19 Mar 2024
Newcastle
9 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
In just nine nights, you will have the chance to spot the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your ship. There are plenty of immersive winter activities to give you a taste of life in the Arctic wilderness, from dog sledding (during which you can even mush your own team of huskies through the snowy landscapes) to ice fishing with a Tromsø local. Our itinerary planners have also included several scenic cruising highlights, with Balmoral passing sights such the Seven Sisters mountain range and Torghatten – the mountain with a hole through its centre. Your ship is also small enough to take a scenic shortcut through the Tjeldsundet Strait. join our team of astronomers from Go Stargazing out on deck to spot galaxies and planets in the starry skies above.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Go Stargazing
A knowledgeable and friendly team of both professional and amateur astronomers will join you on board Balmoral, to assist you with learning more about our starry skies. We know that seeing the night sky is a wonderful experience, but doing so away from light pollution on a Fred. Olsen cruise takes it to a different level, as when viewed from the middle of the ocean, stars twinkling brightly in the darkness, seemingly hanging like fairy lights. Your team will take you on laser-guided tours of the constellations, and wil help you to identify planets through your binoculars, so you can share your learnings with family and friends, along with memorable stories and hard-to-believe facts. As this cruise is going in search of the Northern Lights, the increased activity of the Sun at this time of year offers a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its wonder.
The Northern Lights
Join us on board Balmoral as she heads across the Arctic Circle to visit a variety of destinations in Northern Norway, where your chances of seeing the wonderful Northern Lights are at their very best. Our journey planners have timed your visit to witness the shimmering lights in the winter skies from the decks of your ship, or on a special tour ashore. Experts from Go Stargazing will join you on board, and will show you how to spot the Aurora Borealis, whilst entertaining you with stories of how they are formed from solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.
Life in the Arctic
Learn about how life in the arctic has shaped life for those people who live in this region. Over time, the indigenous people here have learned to adapt to the harsh environment by relying on hunting, fishing and herding to sustain their way of life; and whilst on this Balmoral cruise you’ll have the chance to join tours to learn more about the local traditions, colourful costumes and unique language of the Sami people. You will be joined on board Anna Meadmore, who has travelled to the Arctic in both summer and winter, and has a deep knowledge about the culture and history of the far northern regions.
World War Two History of Arctic Norway
You will be joined on this cruise by military historian Dick Taylor, who will hold fascinating discussions on the history of World War II in Arctic Norway. He has served in Norway on a number of NATO arrangements and has made a particular study of the Norwegian campaign of 1940 and its aftermath. As Narvik, with its ice-free port, was a prime target for German forces, it consequently played a major role in the early months of the Second World War, and you’ll have the chance to discover more on a tour to the town’s war cemetery and museum.
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.
Arctic Train - Ofoten Railway
Experience one of the world’s most beautiful journeys along the Ofoten Railway. Carved out of the mountainside, the line leaves Narvik, reaches the southern shores of Rombaksfjord, and runs alongside vertical cliffs with magnificent views.
££££
Narvik
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
Tromsø Dog Sledding
Head to the Aurora Alps where you will embark on a relaxing sled ride while one of the experienced mushers drives you through the spectacular Arctic landscape.
££££
Tromsø
Ice Fishing with a Local
Head out onto a frozen lake equipped with everything you need for a spot of ice fishing. After drilling a hole in the thick ice, simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere as you wait patiently for a bite.
££££
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.
Anna Meadmore
An experienced Arctic Norway traveller, Anna Meadmore will be on hand to share insights on the culture and history of the northern regions of Norway.
Dick Taylor
After retiring from the British Army in 2013 following a career spanning 44 years, during which he served in Norway on a number of NATO appointments, Dick turned his attention to lecturing. Throughout the cruise, he will be delivering talks on Norway's WWII history.
Dr Fred Stevenson - Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find them out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
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 12:00 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 12:00 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 £3,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £4,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,648.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,458.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,128.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £3,228.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £4,199 |
|---|
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.