The compact city of Newcastle has plenty to be discovered during a day onshore. Once an industrial hub, it has successfully transformed into a quirky and stylish destination, popular particularly for its vibrant nightlife. But, as well as the restaurants, bars and clubs, you'll find over 2,000 years of history and architecture thanks to the city's Roman origins. Discover the Roman ruins, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, many museums, parks and galleries to learn more about Newcastle.
Things to do in Newcastle:
Discovery Museum
A scientific and local history museum, The Discovery Museum is located in Blandford Square in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are several local history exhibits there, including the Turbinia ship. Showcasing the renowned maritime history, alongside fashion, science and technology, this diverse museum is fun for all the family.
Newcastle Castle
The castle is situated in the heart of the city, and is a prominent mediaeval fortification that was constructed on the site of an ancient fortress. Within the castle, you’ll find the iconic fortified gatehouse (the Black Gate) as well as the Castle Keep and other impressive features.
Biscuit Factory
Newcastle upon Tyne is home to the contemporary art gallery The Biscuit Factory. The Gallery underwent extensive renovations before opening in 2002, and was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The Biscuit Factory is the UK's largest commercial gallery for art, craft, and design, making it a popular attraction for those visiting the city.
Olden
DAY 309 Sep 2024
Found at the end of the magical Nordfjord, Olden has a population of just 505 and is home to some of Norway's most breathtaking glaciers. Each point of interest is within walking distance of the cruise port, including tourist information, cafes and a picturesque old church. Take an excursion to the Briksdal Glacier where you can hike to the glacier viewpoint, or hop on the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven for unforgettable views of the landscape.
Things to do in Olden:
Loen Skylift
If you’re looking to soar high above the Nordfjord, take the impressive Loen Skylift. An aerial tramway, 7 metres per second is the top speed and it is among the steepest in the world with a gradient of up to 60 degrees.
Huaren Viewpoint
Taking 3 hours, this incredible hike takes you up the picturesque Mount Hauren. When you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with an all-encompassing vista of the natural splendour that surrounds Olden. Well worth the effort, you’ll pass a lush forest and other captivating scenery throughout your hike.
Oldevatnet Lake
Located in the valley of Oldedalen, this impressive lake covers just under 8 square kilometres and spans 12 kilometres. Situated between the fjords, the turquoise waters of the lake are like something out of a dream and the surrounding mountains are simply magical.
Cruising - Innvikfjorden
DAY 309 Sep 2024
When cruising through Innvikfjorden, you’ll see all the typical delights of the Norwegian fjords. From beautiful waterfalls to lush greenery, the Innvikfjorden is one of the most popular sailing routes in the world. Along the way, you’ll see the well-known sites of Geiranger, Trollstigen, and Vestkapp. Onshore, there’s an array of excursions and activities available including hiking trails, kayaking trips and more!
Bergen
DAY 410 Sep 2024
UNESCO World Heritage City, UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and a quintessentially charming Norwegian port town, Bergen is a real haven for architecture enthusiasts, seafood fanatics and outdoor explorers. The iconic Hanseatic Wharf is a great place to start your exploration of Bergen, bringing you to the heart of this enchanting region through museums, galleries, shopping and some of the finest dining spots in Norway.
Things to do in Bergen:
Bergenhus Fortress
In Bergen, Norway, there is a fort called Bergenhus. The castle, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved stone defences, is situated at the entrance to Bergen port. Early in the 1500s, construction of the fortification at Bergenhus started, and throughout the 1600s, the stronghold underwent continuous reinforcement, reaching its pinnacle development about 1700.
Fløibanen
In the Norwegian city of Bergen, there is a funicular train called the Floibanen. It provides access to the Flyen Mountain, where there are mountain treks and stunning city views, from the city's downtown. It is a popular tourist destination in Bergen and among the most popular in all of Norway.
Bergen Harbour
When sailing into Bergen, you’ll be greeted by beautiful views of the harbour. Aligned with colourful houses, cafes, shops and restaurants, this beautiful harbour is picture-perfect.
Stavanger, Norway
DAY 612 Sep 2024
Nestled amongst some of the most beautiful natural attractions, Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway. Boasting both contemporary modern attractions as well as excellently preserved old wooden settlements, this classic Norwegian city is a great getaway for active adventurers looking for outdoor pursuits, while those looking for cosmopolitan city escapes will love the shopping and dining. Travelling with kids? The whole family will be delighted by the wide range of interactive museums.
Things to do in Stavanger, Norway:
Gamle Stavanger
Gamle Stavanger is a historic neighbourhood within Stavanger, a city in the Norwegian province of Rogaland. Most of the houses in the region were constructed in the 18th and early 19th centuries and have been renovated, showcasing a flawless combination of contemporary and historic architecture. Stavanger's new city plan was developed following World War II.
Stavanger Maritime Museum
Whether you’re passionate about Maritime history, or you’re drawn into the rich culture of Stavanger, Stavanger Maritime Museum should be added to your list. Conveying over 200 years of history, trade and craftsmanship, the museum is located within beautifully preserved merchant buildings.
Fargegaten
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect attraction, the Fargegaten is just the ticket. A colourful street in the centre of Stavanger, it’s filled with shops, cafes and more. Looking like something out of a fairytale, you’ll love wandering around Fargegaten, and taking in all that it has to offer.
Newcastle
DAY 814 Sep 2024
The compact city of Newcastle has plenty to be discovered during a day onshore. Once an industrial hub, it has successfully transformed into a quirky and stylish destination, popular particularly for its vibrant nightlife. But, as well as the restaurants, bars and clubs, you'll find over 2,000 years of history and architecture thanks to the city's Roman origins. Discover the Roman ruins, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, many museums, parks and galleries to learn more about Newcastle.
Things to do in Newcastle:
Discovery Museum
A scientific and local history museum, The Discovery Museum is located in Blandford Square in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are several local history exhibits there, including the Turbinia ship. Showcasing the renowned maritime history, alongside fashion, science and technology, this diverse museum is fun for all the family.
Newcastle Castle
The castle is situated in the heart of the city, and is a prominent mediaeval fortification that was constructed on the site of an ancient fortress. Within the castle, you’ll find the iconic fortified gatehouse (the Black Gate) as well as the Castle Keep and other impressive features.
Biscuit Factory
Newcastle upon Tyne is home to the contemporary art gallery The Biscuit Factory. The Gallery underwent extensive renovations before opening in 2002, and was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The Biscuit Factory is the UK's largest commercial gallery for art, craft, and design, making it a popular attraction for those visiting the city.
Customer reviews for Balmoral
4.3
Based on 113 reviews
Cabin
4.3
Service
4.3
Excursions
4.3
Dining
4.3
Activities
4.3
Value for money
4.3
Entertainment
4.3
Staff were wonderful, good staff to customer ratio, and food was amazing. Entertainment was Ok. Lots of activities were on offer. Our fellow cruisers were mainly elderly. We were lucky with good weather. It is a small ship so for the less able easier to get around, although in bad weather it would probably have been more uncomfortable. It was the staff and their service which made the trip memorable.
couple
2-5 cruisesSuperior Interior Room
15 May 2023
Used the cruise to visit family and friends in the Netherlands. The disembarkation location in both Amsterdam and Rotterdam were perfect - every sight in walking distance or by shuttle bus.
couple
10+ cruisesOcean View
9 May 2023
The staff are excellent, very friendly and helpful. However, I preferred the food menus on a previous trip I'd taken on Balmoral.
couple
2-5 cruisesSuperior Ocean View
13 Apr 2023
Very friendly, both passengers and crew. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Ship was clean but older. A paper copy of the port where we docked would have made a huge difference, as it was difficult to navigate our way with no guidance. Staff suggested the local 'tourist information' but we didn't know where that was.
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.
