Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has designed this cruise to visit northern Norway during the Northern Lights season. You will have the opportunity to spot the natural phenomenon of dancing lights from both on board Balmoral and ashore in Alta during an extended stay. As well as ticking off the experience of crossing the Arctic Circle, you will witness remote coastal scenery as you cruise pass the Seven Sisters mountain range and sail through the Tjeldsundet Strait – this scenic shortcut is only possible to undertake on smaller ships like Balmoral. You'll also have the chance to take a tour to spend time with a Sámi community in the remote Arctic wilderness, and visit a husky yard to learn about local culture and traditions. Wrap up warm and join us out on deck to look for the Aurora Borealis in the clear skies above Balmoral when you are at sea.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Search for the Northern Lights
Your Northern Lights cruise aboard Balmoral presents you with perfect opportunities to witness the mysterious phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, as you sail across the Arctic Circle to some of the most northerly destinations in Norway. From Balmoral's decks, you'll be able to witness peaceful scenes of this otherworldly show where light pollution is at a minimum, while Alta and Tromsø are ideally placed for you to see streaks of green, pink, and purple flicker across the winter sky accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.
Experience friluftsliv in winter
Being outdoors is a natural way of living in Norway, and the concept of friluftsliv uses it to convey a spiritual feeling of connecting with nature. This cruise will offer you the chance to immerse yourself in winter activities like hiking through magnificent woodlands and lush green forests, climbing to the peak of Mount Aksla in Alesund or experiencing a boat ride on the fjords for breathtaking mountain vistas. You can also spend time with the Sámi community and discover their local traditions and deep connection with nature as you gather round a warming fire in a lavvu, a traditional tent, or meet with friendly husky dogs.
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.
The Atlantic Ocean Road with an Expert
Once voted Norway's Engineering Feat of the Century, the Atlantic Ocean Road has spectacular coastal scenery, culture and history at every turn. Enjoy a drive along this famous road before meeting a retired employee from the project to gain a deeper understanding of this impressive structure.
££££
Molde
Visit the Huskies
Enjoy a special meeting with around 40 happy huskies and learn about Finnmarksløpet, Europe’s longest dog sled race, at an anstonishing 745 miles long.
££££
Alta
Northern Lights Camp - An Evening at Pæskatun
Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights at Pæskatun, under a star-filled sky. Enjoy an informative presentation, view stunning photos and films, relax in warm slate cottages with hot drinks and cakes, gather around a campfire in a traditional Sámi lavvu, and explore the history of local slate mining through a workshop.
££££
Alta
Aurora Photo Safari
As you seek out the elusive Northern Lights, your experienced local guides will explain the history and science behind the Aurora, helping you to capture photographs of them should they make an appearance.
££££
Alta
Tromsø City & Cable Car
Begin with a tour of the city centre and visit the Arctic Cathedral before heading to the Fjellheisen cable car. Enjoy a ride to the Storsteinen viewpoint, 1,377ft above sea level, and take in the spectacular views of Tromsø and the surrounding landscape.
££££
Tromsø
Sami Reindeer Experience
Experience the enduring heritage of the Sami and their reindeer just 30 minutes from Tromsø. Meet the reindeer, feed them by hand, and savor a traditional bidos lunch in a gamme. In the lavvu, enjoy stories, joik performances, and insights into Sami culture.
££££
Tromsø
Hjørundfjord Cruise
The Hjørundfjord cuts through some of the wildest mountain ranges in Norway, known as the Sunnmøre Alps. From the comfort of a vintage boat, admire views of mountains and fjords at their most spectacular.
££££
Ålesund
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.
David Nikel
Having lived in Norway since 2011, David has grown his website into one of the biggest language resources for those visiting or moving to Norway. He will be on hand throughout the cruise delivering a series of talks on all things Norwegian.
Dr. Maggie Lieu - Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find Dr. Maggie Lieu out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
Ingrid Christophersen
Ingrid was brought up in Oslo and has translated several books from Norwegian to English including a biography of Roald Amundsen. Join her on this cruise as she provides insight into Skiing and Norwegian culture.
Mark Westmoquette - Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find them out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
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 15:00 06/05/2024, 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 15:00 06/05/2024, 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 £3,299 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 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 £1,699 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 £1,399 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 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 £6,268.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,973.25 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,623.25 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 |
|---|
360°
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.