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
DAY 2
Rouen
DAY 3
At Sea
DAY 4
You will be at sea on day 4 while travelling from Rouen to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
DAY 5
One of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe, Amsterdam is perfect for a picturesque city getaway. Whether you're exploring the city on foot, by bike or by a canal boat, a tour is a great way to discover hidden gems as well as iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Depending on the time of year, you may also experience the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens which are home to more than 7 million tulips.
Amsterdam
DAY 6
One of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe, Amsterdam is perfect for a picturesque city getaway. Whether you're exploring the city on foot, by bike or by a canal boat, a tour is a great way to discover hidden gems as well as iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Depending on the time of year, you may also experience the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens which are home to more than 7 million tulips.
Antwerp
DAY 7
Antwerp
DAY 8
Southampton
DAY 9
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.
0203 848 3607
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Customer reviews for Balmoral
4.3
Based on 104 reviews
Cabin
4.3
Service
4.3
Excursions
4.3
Dining
4.3
Activities
4.3
Value for money
4.3
Entertainment
4.3
We wanted to do the Christmas Markets and found a cruise on the Balmoral. Having never cruised with Fred before we didn’t really know what to expect. Couldn’t fault it - from embarkation to disembarkation, there were no issues at all. The staff were brilliant and just can’t do enough for you. We had a superior suite which was spacious and very comfortable. Food was top notch and evening entertainment very good. Great stops and always not too far to go to get into the towns and the markets. We enjoyed it s much we have booked to do it all again in 2020.
Verified customer
1 cruise
1 Jan 2020
This was our first cruise with Fred Olsen and having just returned from a 10 day Mediterranean cruise with Azamara, we weren't sure what to expect. However, we were not disappointed! Our cabin was surprisingly large and a very substantial bathroom! We were very fortunate in that we had amazing weather sailing from Scotland to Orkney and Shetland and even on our day at sea, we were unaware we were sailing. There were many features on the ship itself which were pleasing - my husband loved the carpets and liked the general decor on the ship. The food was good and the service efficient. For us, it was a huge bonus sailing from Rosyth - only a 40 minute drive from home!
Verified customer
1 cruise
24 Sep 2019
Well appointed ship with varied passenger groups leaning towards older. The food was excellent and well presented and there was little or no queueing for anything. Good entertainment and superb staff!! Fair prices in all outlets however shore excursions were very expensive.
Verified customer
1 cruise
31 Aug 2019
This was my first ever cruise and I chose Fred Olsen for the destination and departure port. We had a very smooth check-in, embarkation and luggage delivery - you couldn't fault it. The suite was spotlessly clean and fresh, and was a very comfortable place to spend time. When underway you really had to strain your ears to hear any engine or internal noise at all. There were plenty of different public areas, but they were a little bland in appearance and all looked alike. The service, whilst overall very good, was lumpy. Breakfast and dinner were well executed but lunchtime had no finesse or style to it whatsoever. On several occasions, with just two of us dining, one person's plate was removed as soon as they finished and the next course served,straight way, which left us having different elements of the meal at the same time. The restaurant wasn't busy and there was no reason not to pace the service so that each diner was enjoying the same course at the same time. The Marquis Bar, on the top deck, had very poor service, and more often than not you had to go to the bar and order yourself. The Lido Bar at the back of the ship was, in contrast, somewhere where you wanted for nothing. What really let the ship down was the quality of the daytime and evening entertainment. It was beyond words. Daytime entertainment consisted of nothing more than 'Crafts with Marjorie' (that's a direct quote), Bingo, Carpet Bowling, or other mind-numbing offerings. The evening shows, with the exception of the ship's dance and singing troupe were equally dire, with several 'comedians' working hard to raise a laugh. The lesson to learn from that was to bring your own entertainment, for there was nothing to be found onboard. That said, we enjoyed it enough to decide to go again, as the overall journey, service levels, cabin environment etc were really enjoyable.
Verified customer
1 cruise
30 Aug 2019
Alternative Cruises on Balmoral
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Terms and Conditions
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.
