Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
In just five nights, your Balmoral cruise to France has been planned as the perfect Bank Holiday getaway. You'll first make landfall in St. Malo, the resting place of seafarer Jacques Cartier, who left here to discover the New World in Canada, and close to the unique tidal island of Mont St. Michel, rising majestically from the sea. Sailing along the scenic River Seine, flanked by picturesque countryside and quaint villages, into Rouen is only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral. Immerse yourself in local life and sample renowned French cuisine, including its array of delicious cheeses, paired with award-winning wines, or Calvados brandy, distilled in Normandy. With a call into Rouen, you can discover Normandy's rich heritage and architecture, explore Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, or take a day trip to Paris to see its world-famous sights.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore iconic French landmarks
Your cruise aboard Balmoral will offer you the opportunity to explore the unique island topped by a Romanesque church and known as the 'Wonder of the Western World', Mont Saint-Michel. Wander around its charming medieval streets, lined with eateries, tiny boutiques, and charming houses. and admire the breathtaking view across the surrounding bay as you stroll along the ramparts that protect the island's village. Elsewhere, Rouen Cathedral stands as a tribute to France's architectural prowess and religious tradition with its magnificent Gothic architecture, and from here you can enjoy a tour to nearby Paris to see the world-famous sights of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Savour French Cuisine
Renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavours, variety and attention to detail, French cuisine is characterised by its exemplary use of rich sauces, butter, and garlic, where dishes like escargot and coq au vin showcase these perfectly. French cuisine also celebrates regional foods, and on this Balmoral cruise, you'll be able to sample rich Normandy cheeses such as creamy Camembert or the nutty flavoured Livarot, accompanied by the famed Calvados brandy, distilled in the region. Meanwhile, Normandy cider, crafted from locally grown apples, offers a refreshing taste of the region's orchards, and the exquisite crepes of Brittany are a testament to the expertise of French pastry making.
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.
Mont Saint-Michel
Enjoy a visit to Mont-Saint-Michel on this tour. Surrounded by sand and salt marshes, this historical monument is perched atop a rocky island and has been part of the UNSECO World Heritage List since 1979.
££££
St Malo
Oysters in Cancale
Visit the Breton harbour of Cancale to enjoy a walk along the harbour and indulge in a tasting of fresh local oysters with a refreshing glass of white wine.
££££
St Malo
A Taste of Normandy
Explore Normandy’s half-timbered houses, grasslands, and orchards. Savor world-famous cheeses and cider. Visit Honfleur’s 13th-century fishing village and Vieux Bassin harbor. In Cormeilles, tour Busnel distillery, learning cider-making and enjoying Calvados tastings.
££££
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
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 10:00 27/07/2024, 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 10:00 27/07/2024, 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 £1,699 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 £1,599 pp |
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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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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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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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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,228.10 |
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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 £3,038.10 |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,573.25 |
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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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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 |
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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.