02 Apr 2024
Newcastle
15 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
Join Balmoral for this springtime sailing to the Canary Islands, with their balmy climate and links to the Olsen family. The volcanic landscapes make for rewarding exploration, from the mountainous vistas of La Palma and Tenerife’s Mount Teide to Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park. Alternatively, soaking up the warmth on a vast choice of beaches or learning how to make traditional Mojo sauce with a local family offer more relaxing experiences. Meanwhile, a full day in Funchal will allow time to wander Madeira’s botanical gardens – perhaps with an orchid enthusiast who can share their knowledge of the island’s flora – and capture views from the Cabo Girão sea cliff.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore volcanic Canarian landscapes
The islands to be visited on this Balmoral cruise have captivated nature enthusiasts and geologists for decades. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the lunar-like landscapes and diverse ecosystems are ripe for exploration by our guests. La Palma is known as ‘La Isla Bonita’, due to its delightful mix of striking volcanoes, dense forests and distinctive black-sand beaches. Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote is another fine example of the captivating power of volcanic forces, with a surreal terrain formed of solidified lava fields and rock formations. Join us on a tour to discover more about the geothermal demonstrations caused by intense heat simmering beneath the surface, which explode with steam when water is poured into them.
Discover the gardens of Madeira
The garden isle of Madeira is home to an extraordinary array of exotic plants from all over the world, which flourish here due to its mild climate and rich biodiversity. Palheiro Gardens offer a collection of both formal and informal patterns, and are complemented by beautiful coastal views and lush green hills. Join us on a tour here to explore the plant variations here, and then journey on to a family owned garden where a local orchid expert will conduct an orchid workshop, showing guests how to mount the plant on a branch and offering tips on keeping these graceful plants at home.
Make Mojo Sauce with a local
The traditional Canarian Mojo sauce adds a delicious burst of flavour to many local dishes, including grilled meats, fish and potatoes. Made from a variety of ingredients, the red sauce packs a punch with its spicy and robust flavours, whereas the green sauce leaves a fresher and milder taste on the palate. From Balmoral, you can take a tour to a private farm where the family-run business specialises in produce from its vineyard, coffee plantations and orange trees. Here you’ll be able to learn more about the history of the Mojo sauce, and enjoy a workshop to sample its flavours and create the tasty accompaniment to many traditional dishes.
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 01:00 05/10/2023, 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 01:00 05/10/2023, 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
| Freedom Fare | From £4,599 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,299 pp |
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Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,099 pp |
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Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 pp |
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Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 pp |
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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £8,738.10 |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £8,168.10 |
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Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,888.10 |
|---|
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,368.10 |
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Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 |
|---|
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.