Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Cruising from Southampton on Valentine's Day, embark on a captivating five-night cruise meticulously designed to take advantage of Balmoral’s smaller size. The highlight awaits as we gracefully navigate the picturesque River Seine, a winding waterway adorned with historic bridges, charming villages, and idyllic countryside. Upon reaching Rouen, indulge in the romantic delights of Paris, where art, fashion, and delightful treats from quaint boulangeries beckon. Antwerp, famed for its diamond district, Flemish masterpieces, and Belgian indulgences like chocolate and beer, awaits exploration, too. Marvel at awe-inspiring landmarks, particularly in the French capital where medieval history is evident in the timber houses and Palais des Archevêques.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Scenic Waterways
Balmoral will sail along the picturesque River Seine on her way to Rouen, a feat only possible on smaller ships. This winding waterway meanders through the scenic French countryside, and is adorned with charming villages, sweeping countryside landscapes and beautiful bridges, each with its own architectural style and historical significance. From Rouen, the captivating city of Paris awaits, with the Seine flowing through the heart of the city, dividing it into two distinct parts – the Rive Gauche, also known as the Left Bank, and the Rive Droite, also known as the Right Bank. The riverbanks here are adorned with elegant promenades and historic landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum and the famous Eiffel Tower.
Discover the French & Belgian Way of Life
Our Journey Planners have hand-selected destinations for this itinerary to allow you to immerse yourself in the romantic French and Belgian way of life. In Antwerp, you are perfectly placed to enjoy local delicacies, such as Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer, while our call into Roeun is your gateway to the world's most romantic capital, Paris. Effortlessly blending centuries-old charm with modern vibrancy, you can stroll along the banks of the scenic River Seine, where locals gather to picnic and unwind against the backdrop of historic bridges and riverside boulevards and experience the Parisian café culture. You could even visit a local boulangerie, celebrated worldwide for their high-quality bread and pastries, with the city’s bakers taking great pride in crafting a variety of delicious treats, such as croissants, pain au chocolat and éclairs.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
Alongside comfortable cabin accommodation, and peace of mind perks such as our Satisfaction Guarantee and all UK port taxes and fees being covered, your cruise price includes all of the following:
Full board dining
- Five course à la carte dinners
- Daily casual dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
Leisure
- Evening shows
- Live music, dancing & dance classes
- Enrichment lectures and expert talks
- A variety of on-board activities
- Swimming pools & jacuzzis
- Fitness centre & classes
Freedom Fares also include
- Free shuttle service (for ports over one mile from the ship)
- Guided ‘social strolls’ ashore in selected destinations
- Selected drinks with lunch and dinner
- Gratuities
- Pre-book fitness classes
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 peaceful scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Your Cruise, Your Way
Whether you prefer a peaceful spot with a good book or a full day of activities and entertainment, life on board offers plenty of choice, all in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships. 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 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 be 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.
When you cruise with Fred. Olsen, why not let our preferred luggage handling service provider take care of your luggage? Baggex will collect them from your home before you leave, and securely deliver them directly to your cabin on board. They'll do the same on the way home, too.