Home Page Ocean Cruises Destinations Cruise Brochures Terms & Conditions About Us
FREEDOM FARE
From£799pp

River Cities of France & Belgium

L2533

Book Now
Christmas market in Antwerp, Belgium The Great market square in Antwerp, Belgium
16 Dec 2025
Southampton
6 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Your cruise to the river cities of France and Belgium has not only been designed to take advantage of Balmoral’s smaller size but also so you can experience magnificent festive markets. As Balmoral sails along the scenic River Seine, you will witness historic bridges, quaint villages, and idyllic countryside. Antwerp invites you to stroll through its Christmas market, enjoy warm glühwein and traditional Belgian foods, discover Flemish artwork, indulge in some of the world's best chocolates, and window shop in the famous diamond district, while Rouen is ideally placed for exploring Paris. The French capital is ideal for immersing yourself in Parisian culture, Christmas shopping, and marvelling at festive lights at this happy time of year. Alluring architecture will be yours to admire, too, from Art Nouveau wonders in Belgium to medieval streets and half-timbered houses in Rouen.

Explore the Itinerary

Highlights

Christmas markets stall, Belgium

Christmas Celebrations

Embark on this festive Balmoral cruise and delight in enchanting Christmas Markets in France and Belgium. You will be able to explore lively stalls filled with unique handcrafted treasures and delectable seasonal delights, all illuminated by intricate light arrangements, or wander through streets adorned with cheerful decorations and indulge in delectable Belgian chocolate, beer, and Christmas-themed foods like Buche de Noel and Pain d'Epices. Meanwhile, for those feeling more adventurous, lace up your skates and take to the ice!

The River Seine in Paris

Explore the Scenic River Seine

The River Seine winds its way through the picturesque French countryside, with its banks dotted with charming villages, beautiful bridges and rolling landscapes. Balmoral will traverse the Seine on her way to Rouen, a feat only possible on smaller ships, providing scenic views of the stunning countryside from her decks. From Rouen, the enchanting city of Paris awaits. Here, the River Seine flows through the heart of the city, splitting it into two distinct areas – Rive Gauche and Rive Droite, also known as the Left Bank and Right Bank respectively. The riverbanks in the city are home to famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, elegant promenades and striking bridges.

Typical French Boulangerie

Immerse Yourself in the French & Belgian Way of Life

We have included destinations on this cruise that will allow you to immerse yourself in the French and Belgian way of life during the festive season. When in Antwerp, you are perfectly placed to sample local treats such as Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate or warm up with a traditional glühwein, while a visit to Paris, reached from Rouen, will allow you to experience Parisian culture at Christmas. Quaint cafés line the streets, providing the perfect setting to people watch whilst enjoying local treats, while local boulangeries produce delicious festive treats such as pastries and freshly baked bread.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

Explore the Itinerary
Map Image

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
Explore Balmoral

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.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 18:00 12/12/2024, 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 18:00 12/12/2024, 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 £1,599 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £1,699 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

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

Freedom Fare From £2,199 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

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

Freedom Fare From £2,399 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £2,999 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°

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.

Explore all extras

Need Some Help?

Take a look at our FAQs

View All FAQs