14 Nov 2023
Southampton
16 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
This cruise offers a glimpse into the history of the ancient trading routes within the Mediterranean and the kingdoms and civilisations that established them. You can delve into the history of the Phoenicians at Carthage from La Goulette and the ancient ruins of Nora from Cagliari. Heading off the tourist trail presents the likes of Algiers, where tours allow you to go ashore and discover architecture influenced by different ruling powers. Cartagena has a fascinating past, having previously been a naval base and an exporter of minerals. Elsewhere, you can immerse yourself in the bustling shops and stalls of Tangier’s Medina and view the Tower of Hercules from Balmoral.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Ancient Landmarks
This cruise aboard Balmoral combines intriguing destinations with a fascinating history of ancient empires. One of the most striking highlights is the Roman amphitheatre in Cartagena, considered by many to be the ‘Crown Jewel of Murcia’, it’s a beautifully structured and restored spectacle, which was built over by the Byzantine, Moorish and Christian occupations over thousands of years. Join us for a tour here and learn about the painstaking restoration of the area with a local archaeologist or specialist, and see the remains of a thermal bath complex and the temple devoted to the Roman Gods, Isis and Serapis. You’ll also receive absorbing Scenic Discovery commentary from our on board team as you sail past the historic Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world.
Customs & Traditions Uniting Local Communities
There are many different traditions and customs in evidence on this captivating cruise. In Andalusia, you can learn about the sultry Flamenco dance and Fado music with David Williams, who has had a long freelance career as a producer and cameraman, and now enjoys putting his BA degree in History to use by holding talks on people and events of times gone past, and local traditions. In Cadiz, join a Flamenco class with a local Bailaora and learn a few steps in an authentic tablao-tavern, dating back to the 1700’s. When visiting Tangier, take the opportunity to try a Moroccan tea and bread experience - learn the secrets of crafting the perfect peppermint tea, and enjoy it with delicious, fresh bread.
Trading Empires
Many of the destinations visited on this cruise were integral to trading in the days of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. The ruins of Nora in Cagliari are of particular importance, as it had a double harbour which was founded by the Phoenicians, and amongst the excavations are remains of Carthaginian warehouses, a Carthaginian-Roman temple and an almost intact theatre dating back to Roman times. You’ll be joined on this cruise by Hilary Rock Gormley, who will hold fascinating talks on the Punic Wars and their effect on this area of the Mediterranean; and the active areas for trade, cultural development and the growth of civilisations across the region. Hilary has had a passion for ancient history since she was a child, broadening her interests over time to encompass prehistory.
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.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 19:00 22/09/2023, 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 19:00 22/09/2023, 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
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £3,799 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,199 pp |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £3,499 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,899 pp |
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £2,649 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,049 pp |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £1,699 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £7,998 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £8,398 |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £7,398 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £7,798 |
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £5,698 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £6,098 |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £3,798 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,198 |
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,499 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there is 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
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.
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 FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.