Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This journey through Arctic waters offers you an extraordinary opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights. As night falls, excitement will build and the chance to catch a glimse at nature’s light show begins. You can also join astronomers from the Go Stargazing team out on deck to discover the unique pattern of constellations and planets making up the Arctic night sky. By day, there’s plenty to explore as Balmoral journeys across the Arctic Circle. Narvik brings majestic fjords, Tromsø is a vibrant hub of activity, while Harstad brings some coastal charm to our Arctic exploration. Get closer to nature by immersing yourself in the Norwegian lifestyle of friluftsliv; from hiking adventures in the snow to traditional husky sledding.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The magic of the Northern Lights
Embark on a magical cruise aboard Balmoral where you'll have the opportunity to witness the beauty of the Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway. As you sail across the Arctic Circle, join us on deck to see uninterrupted views of this otherworldly spectacle where light pollution is at a minimum. Narvik offers a dramatic fjord setting for seeing the Northern Lights, while Alta and Tromsø are perfect destinations in which to explore snow-covered landscapes, before warming up with a delicious hot chocolate out on Balmoral's deck as the Arctic skies darken, and the anticipation rises.
Experience Friluftsliv
The Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv translates to "open-air living", embracing a deep connection with nature and the outdoors without disturbing or destroying it, and adding to a sense of well-being. In Northern Norway, Friluftsliv has special significance as there are a number of once-in-a-lifetime activities to embrace. In Alta, join us on a tour to go dog-sledding and spend time with huskies, enjoying an exhilarating journey through snowy plateaus and forests. You'll also have the chance to try Nordic skiing through tranquil valleys, experience ice fishing in a frozen lake to catch Arctic cod or char, or enjoy a thrilling snowmobile ride across vast expanses of Arctic wilderness.
Unravel the science of the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun are blown towards the earth by solar winds, which turn into geomagnetic storms, creating waves of different colours as the particles collide with the earth's atmopshere. These distinctive colours are determined by the type of gas and altitude of the collision, so oxygen produces green and red shades, while nitrogen creates hues of purple and blue. Balmoral will take you to Arctic locations which are ideal for witnessing this surreal phenomenon, as they are perfectly placed with minimum amounts of light pollution. A team from Go Stargazing will join us on board to explain the Northern Lights further in stargazing and Aurora Borealis hunting sessions.
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.
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
Hiking Aksla
Embark on a scenic hike to Mount Aksla, starting from the quayside through Alesund’s town center to the trailhead. Reach Rundskue lookout at 195 meters for breathtaking views, then continue to Fjellstua viewpoint for a glimpse of the Sunnmøre Alps.
££££
Ålesund
Rauma Railway & Troll Mountains
Journey through the Romsdalen Valley on the Rauma Railway, admiring towering mountains, plummeting waterfalls and sights such as the Kylingbru Bridge, Trollveggen Cliff and the emerald green Rauma River.
££££
Ålesund
Arctic Train - Ofoten Railway
Experience one of the world’s most beautiful journeys along the Ofoten Railway. Carved out of the mountainside, the line leaves Narvik, reaches the southern shores of Rombaksfjord, and runs alongside vertical cliffs with magnificent views.
££££
Narvik
Dog Sledding
Embark on a dog sledding adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of Nordic nature. You will ride into the wilderness on your very own husky sleds as experienced drivers take you through pine forests, following the banks of the Alta River, or up through the Altadalen Valley.
££££
Alta
Sami Experience & Reindeer Sledding
Embark on a journey to discover the vibrant culture of the Sami, the indigenous people of northern Norway, through a scenic tour to Maze village. Learn about their traditions and modern lifestyle, enjoy a reindeer sled ride, and savor traditional Sami stew in a cozy lavvo while listening to joiking.
££££
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
The Elusive Northern Lights
Journey to a renowned fishing village where a unique Northern Lights camp awaits, crafted by your host using locally sourced materials. Experience the rich maritime culture of Norway's north coast, where fishing has been vital for survival and export for centuries.
££££
Tromsø
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
Ice Fishing with a Local
Head into the wilderness to a frozen lake where you will enjoy a spot of ice fishing with a local, surrounded by the spectacular Arctic landscape.
££££
Tromsø
The Atlantic Ocean Road
Embark on a scenic drive from Molde through Farstad and along the notorious Hustadvika coastline, a diver’s paradise rich in marine life and shipwrecks. Experience the highlight: the stunning Atlantic Ocean Road, spanning islands and islets with breathtaking bridges. Return via Moldefjord, passing through Eide and a national conservation area.
££££
Molde
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. Tony Waltham
Geologist, Dr. Tony Waltham will be joining you to deliver a series of insightful talks about the geology of Norway.
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. Join Professor Paul Roche and Catherine Adams on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
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 03/05/2024, 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 03/05/2024, 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 £4,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 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 £2,099 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 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 £8,738.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £8,358.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,348.50 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,988.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 |
|---|
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.