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French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux

L2521

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Views of the River Seine, France Views of the River Seine, France
28 Aug 2025
Newcastle
11 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

The benefits of Balmoral’s smaller size come to the fore on his cruise, as we dock in the riverside cities of Rouen and Bordeaux, a feat only possible on smaller ships. Enjoy the views as we glide along the scenic River Seine, flanked by picturesque countryside and quaint villages, and discover the allure of Honfleur’s pretty harbour. Rouen is your gateway to the French capital, inviting you to embrace Parisian culture such as art, fashion, cafés and boulangeries. Meanwhile, Bordeaux a haven for wine enthusiasts, and Honfleur offering local delights like calvados and camembert, promise culinary delights. Uncover medieval history in every corner, from half-timbered houses to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel.

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Highlights

Honfleur Waterfront

Explore Riverside Cities

You will get the chance to explore a variety of riverbank cities that skillfully blend fascinating history, lively culture, and unspoiled beauty on this Balmoral cruise. Bordeaux's famed vineyards are set against a magnificent backdrop of graceful façades that border the banks of the Garonne River. As Balmoral cruises the Seine, vistas of picturesque French countryside with little villages, historic bridges and tall church spires are revealed, and Honfleur's picturesque harbour entices with its colourful homes and nautical flair. You will also have the opportunity to join a tour to Paris, which is a superb way to see the famous sites of the iconic French city.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Scenic Discoveries

Wine Tasting in  Bordeaux

Embrace the French lifestyle

There will be plenty of opportunities for you to fully experience the local way of life as we explore France's spectacular riverside cities. Take the chance to savour the well-known treats of Calvados and Camembert in Honfleur, and explore the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux, which produce some of the most magnificent wines in the world, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are best experienced on a wine tasting tour. Rouen is your gateway to the French capital of Paris, where you can experience true Parisian culture, by exploring its thriving art and fashion scene and stopping by one of the numerous boulangeries, which are renowned for their superb pastries and bread and are a symbol of the quality of French cuisine.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Rouen cathedral, France

Uncover medieval history

Take advantage of the opportunity to discover more about France's extensive medieval past throughout this Balmoral cruise. While the busy harbour in Honfleur displays the town's seafaring spirit, which defined its medieval beauty, Bordeaux's ancient gates provide a look into its fortified history. Enjoy exploring the cobblestone alleys of Rouen and admiring its city's architectural wonders, which include Gothic cathedrals and timber-framed homes. Additionally, you can join a tour from St. Malo to see the remarkable Mont Saint. Michel, which rises majestically from the sea as a shining example of medieval architecture.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

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.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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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.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 23:00 03/05/2024, 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 23:00 03/05/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,899 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,199 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,899 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £5,399 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £6,499 pp
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Cruise Offers

FREE On Board Spend   Freedom Fare

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.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • 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.

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