17 Apr 2024
Newcastle
9 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
During this discovery of Iceland’s natural wonders, you can encounter geology and geothermal activity, from thundering waterfalls to bursting geysers. From Akureyri, you can go in search of humpback whales in their natural habitat, while in Isafjörður and Seyðisfjörður you can see what life is like in the more remote areas of Iceland. There will be plenty of Scenic Discovery highlights too, including crossing the Arctic Circle to sail by Grímsey Island at sunset, and passing sites immortalised in Icelandic folklore, such as Hornstrandir and the Borgarfjörður Eystri.
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
Our Signature Tours
At each port of call, we have carefully researched and hand-selected some wonderful tour options for you, designed to help you see the real destination and not just the tourist hotspots.
Below, you will find some examples of the kind of tours which could be available on your itinerary. Your Shore Tours will be available to book around 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Ring of Fire - Geothermal Landscapes of Reykjavík
Explore the geothermal area surrounding Mount Hengill, an active volcano that last erupted 2,000 years ago. Visit Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, Hveragerði, a town located on top of an old magma chamber, and Þingvellir National Park.
££££
Reykjavík
Golden Circle
Witness Iceland’s spectacular natural wonders. Drive over the moorlands of Mosfellsheiði en route to Þingvellir National Park. Visit Goðafoss Waterfall and watch the water from the Hvítá River thunder before visiting the Geysir geothermal area.
££££
Reykjavík
Vigur Island
Visit the island of Vigur, famous for its enormous colony of birdlife. Species here include puffins, eider ducks, arctic terns, black guillemots and razorbills.
££££
Ísafjörður
Whale Watching
This adventure through Eyjafjörður will give you spectacular 360-degree views of the stunning mountain ranges as you sail the tranquil waters in search of the gentle and curious giants who live here.
££££
Akureyri
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.
Declan Taggart
A researcher at the University of Iceland, Declan will be joining us on this cruise to talk about the Viking age in Iceland as well as the culture and way of life here.
Irene García Losquiño
Irene García Losquiño is the author of an award-winning book The Early Runic Inscriptions: Their Western Features. She has also authored many academic articles on the Viking southern diaspora and featured in the documentary series Real Vikings. Along with partner Declan Taggart, Irene will be on board discussing Iceland's Viking history.
Jonathan Clough
As we explore Iceland together, Astronomer Jonathan Clough will be joining us on board to talk about all things space as well as hosting fascinating stargazing sessions out on deck.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Sólveig Dagmar Þórisdóttir
Painter, photographer, and Reykjavík local, Sólveig Dagmar Þórisdóttir, will be joining us on board to speak about Iceland’s culture and way of life from a local’s perspective.
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 21:00 08/12/2023, 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 21:00 08/12/2023, 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 £2,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,698.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,508.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,178.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,658.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,999 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there is 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 FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.