Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has designed this sailing to unveil some of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. You’ll be within reach of sites such as the glistening Snæfellsjökull Glacier, the thunderous cascades of the Gullfoss and Goðafoss waterfalls, the spurting Strokkur Geyser, and the imposing volcanic cone of Eldfell. You can immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness on a hiking or horse-riding tour and enjoy the Icelandic tradition of bathing in geothermal hot springs. Along with being timed for the best chances to spot puffins, your cruise offers whale-watching opportunities along the north coast. You can also experience the thrill of searching for marine life from your ship with the guidance of wildlife charity ORCA.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Volcanic Vistas
Iceland lies above a geological hotspot, making it one of the Earth’s most active volcanic regions. It’s the world’s only inhabited island with visible tectonic plates and ocean ridges. The volcanic activity here has sculpted dramatic landscapes, creating geothermal hot springs, lava fields and rugged, other-worldly terrain. From Reykjavík, you’ll have the chance to see the natural wonders of the renowned Golden Circle, including the Gullfoss Waterfall and the Strokkur Geyser. Grundarfjörður is well-placed for tours to the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier, while Akureyri is your gateway to the thundering Goðafoss Waterfall.
Experience the Icelandic Way of Life
Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise to allow you to immerse yourself in the Icelandic way of life. Deeply influenced by the island’s unique geography, culture and history, Iceland offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends modernity with a connection to nature and embodies a strong commitment to wellbeing. From Reykjavík, you can relax in the geothermal waters of the Sky Lagoon, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, or embark on a sea-angling adventure to try your hand at fishing. Elsewhere, Grundarfjörður is your gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, an ideal hiking spot, while Akureyri offers the chance to explore the scenic countryside on horseback.
Seek Out Whales & Dolphins
The waters of northern Iceland are prime feeding grounds for cetaceans, as a volcanic fissure in the ocean ground allows heat to filter up from the deep, attracting zooplankton and krill, which flourish in the mix of warm and cold currents of sheltered Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. It may be possible for you to spot minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins or harbour porpoises from Balmoral’s decks with the assistance of wildlife charity ORCA. You can also join a whale-watching tour from Akureyri accompanied by a Marine Biologist, who will share their knowledge of years of tracking these enigmatic creatures, providing a fascinating insight into their lives.
Life On Board
Introducing Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Golden Circle
Witness Iceland’s spectacular natural wonders. Drive over the moorlands of Mosfellsheiði en route to Þingvellir National Park. Visit Goðafoss Waterfall and watch the water from the Hvítá River thunder before visiting the Geysir geothermal area.
££££
Reykjavík
Ring of Fire - Geothermal Landscapes of Reykjavík
Explore the geothermal area surrounding Mount Hengill, an active volcano that last erupted 2,000 years ago. Visit Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, Hveragerði, a town located on top of an old magma chamber, and Þingvellir National Park.
££££
Reykjavík
Whale Watching
This adventure through Eyjafjörður will give you spectacular 360-degree views of the stunning mountain ranges as you sail the tranquil waters in search of the gentle and curious giants who live here.
££££
Akureyri
Vestmanna Sea Cliffs
Embark on a scenic boat cruise to the famous Vestmanna Sea Cliffs to admire the stunning, weather-beaten cliff formations and the birds who call the cliffs home.
££££
Tórshavn
Vestmanna Sea Cliffs
Embark on a scenic boat cruise to the famous Vestmanna Sea Cliffs to admire the stunning, weather-beaten cliff formations and the birds who call the cliffs home.
££££
Tórshavn
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Alan Oliver
As a university lecturer, Alan has given talks on cruise ships for over 15 years, and will be delivering a series of talks on the geology of the Iceland and the Faroes, including his own personal experiences having visited them many times.
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 07:00 29/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 07:00 29/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,399 pp |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,099 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £8,358.10 |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £7,788.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,228.10 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
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360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.