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Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival

L2502

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Yangon, Myanmar view of Shwedagon Pagoda at dusk Yangon, Myanmar view of Shwedagon Pagoda at dusk

18 Jan 2025

Southampton

82 nights

Balmoral

The cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

This once-in-a-lifetime grand voyage has been designed to ensure you have countless opportunities to experience fascinating culture and nature, from delving into ancient civilisations to seeking out endemic wildlife. What’s more, our Journey Planners have timed Balmoral’s call into Mumbai to coincide with the Holi Festival, a colourful Hindu celebration that sees India transform into a real-life canvas. Plus, with our Signature Experiences on board, you can learn about where you’re sailing to, before you get there, so you can truly get the most out of your voyage.

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Highlights

Holi Festival, India

The Holi Festival

Your visit to Mumbai is perfectly timed to experience the Holi Festival when it is in full swing. An ancient Hindu tradition, it celebrates the victory of good over evil, and is held on the first day after a full moon every year. Locals rejoice with the bonfires of Holika Dahan, before the throwing of powder, known as Gulal, creating a rainbow of colour and marking the start of Spring.

Sri Lankan elephant, Udawalawe

Spend time with elephants

 In Sri Lanka, you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to see the rare and endangered Sri Lankan elephants at Udawalawe Elephant Park. As one of the country’s smaller national parks, there are around 500 elephants here; protected by the park from poachers and hunters, to ensure their breed thrives, while maintaining the wild habitat they’re used to. Alongside the elephants, Udawalawe is also home to water buffalo, monkeys, lizards and many bird species.

Yangon, Myanmar view of Shwedagon Pagoda

The sacred Shwedagon Pagoda

The quite simply, beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar is the country’s most sacred Buddhist site. Standing at 99 meters tall, and covered with gold – the stupa is topped with over 4000 diamonds - it represents over 2000 years of Myanmar heritage and can be seen from all over the city. A cruise to Yangon is not complete without visiting this impressive landmark.

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

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 07:00 27/03/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 07:00 27/03/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call 0800 035 5130 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 £20,499 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 £28,499 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £35,999 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 £29,499 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 £21,799 pp
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