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
NEW YEAR SALE! Enjoy FREE Onboard Spend + Additional Savings on selected sailings in 2025 & 2026! BOOK NOW & set sail on your next adventure with Fred.Olsen!
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
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£24.99 Per passenger, per day
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.
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.
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
4.3
Based on 131 reviews
Cabin
4.3
Service
4.4
Excursions
4.2
Dining
4.3
Activities
4.2
Value for money
4.3
Entertainment
4.2
We had a lovely cruise on the Balmoral with Fred. Olsen. It was great, friendly and helpful staff to show us the way on our first cruise. We had a balcony junior suite at the rear of the ship ,the cabin was great roomy plenty of storage, kettle for tea stocks regularly topped up. Food was good, plenty of choice. Would definitely book again for a different destination. Overall a great experience.
couple
1 cruiseBalcony Cabin
15 Jun 2024
Very good service
couple
6-10 cruisesInterior Room
30 May 2024
We had an absolutely fabulous 5 star experience and would love to go cruising again.
couple
1 cruiseInterior Room
30 May 2024
The ship is really good. Food and entertainment was excellent the crew were brilliant and Norway as usual was lovely
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.
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.
At Sea
DAY 2
25 Apr 2025
Take time to enjoy all the amazing facilities the ship has to offer
Hamburg
DAY 3
26 Apr 2025
A popular port of call on any European cruise, Hamburg is a thriving port city with plenty to offer. Once onshore, you'll see countless maritime attractions and seafood restaurants with fresh catches of the day. We recommend a city tour to admire the canals and lakes, as well as the World Heritage Site, Speicherstadt. To dive in on Hamburg's seafaring history, head to the International Maritime Museum, home to numerous artefacts and exhibitions.
Things to do in Hamburg:
Hamburg Townhall
Dating to 1897, the Hamburg Townhall houses the seat of government in the city, including Germany’s 16 parliaments within the state. A historic building with impressive architecture, it’s in the heart of the city and frequently listed as the top attraction to visit whilst stopping over in this beautiful destination.
Tierpark Hagenbeck
If you love animals, you should visit Tierpark Hagenbeck during your time in Hamburg. A spacious zoo, it dates back to 1907. However, the process to build the zoo began back in 1863 when Carl Hagenbeck Sr. began to grow his collection of animals. Now home to elephants, penguins and more, it’s a wonderful attraction within the city.
Elbphilharmonie
When you sail into Hamburg, you’ll be greeted by the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg; a concert hall which is one of the largest in the world. Home to an array of productions, this uniquely-designed building first opened its doors in the early 20th century.
At Sea
DAY 4
27 Apr 2025
Take time to enjoy all the amazing facilities the ship has to offer
Rotterdam
DAY 5
28 Apr 2025
The largest port in Europe, Rotterdam had much of its extensive history destroyed during the second World War, but you'll find glimpses into the past through fascinating museums and architecture. For shopping, bars and restaurants head to the Markthal, a unique building with plenty to enjoy. Meanwhile, families will love Rotterdam Zoo, as well as the Euromast Tower which provides stunning views across the city.
Things to do in Rotterdam:
Cube Houses
One of Rotterdam's most well-known landmarks is the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). These residential sets of buildings, created by Dutch architect Piet Blom, stand out because each home is cube-shaped. A unique place to visit whilst in Rotterdam, you can learn ore about the cube houses by visiting the Show Cube Museum.
Euromast
Designed by architect Maaskant, this 185-metre tower is one of the tallest buildings in Holland. Step into the elevator and head up the tower to enjoy breathtaking views over Rotterdam; and if it’s a clear day, you can even see the city of Antwerp in the distance.
Erasmusbrug Bridge
An iconic landmark in Rotterdam, the Erasmusbrug Bridge was constructed in 1986 and connects the north and south of the city. A striking feat of engineering, it’s surrounded by cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Antwerp - Overnight onboard
DAY 6-7
29 Apr 2025
A vibrant port city that’s the most populous municipality in Belgium, Antwerp is a stunning culture-rich destination and somewhere well worth looking forward to visiting while on a European cruise. Here, you’ll find history in abundance, with impressive landmarks from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and beyond blended with fashionable modernity to create a truly unique cityscape – a cityscape filled with grand structures, impressive artwork, sensational cuisine, and remarkable modern architecture. From the Grote Markt and Cathedral of Our Lady to the Braem Pavilion and even the Port Authority of Port Antwerp-Bruges building itself, impressive sights and experiences are waiting for you as soon as you disembark.
Southampton
DAY 8
01 May 2025
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
£24.99 Per passenger, per day
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
Room service orders
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.
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