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 the magnificence of Europe's Christmas festivities. 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 winding streets, stopping to 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 ItineraryHighlights
Christmas Celebrations
Embark on this Christmastime Balmoral cruise and delight in enchanting Christmas festivities in France and Belgium. Antwerp’s festive spirit spills into every street and alleyway, where shop windows are adorned with garlands and baubles, tempting visitors with artisanal gifts, Belgian chocolates, and delicate lace, while the main shopping streets glitter with canopies of lights, inviting you to stroll past and savour delectable seasonal delights like mouthwatering chocolate, beer, and Christmas-themed foods like Buche de Noel and Pain d'Epices. Meanwhile, be sure to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, whose soaring gothic arches seem to hum with reverence as the nativity scene glows softly in the candlelight, reminding visitors of the season’s deeper meaning.
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.
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.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 19:30 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 19:30 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
| Saver Fare | From £1,049 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,149 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Saver Fare | From £999 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,099 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Saver Fare | From £649 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £749 pp |
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Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | From £599 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £649 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | From £899 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,099 pp |
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Superior Suite (SS)
Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area
| Saver Fare | from £1,898.25 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,098.25 |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Saver Fare | from £1,888.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,088.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Saver Fare | from £998.50 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,198.50 |
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Saver Fare | from £1,035.75 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,135.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | from £899 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,099 |
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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 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.
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.