Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team have planned this adventure to visit northern Norway during the Northern Lights season, giving you the opportunity to spot the natural phenomenon of dancing lights from the comfort of Balmoral and also 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 cruise 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 offers the chance to learn about local culture and traditions. You'll be joined on this cruise by astronomers and experts from Go Stagazing, who will hold informative sessions out on deck to help you with spotting planets in the night sky.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Seek out the elusive Northern Lights
Your Balmoral cruise has been designed for you to have the very best chance of experiencing the mysterious Aurora Borealis in northern Norway. With an extended stay in Alta, you are ideally placed to head into the countryside, away from light pollution, to look for the ribbons of green and pink as they flicker across the night skies. You will have numerous opportunities to see Mother Nature's stunning light show both on board Balmoral and ashore in Tromsø, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides who will know the best viewing locations to witness the Northern Lights.
Experience friluftsliv
The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv embodies being able to unwind in nature, whatever the weather or season, by hiking, camping, kayaking, or simply appreciating the surrounding natural environment. Deeply rooted in Norwegian culture; and considered an integral part of daily life, you will have the opportunity to experience a number of outdoor activities when on board your Balmoral cruise. Enjoy hikes through lush pine forests, past streams and waterfalls, or to the top of local mountains for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. In Alta and Tromsø, spend time with local Sámi communities and hear stories of their traditions and life in northern Norway as you warm by the fire in a lavvu tent, meet with and feed reindeer herds, and enjoy a performance of Sámi folk music, known as joik.
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
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
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
Visit the Huskies
Enjoy a special meeting with around 40 happy huskies and learn about Finnmarksløpet, Europe’s longest dog sled race, at an anstonishing 745 miles long.
££££
Alta
Aurora Photo Safari
As you seek out the elusive Northern Lights, your experienced local guides will explain the history and science behind the Aurora, helping you to capture photographs of them should they make an appearance.
££££
Alta
The Elusive Northern Lights
Journey to a renowned fishing village where a unique Northern Lights camp awaits, crafted by your host using locally sourced materials. Experience the rich maritime culture of Norway's north coast, where fishing has been vital for survival and export for centuries.
££££
Tromsø
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.
Dr Jennifer Millard - 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.
Dr Luke Tyas -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.
Karen Bellinger
As we explore Norway together, Anthropologist, Archaeologist and Historian, Karen Bellinger, will be joining us on board to speak about Norway’s Sámi culture and Tromsø’s Arctic explorations.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
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 26/04/2024, 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 12:00 26/04/2024, 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 £3,299 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 £2,999 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 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 £6,268.10 |
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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 £5,698.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,698.50 |
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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 £2,623.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 |
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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.