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In Search of the Northern Lights

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Northern lights over Tromso, Norway Northern lights over Tromso, Norway

10 Oct 2024

Newcastle

10 nights

Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Our team has planned this cruise adventure to visit northern Norway during the magical Northern Lights season. You will have the opportunity to spot this natural phenomenon of dancing lights from both the comfort of Balmoral and ashore in Alta during an extended stay. As well as ticking off the experience of crossing the Arctic Circle, you will be able to witness remote coastal scenery as you pass the Seven Sisters mountain range and sail through the Tjeldsundet Strait – this scenic shortcut is only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral. Spending time with a Sámi community in the remote Arctic wilderness and visiting a husky yard are great ways to learn about local culture and traditions. Astronomers from Go Stargazing will join you on this cruise to assist you with discovering different constellations from Balmoral's decks, holding informative sessions to learn more about the night sky.

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Highlights

Guests looking out to Northern lights from deck

The Dancing Northern Lights

The atmospheric natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights can be found in the far north, above the Arctic Circle. During clear winter nights, it’s possible to see the colours of green, blue and pink dance across the sky – as part of our ‘Sky at Sea’ programme, learn from our experts on how best to spot them from the decks of Balmoral.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | The Sky At Sea

Husky dog in Norway

Sami Culture

In Alta, discover more about the indigenous people of Norway - the Sami, who have a deep connection with nature. Husky dogs are also a hugely important part of Sami culture, as the dogs and their sleds are used in conditions where other transport can’t go – the dogs thick coats and cushioned paws allow them to thrive in the Arctic climate.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Go Stargazing

Go Stargazing

You will be joined on this Northern Lights cruise on Balmoral by a team of professional and amateur astronomers from Go Stargazing, who will hold fun and informative sessions to witness the spectacular Milky Way stretching across the sky from horizon to horizon, and to assist you with spotting different constellations and planets. From laser-guided tours of the skies to hearing stories of legends and mythology using the starry skies as a backdrop, you will learn of the unique relationship between seafaring and the night sky.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | The Sky At Sea

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

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.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Sample Shore Tours

At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.

Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.

The Atlantic Ocean Road with an Expert

The Atlantic Ocean Road with an Expert

Once voted Norway's Engineering Feat of the Century, the Atlantic Ocean Road has spectacular coastal scenery, culture and history at every turn. Enjoy a drive along this famous road before meeting a retired employee from the project to gain a deeper understanding of this impressive structure. 

££££

Molde

Maze Sami Experience

Maze Sámi Experience

Experience the rich culture of the indigenous people of Norway, the Sámi. Travelling to Maze, you will meet a local Sámi family to hear tales of their customs and traditions inside a lavvo.

££££

Alta

Ice Fishing with a Local

Ice Fishing with a Local

Head into the wilderness to a frozen lake where you will enjoy a spot of ice fishing with a local, surrounded by the spectacular Arctic landscape.

££££

Tromsø

Hjørundfjord Cruise

Hjørundfjord Cruise

The Hjørundfjord cuts through some of the wildest mountain ranges in Norway, known as the Sunnmøre Alps. From the comfort of a vintage boat, admire views of mountains and fjords at their most spectacular.

££££

Ålesund

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.

David Nikel
Norway

David Nikel

Having lived in Norway since 2011, David has grown his website into one of the biggest language resources for those visiting or moving to Norway. He will be on hand throughout the cruise delivering a series of talks on all things Norwegian.

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Sophie Carroll
Astronomy

Sophie Carroll - 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.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 14:00 29/03/2024, 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 14:00 29/03/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,199 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,399 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,199 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,499 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £5,599 pp
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Cruise Offers

FREE On Board Spend   Freedom Fare

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.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • 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.

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