06 May 2025
Southampton
10 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
The benefits of Balmoral’s smaller size come to the fore on this cruise, as you dock in Bordeaux and sail the River Seine to Rouen, both of which aren’t possible on larger vessels. You will have the chance to view impressive architecture throughout, from Spain’s contemporary Guggenheim Museum to France’s beautiful medieval buildings. Traditional food and drink can be enjoyed in their place of origin, including pintxos in Bilbao and camembert and calvados in Honfleur. Visiting a local vineyard in Bordeaux, where the owners will guide you through a winemaking and tasting session, makes for a rewarding experience, too. Savour picturesque countryside views as Balmoral sails the River Seine.
Explore the Itinerary
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
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.
Panoramic Tour & The Guggenheim
Journey through Bilbao, passing the Ensanche Area and the bridges over the Nervión River and enjoy views of Bilbao from Artxanda Mountain before visiting the Guggenheim Museum.
££££
Getxo (Bilbao)
Château Carbonnieux
Visit Château Carbonnieux Estate, which has been which has been producing wine since the 13th century when the Benedictine monks of Sainte-Croix abbey made internationally renowned red and white wines. Enjoy a guided tour of the wine cellars and see the current owner’s classic car collection before concluding with a red and white wine-tasting session to learn the secrets behind the family’s wine-making techniques.
NB: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or for those with limited mobility.
££££
Bordeaux
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
Monet’s Garden & Giverny
Enjoy a visit to the house and gardens of Monet, one of the most famous painters in the world. Explore his iconic pink and green house and the Japanese gardens which served as inspiration for multiple pieces of his work.
££££
Honfleur
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.
Rosalind Cooper
Rosalind began her wine career as a lecturer and a tour guide, since then she has been an editor of Decanter magazine. She will be joining us to deliver a series of talks about the wines from the regions you will be visiting during your cruise.
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 06:00 20/04/2024, 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 06:00 20/04/2024, 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 £3,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 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 £1,499 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,458.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £3,148.25 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,798.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 |
|---|
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.