Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Iconic sights await as you cruise through the Mediterranean on this iconic sailing from Newcastle and returning to Southampton. When in Spain, soak up Antonio Gaudí’s distinctive architecture with La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell in Barcelona, or Seville’s historical Alcazar and Plaza de España. While in Turkey, you can discover Istanbul’s rich heritage at the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The Dalmatian Coast offers scenic landscapes in every direction, from lakes, bays and rivieras to waterfalls to mountains, all nestled amongst charming old towns and cities just waiting to be explored. Meanwhile, the colourful Cinque Terre and Amalfi coastline are the perfect contrast to the iconic white and blue scenes of Santorini; both offering beautiful views, opportunities to explore, or a moment sit back and take it all in. Enjoy a culinary journey as you travel, trying authentic Mediterranean cuisine from each region; from to paella and tapas, pasta and gelato, then olives and moussaka, embracing the Mediterranean way of life. Immerse yourself in local culture with traditional music and dance, and delve into the historic stories of ancient cities and islands.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Coastal villages, islands and mountains
Throughout this Spanish and Mediterranean cruise, you will see numerous breathtaking coves, islands, and picturesque towns perched atop coastal cliffs. Discover Cinque Terre from La Spezia, with its charming piazzas, narrow cobblestone streets, and views of pastel-coloured homes that seem to cling to the terraced slopes. Balmoral will also cruise along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, which is known for its striking cliffs and lively communities embracing the jagged cliffs above the azure blue seas. Admire the untamed splendour of Croatia's Mount Biokovo while sailing past its breathtaking limestone rockfaces. Tucked away next to the shimmering Adriatic Sea, Split is a seaside gem with winding streets, charming squares, and lively marketplaces. The fjord-like waters of the Bay of Kotor with its rugged coastlines, untamed landscape, and towering mountains entice visitors with its breathtaking views and wild landscapes, while the iconic Greek Islands of Santorini and the Zakynthos coastline are begging for exploration.
The way of life in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region is home to many different cultures. Discover 'La Dolce Vita' (or 'the sweet life') in Italy, which is a way of life and a cultural ethos that emphasises leisure, happiness, and present-moment living in the region. In light of this, on your Balmoral cruise, don't miss the chance to savour freshly made Limoncello in Sorrento and pizza in Naples. Your journey to the charming hilltop village of Ravello, known for its magical houses and beautiful gardens, begins in Salerno. Learn how Croatia's unique blend of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavours contributes significantly to the country's cultural character. Spend some time tasting the freshly made olive oil from the area, perusing the vibrant fish market and konobas, and appreciating the city's rich cultural history via folk music and dance. Enjoy traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki at a neighbourhood taverna when visiting the Greek Islands. You can also try Kalamata olives and Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine with a distinctive flavour all of its own. Throughout this magnificent sailing, you'll also get the chance to sample the foods and cultures of Turkey and Iberia.
Delve into inspirational art and uncover Roman history
Discover why artists are drawn to Ibiza by its diverse terrain, pristine beaches and rich cultural legacy during this Balmoral cruise. Ibiza's diverse population and captivating sunsets all serve as creative inspiration that encapsulate the island's unique blend of nature and culture. Explore Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex designed by Santiago Calatrava that combines a scientific and cultural institution with contemporary architecture. There will also be many chances to discover more about Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso's lives. The mythology of Ancient Greece is an intricate web of stories and fables that addressed themes of bravery, love, betrayal, and the struggle between the gods and humans. The Parthenon, Acropolis, and Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Ancient Agora are just a few of the archaeological monuments that can be visited from Piraeus. Agios Nikolaos is your gateway to exploring the Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minona palace close to Heraklion.
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.
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 00:00 30/04/2024, 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 00:00 30/04/2024, 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 £15,699 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 £14,999 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £8,399 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,099 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £12,599 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 £29,828.10 |
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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 £28,498.10 |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £13,858.35 |
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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 £13,298.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £12,599 |
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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.