13 Dec 2023
Southampton
8 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
Our itinerary planners have carefully crafted your cruise to coincide with traditional Christmas Markets in three European cities. Hamburg’s markets – which you can enjoy by day and night on this sailing – feature decorated wooden huts brimming with unique wares. You can sample Glühwein and wurst as you mingle with locals and fellow travellers, soaking up the festive atmosphere. Oslo’s city centre and Copenhagen’s colourful quayside, Nyhavn, boast even more markets for you to explore. Your journey also includes a scenic sailing along Oslofjord, passing the Olsen family home in Hvitsten, and navigating the iconic Kiel Canal – a feat only possible on a smaller ship.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
A Trio of Magnificent Christmas Markets
This cruise on board Balmoral will take you to traditional Christmas markets in three magnificent European cities. The Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt in Hamburg, is a winter wonderland of festive lights and enchanting stalls selling handcrafted gifts and delicious Christmas foods, alongside the aroma of mulled wine hanging in the air. The iconic waterfront area of Copenhagen – Nyhavn – holds its annual festive market alongside the picturesque canal, with stalls full of unique foods and crafts exuding Danish charm, with the facades of its historic buildings providing a charming backdrop; or enjoy a visit to Tivoli Gardens, with its magnificent fountains and beautiful gardens. Oslo’s Christmas market – known as Bærums Verk Christmas Market, considered to be one of the best and most charming in Oslo, will offer you the chance to sample traditional Norwegian foods, buy authentic festive gifts and take a ride on a Ferris wheel.
The beauty of the Kiel Canal
On this cruise, Balmoral will sail along the Kiel Canal, as it cuts through the picturesque German countryside, providing you with a beautifully scenic passage from Hamburg to Copenhagen, and avoiding 250 nautical miles of ocean sailing. As only ships of up to 40 metres high can pass under the bridges of the canal, Balmoral’s smaller size makes it the perfect vantage point admiring the green conutryside and small towns along the waters edge. The Kiel Canal has a lock at each end, at Kiel-Holtenau and Brunsbüttel, and the transit time between the two is around eight hours, thus allowing guests plenty of time to enjoy time out on board. In Hamburg, you will also have the opportunity to explore Germany’s largest port and throughout your cruise, former Royal Navy Radio Operator, Mick Gentry, will be on hand to deliver insightful talks on Europe’s maritime history.
Cruising by the Olsen Family Home
The historic home of the Olsen family is located on the shores of Oslofjord, at Hvitsten, and is nestled within spectacular Norwegian scenery. Lysedal Mansion is positioned close to the beautiful wooden church given to Hvitsten by Fred. Olsen’s mother, Bolette in 1903, and who was the inspiration for another of our ships in our fleet. A number of figureheads from Fred. Olsen ships are displayed in the parks and gardens of the village; and it was here where Edvard Munch spent some years painting several of his most famous artworks. A museum is dedicated to the life and work of Munch, offering guests the chance to see some of his paintings.
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.
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.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
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 19:00 22/09/2023, 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 19:00 22/09/2023, 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 £1,999 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Saver Fare | From £1,699 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Saver Fare | From £1,599 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | From £1,099 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,199 pp |
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Saver Fare | from £4,098 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,198 |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Saver Fare | from £3,498 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,598 |
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Saver Fare | from £3,298 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,398 |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Saver Fare | from £2,298 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,398 |
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet 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
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.
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 FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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 advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.