spaces to play volleyball or partake in yoga classes, as well as having sun loungers, showers and restaurants nearby.
Rural de Anaga Park
A short drive from the city, Anaga Country Park is a beautifully preserved area of imposing mountains, deep valleys and numerous beaches. Here, you’ll find a plethora of native flora and fauna across the 35,800 acres of land.
Tenerife Carnival
Considered the second most popular carnival in the world, Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife promises to be bigger, brighter and better every single year. With lively music, incredible costumes and nonstop dancing, witnessing this fantastic celebration is a must when in Tenerife.
Flight departs
DAY 12
Time at Port: TBD
Say goodbye to your current destination, for it’s time to head somewhere new! Flight information will be available closer to your embarkation date, but this will be when you’re hopping on a plane to continue your adventure – be that travelling somewhere new, or heading home.
Select your departure airport
If you are looking for an airport not available in the list below or want to make changes to your flights, please give us a call: 0203 848 3607
I will book my own flight
London:
North England:
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.