21 Dec 2023
Southampton
14 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
This adventure into the Arctic wilderness includes chances to spot the colourful ribbons of the Northern Lights. You will cruise past the Seven Sisters mountains and Torghatten, a mountain with a hole through its centre, before crossing the Arctic Circle – all while enjoying Christmas Day festivities on board. Ashore you can get closer to nature on a dog sledding tour, connect with the local Sami culture, or perhaps visit the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, where an ice sculptor will explain how they helped shape the interior. Balmoral’s smaller size makes it possible to take a scenic shortcut through the Tjeldsundet Strait, before reaching Ålesund for New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Witness the Northern Lights
This special winter sailing on board Balmoral has been planned to offer you the best chance of seeing the mysterious Northern Lights at Christmas. Throughout your cruise, Professor Glen Patrick will be delivering insightful talks about the science behind this natural phenomenon while professional photographer, Paul Howard, will be on hand to help you capture them on camera. During your time ashore in Alta, you will have the opportunity to embark on a scenic drive joined by a knowledgeable guide in search of the best spots to experience them. You can also enjoy a snowmobile adventure through the Artic wilderness up onto a plateau where little light pollution will maximise your chance of seeing Mother Nature’s elusive light show.
The Arctic Way of Life
As you explore the Arctic from Balmoral, you will have the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the Arctic way of life. As we call into Narvik, you are perfectly placed to visit Kvernmoen where you will have the chance to participate in an authentic Sámi Shaman ceremony and experience the ancient culture of the Sámi people. During your time ashore in Tromsø, you will have the opportunity to meet friendly huskies and go dog sledding - an ancient form of transport still used today in the freezing arctic conditions. In Alta, you can choose to visit the Sámi village of Maze where you will meet members of a reindeer-herding family and climb aboard reindeer-pulled sleds for a peaceful ride along a frozen river, and even participate in a snowshoe trek through Alta’s forests to a wilderness camp. Here, you can participate in ice fishing and enjoy traditional refreshments around a warming fire inside a Sámi tent.
Discover World War II History
This particular cruise has been planned to allow you to discover more about Norway’s significant World War II history. Throughout your journey, you will be joined by Dr. Fenella Bazin, whose father-in-law was the commanding officer of the IX Squadron which helped sink the Tirpitz warship. In Narvik, join us on a shore tour to discover the region’s WWII legacy with visits to the war cemetery, Chapel of Peace, and War Museum. During your time ashore in Alta, you will have the opportunity to visit the Tirpitz Museum and learn all about the making and the sinking of the German battleship.
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
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 23:00 28/09/2023, 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 23:00 28/09/2023, 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 £5,499 pp |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,999 pp |
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360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,799 pp |
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360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
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360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £7,299 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £10,998 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £9,998 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,598 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,998 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £7,299 |
|---|
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
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.
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.