16 Dec 2024
Southampton
6 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way 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
Belgian chocolate
The history of Belgian chocolate dates back to the 17th century, when explorers brought cocoa beans from South America and introduced them to the Belgian community. It was first used as a tonic by pharmacists; but then in 1840, Belgian chocolate maker Berwaerts sold the first pressed chocolate tablets, pastilles and figurines. In 1912, chocolatier Jean Neuhaus Jr, grandson of a Brussels-based Swiss pharmacist, replaced the tablet inside the chocolate with a tasty filling of creamy ganache and thus praline was invented. After many years of perfecting their trades, the ‘Belgian Chocolate Code’ was developed to ensure Belgian chocolate actually comes from Belgium, and it is the main trader of chocolate worldwide.
Christmas Markets
This cruise has been perfectly timed for guests to experience festive Christmas Markets that are held in the cities being visited. Browse rows of stalls offering handcrafted gifts and delicious wintertime treats, see charming festivals and intricate light displays; before exploring Art Nouveau Antwerp and Medieval Rouen in greater depth.
River Seine
Extending for 485 miles from close to Dijon, the River Seine ends in the English Channel near Le Havre, and has been a river of historical and transport importance since the Middle Ages. During the Iron Age, the river was used to transport tin from Cornwall to Europe; the Romans used it to increase trade; before the Vikings included Paris on the waterway, thus connecting it to the British Isles. In the past 20 years, tons of sand, palm trees and beach chairs are brought to parts of France bordering the river in the summer months, where locals enjoy spending time at the manmade beaches – or Paris Plages.
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 00:00 29/09/2023, 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 00:00 29/09/2023, 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
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £899 pp |
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360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,228.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,038.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,468.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,708.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 |
|---|
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.