Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Escape December’s grey skies and embrace the warm, golden sunshine of the Canary Islands in the lead up to Christmas. Celebrate the festive season beneath swaying palms, sample local delicacies, and soak up the vibrant island culture aboard Balmoral, where volcanic landscapes and vibrant island culture await. Marvel at Mount Teide’s snow-dusted peak, the otherworldly beauty of Timanfaya National Park, lush laurisilva forests and the dramatic Mirador de Los Roques. Savour the spirit of the islands with papas arrugadas and spicy mojo sauce, discover the enchanting whistling language of Silbo Gomero in La Gomera, join in the joyful rhythms of traditional folk music and dance, and soak up the beach culture. You’ll also have the opportunity to go whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife and La Gomera. During your journey, you can uncover the Olsen family’s historic links to the islands.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Festivities on board
Raise a glass of mulled wine or enjoy a festive-themed cocktail as you mingle with fellow guests, sharing laughter and stories under the soft glow of the festive season. Take part in Christmas quizzes, watch festive movies and enjoy live entertainment designed to capture the magic of this special time of year. Balmoral's dedicated crew will ensure every detail is attended to, from elegantly decorated dining rooms offering seasonal feasts, to moments of quiet reflection in the lounges or on deck, as you watch coastline pass by. Each day offers a new opportunity to explore enchanting destinations, while on board Balmoral you can truly embrace the spirit of Christmas, whether savouring traditional treats or simply relaxing with a warming drink in hand.
Experience the Canarian Way of Life
The Canarian lifestyle embodies a distinctive fusion of cultural influences, characterised by a relaxed and unhurried pace inspired by the region's pleasant subtropical climate and its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. While exploring San Sebastian, you can immerse yourself in the unique traditions of the islands, including demonstrations of the ancient Silbo whistling language, an indigenous form of communication native to La Gomera. You can also discover the vibrant rhythms of traditional Canarian music and dance, such as Isa and Folías. Throughout your cruise, you will have ample opportunity to indulge in local cuisine, including iconic dishes like papas arrugadas and mojo sauce, and sample Malvasía wine at a volcanic vineyard.
Spot Dolphins in their Natural Habitat
The Canary Islands are renowned for their abundant marine life and diverse ecosystems, which provide ideal conditions for dolphins to thrive. Through the implementation of various conservation efforts, the islands have demonstrated their commitment to preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the well-being of dolphin populations. Throughout the course of the cruise, you will have the opportunity to join dolphin-watching tours, offering the chance to observe these playful creatures in their native environment. Alongside dolphins, sightings of other marine species like pilot whales and orcas may also be possible.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 20:30 12/11/2025, 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 20:30 12/11/2025, 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 £2,499 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £2,199 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 pp |
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Saver Ocean View Cabin (OS)
This cabin type may have portholes or a picture window, bathroom with a bath and/or shower
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £1,199 pp |
|---|
Saver Interior Cabin (IS)
This cabin type could be one of the following grades on Balmoral: G, H or I
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £999 pp |
|---|
Single Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | From £2,299 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 pp |
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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £4,708.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £5,508.10 |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £4,138.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,938.10 |
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Saver Superior Ocean View Cabin (SOS)
This cabin type has a picture window; and a bathroom with a shower and/ or bath
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £1,749 |
|---|
Saver Interior Cabin (IS)
This cabin type could be one of the following grades on Balmoral: G, H or I
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £1,898 |
|---|
Single Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | from £2,299 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 |
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What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
To make your journey even more special, we include so much as standard on board our cruises.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily casual 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
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.
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, as well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
António Batarda
Throughout your cruise, Portuguese archaeologist António Batarda will be discussing the history of exploration, including the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, and the stop over for Atlantic navigation routes, The Azores.
Go Stargazing
Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.
Isaac Kenyon
Geoscientist, Isaac Kenyon, is passionate about adventure travel and the great outdoors. As we explore the Canaries, Isaac will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and wilderness of the Canaries and Madeira.
Your Cruise, Your Way
Whether you prefer a peaceful spot with a good book or a full day of activities and entertainment, life on board offers plenty of choice, all in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cruise Offers
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 be 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.