Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This adventure into the Arctic wilderness offers the chance to spot the awe-inspiring Northern Lights during the festive season. After celebrating Christmas Day on board with everything taken care of, experience the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle, making your Boxing Day even more special. Balmoral’s smaller size comes to the fore as we take you on a scenic shortcut through the Tjeldsundet Strait – out of reach to larger ships. Overnight stays in Tromsø and Alta will allow ample time to search for the lights, take a husky sledding ride, or connect with the local Sámi culture. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Trondheim before rounding off your journey with a day exploring Ålesund.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The Magical Northern Lights
Our Journey Planners have designed this special cruise to Northern Norway at the optimal time to spot the elusive Northern Lights. Clear skies are required for witnessing the lights, and Northern Norway's long, dark winter nights create the ideal environment for you to see the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky. With calls to destinations deep within the Arctic Circle, such as Tromsø and Alta, you will be perfectly placed to go in search of the mysterious Northern Lights. On board Balmoral, you can take advantage of clear, dark skies with little light pollution as you wait in anticipation for the lights to appear.
Christmas on board Balmoral
Being away on a cruise on board Balmoral at Christmas is a very special time, with an abundance of festive celebrations. Indulge in a superb Christmas Lunch with all the trimmings, sit back and relax with a festive cocktail before you enjoy our fantastic Show Company's Christmas performances, or pamper yourself at our Atlantis Spa. We'll also have a service of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Reindeer Racing and fantastic Gingerbread Houses, created by our talented on board chefs. With an overnight stay in Trondheim on New Year's Eve, join us on deck to experience the magnificent Fireworks display over the city.
Experience the Arctic Way of Life
As you step ashore from Balmoral, immerse yourself in activities like reindeer herding or sledding in Alta and Tromsø, where you can spend time with the Sámi people and help feed the animals, visit a lavvu house to hear stories from Sámi reindeer herders, and learn about their lives above the Arctic Circle amid the winter landscape. The picture-perfect surroundings of Northern Norway are best explored on a thrilling husky-ride, where you will then have the chance to meet with the friendly huskies.
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.
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.
Saltstraumen RIB Experience
Get up close to the famous Saltstraumen whirlpools on this thrilling RIB ride. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed eagles, who nest on the sheer-faced cliffs that surround Bodø.
££££
Bodø
Tromsø City & Cable Car
Begin with a tour of the city centre and visit the Arctic Cathedral before heading to the Fjellheisen cable car. Enjoy a ride to the Storsteinen viewpoint, 1,377ft above sea level, and take in the spectacular views of Tromsø and the surrounding landscape.
££££
Tromsø
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
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
Northern Lights Camp - An Evening at Pæskatun
Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights at Pæskatun, under a star-filled sky. Enjoy an informative presentation, view stunning photos and films, relax in warm slate cottages with hot drinks and cakes, gather around a campfire in a traditional Sámi lavvu, and explore the history of local slate mining through a workshop.
££££
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
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.
Matt Robinson - 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.
Trevor Rulton
Trevor left the UK 45 years ago, initially for six months but never looked back, and since 202 has resided in Norway, in the Arctic Circle. Join him as he provides an insight into life as an Ex-pat in Northern Norway the Arctic Circle.
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 06:00 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 06:00 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 £5,999 pp |
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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 £5,499 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,799 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £4,499 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 £11,398.10 |
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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 £10,448.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £4,898.25 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,548.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £4,499 |
|---|
360°
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.