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Wildlife & Culture of the Scenic Scottish Isles

L2509

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Skara Brae, Scotland Skara Brae, Scotland

16 May 2025

Southampton

7 nights

Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

On this rewarding journey, Balmoral will head to remote Scottish isles, presenting you with examples of remarkable nature and fascinating culture. Representatives from wildlife charity ORCA will be on hand to help you search for seabirds and marine life, including puffins and orca, from your ship. Ashore, you can explore dramatic Lews Castle, which overlooks the picturesque harbour; and discover Orkney’s fascinating history on a tour of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, an archaeological treasure. Balmoral will also sail past the wonderfully symmetrical basalt columns of Fingal's Cave.

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Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

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.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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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.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

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 Eden Project

The Eden Project

Explore the eighth wonder of the world, the internationally acclaimed Eden Project, on this tour. Have time at leisure to explore the biomes which house a wide range of plants and trees. 

££££

Falmouth

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Journey through lush green countryside to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, where an exotic jungle, Victorian garden and Giant’s Head are just a few of the highlights. Enjoy an orientation walk with your guide, followed by some free time to explore further at leisure.

££££

Falmouth

Culture & Crofting Traditions of Lewis

Culture & Crofting Traditions of Lewis

Journey to North Lewis to discover the local culture and history of crofting. The local museum houses two exhibition galleries and a local history archive, and reflects various aspects of island life including crofting, fishing and local industries.

££££

Stornoway

 Orkney's Wartime History

Orkney's Wartime History

Together with a specialist Wartime Guide, embark on a tour of Orkney and visit historic sites such as Stromness, Ness Battery, Scapa Flow and the beautiful hand-painted Italian chapel built by Prisoners of War.

££££

Kirkwall

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.

ORCA
Ocean Wildlife

Orca

Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.

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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.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 05:00 19/04/2024, 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 05:00 19/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £2,399 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £2,599 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,199 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,499 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £4,499 pp
Please Call
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Cruise Offers

FREE On Board Spend   Freedom Fare

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.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • 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.

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