Home Page Ocean Cruises Destinations Cruise Brochures Terms & Conditions About Us
Free Drinks Package

In Search of the Northern Lights

L2435

Book Now
Northern Lights from Newcastle Northern Lights from Newcastle
19 Nov 2024
Newcastle
10 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Our team has designed this cruise to visit northern Norway during the Northern Lights season. You will have the opportunity to spot the natural phenomenon of dancing lights from both on board Balmoral and ashore in Alta during an extended stay. As well as ticking off the experience of crossing the Arctic Circle, you will 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 to undertake on smaller ships like Balmoral. You'll also have the chance to take a tour to spend time with a Sámi community in the remote Arctic wilderness, and visit a husky yard to learn about local culture and traditions. Wrap up warm and join us out on deck to look for the Aurora Borealis in the clear skies above Balmoral when you are at sea.

Explore the Itinerary

Highlights

Guests looking out to Northern lights from deck

Search for the Northern Lights

Your Northern Lights cruise aboard Balmoral presents you with perfect opportunities to witness the mysterious phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, as you sail across the Arctic Circle to some of the most northerly destinations in Norway. From Balmoral's decks, you'll be able to witness peaceful scenes of this otherworldly show where light pollution is at a minimum, while Alta and Tromsø are ideally placed for you to see streaks of green, pink, and purple flicker across the winter sky accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. 

Sami woman feeding reindeer, Norway

Experience friluftsliv in winter

Being outdoors is a natural way of living in Norway, and the concept of friluftsliv uses it to convey a spiritual feeling of connecting with nature. This cruise will offer you the chance to immerse yourself in winter activities like hiking through magnificent woodlands and lush green forests, climbing to the peak of Mount Aksla in Alesund or experiencing a boat ride on the fjords for breathtaking mountain vistas. You can also spend time with the Sámi community and discover their local traditions and deep connection with nature as you gather round a warming fire in a lavvu, a traditional tent, or meet with friendly husky dogs.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

Explore the Itinerary
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
Explore Balmoral

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.

 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

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 English 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.

Show More

Astronomy

Dr. Maggie Lieu - 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 Dr. Maggie Lieu out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.

A photo of guest speaker Ingrid Christophersen
Skiing & Culture

Ingrid Christophersen

Ingrid was brought up in Oslo and has translated several books from Norwegian to English including a biography of Roald Amundsen. Join her on this cruise as she provides insight into Skiing and Norwegian culture.

Mark Westmoquette
Astronomy

Mark Westmoquette - 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 Mark Westmoquette on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

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.

Show More

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.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 05:00 06/10/2024, 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 05:00 06/10/2024, 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

Last few cabins remaining!

Last few cabins remaining!

Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

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

Freedom Fare From £3,399 pp
Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,199 pp
Call for details
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,599 pp

Last few cabins remaining!

Last few cabins remaining!

Book Online
3D spin icon 360°
Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £5,599 pp
Call for details
3D spin icon 360°

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.

Explore all extras

Need Some Help?

Take a look at our FAQs

View All FAQs