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In Search of the Northern Lights

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Northern lights over Tromso, Norway Northern lights over Tromso, Norway
09 Nov 2024
Newcastle
10 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

In just ten nights, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the elusive Northern Lights. The best chance of seeing this colourful natural phenomenon will present itself during an extended stay in Alta and while cruising the waters of Northern Norway. Connecting with the local culture by meeting the Sámi people and learning about how they’ve adapted to life in the Arctic wilderness makes for an insightful experience. You can also visit a husky yard to meet the friendly inhabitants, experience one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys on the Ofoten Railway from Narvik to Bjørnefjell and back, or climb the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla in Ålesund.

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Highlights

Guests looking out to Northern lights from deck

See the elusive Northern Lights

Join us on an extraordinary Northern Lights cruise aboard Balmoral where you will have the opportunity to witness the splendour of the Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway. You are perfectly placed on board your cruise ship for unobstructed views of this ethereal phenomenon, where there is very little light pollution. Alta and Tromsø are located above the Arctic Circle, offering snow-covered landscapes to explore before returning to Balmoral and warming up with a hot chocolate outside on deck as the Arctic skies darken and the expectation for clear skies builds. The small town of Narvik is renowned as one of the best places in Norway to see the Aurora Borealis due to its fjord location, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and dense forests.

Sami woman feeding reindeer, Norway

Experience Friluftsliv

The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, which translates to "open-air living," embraces a profound connection with nature and being outdoors without disturbing or harming it, while also contributing to a sense of personal wellbeing. Friluftsliv holds special significance in Northern Norway since it offers a variety of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In Tromso, spend time with friendly huskies and learn about the dogs daily lives and how they were prepared for the renowned world's longest and toughest dog-sledding race, the Finnmarksløpet, or discover how the Sámi people pursue a traditional lifestyle by reindeer herding and fishing, carefully protecting their language and heritage, and hear stories of their nomadic lives. 

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Map Image

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.

Husky Sledding

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

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

Panoramic view of Tromso city from Mt. Storsteinen in summer, northen Norway. A famous view from the top of fjellheisen cable car station, Tromso.

Tromsø City & Cable Car

Embark on a panoramic tour of the city centre and visit the Neoclassical Arctic Cathedral. You’ll also enjoy a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car to the Storsteinen Viewpoint, located 1,377ft above sea level, where you can take in the sweeping views of Tromsø.

££££

Tromsø

Ofoten Railway

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

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.

Jonathan Clough
Astronomy

Jonathan Clough

As we explore Arctic Norway together, Astronomer Jonathan Clough will be joining us on board to talk about all things space as well as hosting fascinating stargazing sessions out on deck.

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ORCA
Ocean Wildlife

Orca

Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.

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A photo of guest speaker Paula Kristiansen
Arctic Way of Life

Paula Kristiansen

Paula married a Norwegian man from Narvik and resided in Norway since 2000, where she became a professional guide for twelve years. Join her during your cruise as she provides an insight into the Arctic way of life.

Wil Cheung posing for a photo amid frozen backdrop
Astronomy/Photography

Wil Cheung - 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. Join photographer and astronomer, Wil, who will lead stargazing sessions out on deck and will be ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by, including the possibility of capturing the mesmerising Northern Lights.

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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 18:00 15/10/2024, 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 18:00 15/10/2024, 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 £3,099 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,299 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

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

Freedom Fare From £3,799 pp

Last few cabins remaining!

Last few cabins remaining!

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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,199 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £5,399 pp
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Cruise Offers

FREE Drinks Package Upgrade   Freedom Fare

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.

  • 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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