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Idyllic Islands & Captivating Cultures of Asia

L2502

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James Bond island and famous Khao Phing Kan Phi stone in Thailand

18 Jan 2025

Southampton

82 nights

Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted 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 discovering an abundance of idyllic islands throughout Asia. 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. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy visits to the iconic sites of Angkor Wat and Siem Riep; 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

James Bond island and famous Khao Phing Kan Phi stone in Thailand

Idyllic Asian Islands

This cruise has been designed for guests to enjoy some of the most beautiful islands in Asia. The islands of Thailand's Phang Nga Bay have been formed from limestone rocks and rise out of the sea up to 350m high. The Philippines’ hidden gem of Busuanga Island is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, with rock formations carved out of the limestone cliffs standing tall in the clear waters. In Palawan, the enticingly beautiful Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also has a collection of hidden caves, which are only accessible by boat.

Holi Festival, India

Indian Way of Life

Your call to Mumbai is perfectly timed to experience the vibrant Holi Festival. Immerse yourself in this ancient Hindu tradition, held on the first day after a full moon every year, and join rejoicing locals by throwing Gulal powder, creating a rainbow of colour. Experience an integral part of the city's work life by joining a real life Dabbawala, or take a tour behind the scenes of some of Bollywood's iconic film and TV productions, where you'll have the unique opportunity to meet some of the actors and dancers. In Kochi, be sure to take a ride on a local tuk-tuk. Traditional Indian food offers a variety of flavour sensations, based on combinations of many different spices, so do try some local dishes when you are ashore.

Thailand traditional dance

Asian Way of Life

The culture in Asia encompasses a diverse range of traditions and customs. Asian cuisine is a feast for the senses, with exotic spices weaved into locally produced dishes. Street food is incredibly flavoursome and offers you the chance to sample new and exciting foods. In Thailand be sure to experience the traditional dance, Khon, first performed for the Thai Royal Family. On Weh Island in the Philippines, enjoy a ride on a rickshaw from the capital of Sabang, and experience a journey through the picturesque countryside surrounding the city; or in Phuket, be sure to make time to experience an authentic Thai massage.

Asian monks looking at Angkor wat, Cambodia

Discover Ancient Civilisations and Influential Rulers

With such a diverse culture and a deep history stretching back over centuries, India and Asia are home to a number of ancient and religious sites. One of the most important temples in Mumbai is the Hindu Siddhi Vinayak Temple, constructed in 1801, and dedicated to Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is believed to be the largest religious temple complex in the world, and is recognised as an architectural masterpiece, with intricate sculptures and soaring towers. Portuguese Vasco de Gama was the first navigator to discover India - bringing with him products to trade, which were then introduced into local life, and Goan cuisine took on new spices and flavours, which still distinguish dishes today.

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

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 16:00 28/03/2024, 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 16:00 28/03/2024, 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 £20,499 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 £21,499 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 £26,499 pp

Last few cabins remaining!

Last few cabins remaining!

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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

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £35,999 pp
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What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there is 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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