French River Cruising in Five Nights
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An in-depth exploration of the beautiful River Seine awaits you on this invigorating cruise, with hours of scenic cruising perfectly complementing extended calls at two enchanting, classically French cities. In just five nights, you’ll pack in rich culture, stunning architecture, remarkable history and beautifully unspoilt countryside scenes, so you’re sure to feel inspired throughout your holiday. [ReadMoreMob]
You’ll enjoy a delightful start to your French flavoured journey of discovery, taking in views of picturesque countryside and pretty communes as your ship sails the Seine en route to Rouen. A two-night stay in Normandy’s regional capital will then afford you plenty of time to capture the essence of the city at leisure. You could explore Rouen’s links to Joan of Arc at Place du Vieux Marché, where the ‘Heroine of France’ was burnt at the stake; [ReadMoreDesk]marvel at the city’s spectacular Gothic-style cathedral; admire the traditional half-timbered houses and much more – a walking tour is a great way to see the sights. Alternatively, you could make the most of your extended stay to take a tour to nearby Paris, and see the famous landmarks of the French capital including the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower. The enchanting Claude Monet House and Gardens is within reach on tour from Rouen, too.
A journey back along the Seine in daylight hours follows, offering you another chance to take in the river’s postcard-perfect scenes from the comfort of your ship. Perhaps enjoy the view from the comfort of Balmoral’s lounges with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand, or over traditional Afternoon Tea at the Observatory Lounge as you sail towards Honfleur, where you exploration of the Seine comes to a rewarding end. Once docked in Honfleur, you’ll have plenty of time to wander the charming, café-lined 16th century cobbled streets of this historic maritime city, in search of highlights including St Catherine’s Church – France’s largest timber-built church – and the Vieux Bassin, with its lofty slate and timber-fronted houses and colourful fishing harbour.
Itinerary
Date
Arrive
Depart
Destination
Sat 19 Oct
Late Night
Dover, United Kingdom
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns.Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the...
Read more
Dover, United Kingdom
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns.
Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.
This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.
Sun 20 Oct
Early PM
Late Night
Cruising River Seine, France
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable...
Read more
Cruising River Seine, France
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board.
Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Mon 21 Oct
Early AM
Rouen, France
The ‘City of a Hundred Bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle Ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums. Rouen’s narrow pedestrianised stree...
Read more
Rouen, France
The ‘City of a Hundred Bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle Ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums.
Rouen’s narrow pedestrianised streets lined with tall, half-timber houses and a statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is a pointer to the city’s dark history. Devastated by fire, the plague and bombs in the past, modern Rouen is now a vibrant cultural centre, and one of Normandy’s most engaging destinations.
The skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, much-painted by Claude Monet. The Gothic churches of Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen are also must-see attractions, two of the best examples of gothic architecture in France and a important part of Rouen’s history.
The city's beautiful botanical garden – Jardin de Plantes de Rouen, is also worth a visit. Its 600 different plant species and various gardens, including a rock garden, rose garden and a garden full of medicinal plants, are a joy to wander through.
Tue 22 Oct
Late AM
Rouen, France
The ‘City of a Hundred Bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle Ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums. Rouen’s narrow pedestrianised stree...
Read more
Rouen, France
The ‘City of a Hundred Bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle Ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums.
Rouen’s narrow pedestrianised streets lined with tall, half-timber houses and a statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is a pointer to the city’s dark history. Devastated by fire, the plague and bombs in the past, modern Rouen is now a vibrant cultural centre, and one of Normandy’s most engaging destinations.
The skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, much-painted by Claude Monet. The Gothic churches of Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen are also must-see attractions, two of the best examples of gothic architecture in France and a important part of Rouen’s history.
The city's beautiful botanical garden – Jardin de Plantes de Rouen, is also worth a visit. Its 600 different plant species and various gardens, including a rock garden, rose garden and a garden full of medicinal plants, are a joy to wander through.
Tue 22 Oct
Late AM
Late PM
Cruising River Seine, France
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable...
Read more
Cruising River Seine, France
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board.
Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Tue 22 Oct
Late PM
Honfleur, France
Historic Honfleur in northern France's Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration f...
Read more
Honfleur, France
Historic Honfleur in northern France's Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration for Impressionist painters and poets.
Vieux-Bassin, Honfleur’s colourful old harbour, is lined with 16th to 18th-century lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses. Its sloping cobbled streets have long been a subject for artists including Claude Monet and native son, Eugène Boudin.
A visit to the 15th century St. Catherine's Church, a vaulted timber structure erected by shipbuilders, is a must, as is the maritime museum and Notre Dame de Grâce – a 17th century chapel containing various paintings and models. The chapel also offers fabulous views of the town, the Seine estuary and the impressively-engineered Normandy Bridge that crosses it.
Wed 23 Oct
Late PM
Honfleur, France
Historic Honfleur in northern France's Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration f...
Read more
Honfleur, France
Historic Honfleur in northern France's Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration for Impressionist painters and poets.
Vieux-Bassin, Honfleur’s colourful old harbour, is lined with 16th to 18th-century lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses. Its sloping cobbled streets have long been a subject for artists including Claude Monet and native son, Eugène Boudin.
A visit to the 15th century St. Catherine's Church, a vaulted timber structure erected by shipbuilders, is a must, as is the maritime museum and Notre Dame de Grâce – a 17th century chapel containing various paintings and models. The chapel also offers fabulous views of the town, the Seine estuary and the impressively-engineered Normandy Bridge that crosses it.
Thu 24 Oct
Early AM
Dover, United Kingdom
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns.Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the...
Read more
Dover, United Kingdom
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns.
Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.
This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.
Pricing & rooms
* Prices are updated daily, based on the lowest Cruise Only fare available for each grade based on two people sharing. | Updated: Prices correct as of 17:00 16/02/2019. Please call on 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.
Suite
From £1,049 per person
BJ - Balcony Junior Suite
This suite is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10, Bridge Deck 9 and Lido Deck 8.
This suite has a bedroom with a sitting area and a balcony. There is an en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
Please note, rooms 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are equipped for use by disabled passengers.
MS - Marquee Suite
This suite is approximately 390 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10.
This suite has a bedroom with a large double bed and a sitting area, a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
OW - Owner's Suite
Exclusive suite - please call for more details.
From £2,299 per person
Check availability
PS - Premier Suite
This suite is approximately 430 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10.
This suite has a sitting room, balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
SS - Superior Suite
This style of suite is approximately 275 square feet in size, and can be found on Highland Deck 10 and Bridge Deck 9.
This suite has a sitting area with a balcony and a bedroom with a twin or double bed. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
From £1,099 per person
Check availabilityBalcony
From £899 per person
BA - Superior Balcony Room
These rooms are approximately 190 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9.
Slightly larger than a BC grade, these rooms have a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
BC - Balcony Room
This room is approximately 180 square feet in size, and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9.
It has a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
Ocean
From £699 per person
A - Superior Ocean View
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
B - Superior Ocean View
Approx. 165 square feet in size, these rooms are located on the Lido Deck 8 and Main Deck 6.
Fitted with everything you need for your stay, there’s a picture window too.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
*Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido Deck are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted view.
C - Superior Ocean View
This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5.
It has a picture window and a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
D - Ocean View
These rooms are approximately 165 square feet in size, and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5 and Coral Deck 4.
They have a picture window and a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
E - Ocean View
This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4.
It has a picture window and a bathroom with shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
F - Ocean View
This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3.
It has 2 portholes, bathroom with a shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Interior
From £599 per person
G - Superior Interior Room
Our Superior Interior Rooms are approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9.
These rooms have a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please note, rooms 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck have been adapted for use by disabled passengers.
H - Interior Room
This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Atlantic Deck 5.
It has a bathroom with shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
I - Interior Room
This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 and Marina Deck 3.
It has a bathroom with shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Single
From £899
J - Single Superior Ocean View
This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8.
It has a picture window, a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please note rooms 8061 and 8072 have a small balcony.
JB - Single Balcony Suite
This suite is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9.
This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
*Please note that some of the JB grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Balcony Suites.
Please call for latest prices
360° View
K - Single Ocean View
This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4.
It has a picture window and a bathroom with a shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
L - Single Ocean View
This room is approximately 140 square feet in size and can be found on Marina Deck 3.
It has a porthole and a bathroom with shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please call for latest prices
360° View
M - Single Interior Room
This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9.
It has a bath and/or shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
N - Single Interior Room
These rooms are approximately 130 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Marina Deck 3.
They have a bathroom with shower.
Facilities include climate control, Interactive Smart TV, desk, phone, mini-fridge, hairdryer & tea & coffee making facilities.
All rooms are non-smoking, have room service available until 11.00pm, and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
About Your Ship
Refurbished in 2017, Balmoral is the largest of Fred. Olsen's smaller, friendly ocean-going cruise ships – with capacity for up to 1,350 guests – yet is still small enough to navigate narrow waterways such as Kiel Canal and bring inspirational sights and experiences closer to you. Like the rest of the fleet, Balmoral retains a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation and lounges, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
The Fred. Olsen Difference
Real ships
We don’t have boastful megaships. We take immense pride in our fleet of smaller-scaled vessels that retain the style, ambience and understated quality of a country house hotel. We ensure they remain contemporary too: from winter 2016 to spring 2018 the whole fleet underwent dry dock refits to further enhance the facilities for guests. With the fifth generation Fred. Olsen as Chairman and 170 years of seafaring heritage behind us, we believe we’ve found the perfect formula for you to get the best out of your holiday with us.
Smaller but spacious
A smaller ship doesn’t mean less space; far from it. Each room is comfortably sized, with all that you’ll need to enjoy your holiday. In fact, our rooms are comparable to those on some of the mammoth cruise ships. While our vessels are on a more accessible scale, you can have just as much private space. With fewer people on board it’s easy to find a quiet spot to relax in peace with a drink or a good book. There’s room to stretch out by the pool and you can get ashore more quickly too. And when you’re ashore, you’re seeing the best of each port of call with hundreds – not thousands – of others, giving you a much more authentic experience.
Service with a smile
Each member of the Fred. Olsen team has been carefully selected for their warm and welcoming personalities. The quality of our people, supported by training and development, ensures they will give you a great holiday: in guest feedback our staff are always the most highly-rated aspect of the whole experience.
FAQs
What's Included?
Included in your cruise
Comfortable, stylish rooms and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your room and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra unless selected in our Free Drinks and Tips offer on selected cruises.
All Inclusive upgrade can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Great value offers on selected fares and room grades available on this cruise. Prices shown may vary – please contact our Reservations Team for further details.