Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have crafted your cruise to coincide with Christmas Markets in two European cities, which are reached via historically important rivers. You can soak up the cosy atmosphere while browsing the stalls for traditional handicrafts and sipping on warming mulled wine. In Antwerp, there will be chances to view art nouveau architecture, unearth the works of Rembrandt, sample Belgian chocolate and explore the diamond district – the largest of its kind in the world. Rouen’s medieval streets, half-timbered buildings and links to Joan of Arc are yours to discover before Balmoral sails the picturesque River Seine via the French countryside – a journey only possible on smaller ships.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Charming Old Towns
The medieval towns of Rouen and Antwerp boast appealing old towns of cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Wander through Rouen's picturesque allweys, lined with timbered houses dating back for centuries, and marvel at the gothic cathedral, which inspired Monet's series of famous paintings. You're perfectly placed here to take a day trip to Paris to explore this iconic city with its maze of streets and famous landmarks. The vibrant city of Antwerp is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture and its diamond district, which is said to be one of the largest in the world. Elegant houses and bustling markets line the streets where the masterpiece of architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the centre.
Christmas Festivities
This Balmoral cruise has been perfectly timed for guests to experience vibrant festive Markets in France and Belgium, where you'll have the opportunity to browse rows of stalls offering handcrafted gifts, delicious wintertime treats, framed by intricate light displays. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season as you wander through charming streets adorned with festive decorations, sampling delicious Belgian chocolate and beer, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your celebrations ashore.
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.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Antwerp & Cathedral Walking Tour
Following the cobblestone streets, pass by Market Square, view the Renaissance-style City Hall and Brabo Stature before continuing down the narrow Vlaaikensgang 'Pie Alley, onto Groensplaats Square and finishing at the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady.
££££
Antwerp
Ghent
Take in the sights of Ghent, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, on this walking tour. Intersected by peaceful canals with a well-preserved medieval centre, the city is scattered with monuments and sumptous buildings bestowed by the previous Counts of Flanders.
££££
Antwerp
Historical City of Rouen
Discover Rouen's highlights on this scenic walking tour. Pass iconic sights such as the beautiful Saint-Maclou Church and visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen before spending some free time at Place du Vieux Marché.
££££
Rouen
Paris: City of Lights, & Time On Your Own
Embark on a driving tour of Paris, passing sights such as Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and the Opera de Paris Garnier. View the Arc de Triomphe, Place de l'Etoile, Le Louvre, Notre Dame and more before enjoying some free time to explore this remarkable city on your own.
££££
Rouen
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Dr. Thom Gorst
Architect, historian and teacher of art and architecture, Thom Gorst, will be speaking about the architecture in Antwerp and Rouen.
Gary Miles
Gary has a degree in Modern history and is passionate about European history. He will be joining us on this cruise to talk about significant historical events in the French and Belgian destinations we will be visiting.
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.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 09:00 24/04/2024, 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 09:00 24/04/2024, 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
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £899 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £799 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £2,848.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,658.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,498.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,485.75 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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.
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
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 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.