14 Feb 2024
Southampton
14 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
This cruise has been designed to give you the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights, visiting destinations that are well-placed for discovering wintery landscapes and indigenous culture in the remote Arctic wilderness. You can mush your own team of huskies, meet local Sami communities, and 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. We will also divert away from the tourist route to show you the likes of Torghatten – a unique mountain with a hole through its centre, and the Seven Sisters mountain peaks.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The Northern Lights
This cruise aboard Balmoral has been ideally planned to offer our guests the greatest possible chance to see the spellbinding Northern Lights at their very best. Nestled in the far north of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, Alta and Tromso offer unparalleled access to nature’s most enchanting light show, where the skies come alive with dancing hues of green, pink and purple. Astronomer John Maclean will join you on board the decks of Balmoral to assist you with spotting the Aurora Borealis, and will also deliver insightful talks on the science behind this natural phenomenon.
Life in the Arctic
Encounter wintry landscapes and learn how local communities live in this more remote part of the world, by joining us for a unique opportunity to visit the Sámi people of Narvik who will share stories of their history and culture. You will also be perfectly placed to discover more about their diverse way of life from Penny Goodman – half Norwegian Polar Geographer, who has joined expeditions to the Arctic for the past 40 years. No trip to the Arctic is complete without taking the opportunity to enjoy a husky sled ride, an exhilarating experience where you’ll get to meet dogs who have raced the famous Finnmarksløpet dogsled race.
World War II History of Arctic Norway
A pivotal chapter in World War II’s history, the towns of Northern Norway were key to the regions strategic significance when attempting to defeat the German invasion. Narvik in particular played a huge part in the coming together of British, French and Norwegian forces, where fierce battles were fought in the harsh terrains of the Arctic in winter. Along the Alta Fjord - southwest of Alta, the German Navy stationed its largest battleship, Tirpitz, just off shore from the small town of Kåfjord. After sustaining major damage during one of several attacks against it, Tirpitz was towed out to the coast, where it was eventually sunk by Allied bombers. Naval Historian Jonathan Holloway will delve further into this story during absorbing talks during his time on Balmoral.
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.
Isogaisa Sámi Experience
Visit Kvernmoen for a unique opportunity to participate in an ancient Sámi Shaman ceremony. Be welcomed into the lavvu, a traditional Sámi tent, by the Shaman, and discover the history of the Sámi people and their way of life before enjoying a traditional drumming ceremony.
££££
Narvik
Self-Mushing Husky Experience
Journey deep within the mountains where you will leave in pairs and head out into the winter landscape on a sled ride led by friendly huskies.
££££
Tromsø
Northern Lights Cruise
Embark on a scenic cruise in search of the Northern Lights. As you glide along the water with minimal pollution, your guide will provide insights into the Aurora Borealis as you observe the night sky for Mother Nature’s light show.
££££
Tromsø
Evening Snowshoe Hike
Embark on an evening snowshoe hike across the Arctic wilderness joined by a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a Norwegian pastry as you soak in your surroundings and if you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to see the mysterious Northern Lights.
££££
Tromsø
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.
Captain Jonathan Holloway
Naval Historian, Jonathan Holloway, served in the Royal Navy for 36 years. As we explore Norway together, he will be delivering insightful talks on the region’s World War II history.
John Maclean
A Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Geographical Society, John will be on board bringing the night sky to life as he leads 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.
Penny Goodman
Arctic enthusiast and Polar Geographer, Penny Goodman, has led expeditions all over the Arctic. As we explore Norway together, Penny will be joining us on board delivering a series of insightful talks.
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 £5,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £9,688.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £8,738.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,868.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,368.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 |
|---|
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.