03 May 2024
Newcastle
5 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
Experience the natural beauty of Norway on this five-night taster cruise. There’s the chance to hike up Bergen’s Mount Fløyen with a local, rewarding you with views of the city and fjordland; and visit the Briksdalen Valley and picturesque Lovatnet Lake from Olden.
Balmoral will also cruise the scenic Nordfjord, passing Europe’s highest sea cliff, Hornelen, specially timed for sunset views.
Highlights
Fjord Scenery
The fjords of Norway showcase the country’s breathtaking natural wonders, with towering cliffs framing tranquil deep blue waters. Stretching for over 60 miles, the uniquely beautiful Nordfjord has a diverse landscape of fertile valleys, majestic mountains and tiny villages dotted along the water’s edge. Briksdal Glacier is located at the eastern end of the fjord, which you must visit on a tour from Balmoral. You’ll take a walk along a track surrounded by rivers, mountains and waterfalls to the perfect viewpoint over the glacier. Mount Floyen in Bergen can be reached by funicular railway for some of the best views over the fjords below. From here, enjoy a ramble through the woods and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Our on board teams will provide you with fascinating commentary from your ship as you scenic cruise through some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords.
Fjordland way of Life
The way of life in Norway is strongly influenced by a combination of natural surroundings and a sense of community. Nature features heavily with outdoor activities and the practice of Friluftsliv at its core. In a nutshell, it’s about enjoying nature without destroying or disturbing it and being able to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. While in Bergen, enjoy a tour to a unique family-run farm set in beautiful surroundings, and experience rural life here by seeing the local animals and enjoying traditional Norwegian food. Do take the opportunity to journey to the peak of Mount Floyen on the funicular train for some of the most beautiful views across the surrounding fjords, and enjoy a hike through the lush woodland at the summit.
Geology of the Fjords
Like many of the fjords in Norway, Nordfjord’s geological history is shaped by glacial activity, which carved deep valleys through the rocky landscapes. Perhaps the most well-known mountain here is the highest sea cliff in Europe, Hornelen, which you’ll pass at sunset when on board Balmoral, so make sure to have your smartphone or camera at hand. Our on board team will provide you with remarkable scenic commentary on this, and more, as you sail along Nordfjord. You’ll be joined on this cruise by Geologist Tony Pont, who will be speaking about the fjords and how they came to exist over thousands of years.
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
Our Signature Tours
At each port of call, we have carefully researched and hand-selected some wonderful tour options for you, designed to help you see the real destination and not just the tourist hotspots.
Below, you will find some examples of the kind of tours which could be available on your itinerary. Your Shore Tours will be available to book around 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Briksdal Glacier Hike With a Local Expert
This special tour affords you the opportunity to accompany a local expert graduate in geomorphology, who has worked as a glacier guide at the site, on a visit to view this famous glacier arm.
££££
Olden
Catch Your Own Crayfish
After speeding across the beautiful Nordfjord on a RIB ride to the crayfish pots, help your skipper draw them in before cooking them ashore and enjoying them with bread and wine.
££££
Olden
An Insight into Rural Life
Gain an insight into life on a traditional Norwegian farm in Bergen with a visit to Øvre Gard Farm. This family-run farm dates back to the 16th century and has a rich and varied history.
££££
Bergen
Hiking Like a Local
Walk to Bryggen, Bergen's UNESCO-listed Heritage Site, before ascending to the summit of Mount Fløyen on the funicular train. After a hike to the top of Mount Sandviken, descend into the valley to Øvre Eide Farm for a taste of creamy fish soup.
££££
Bergen
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 Tony Pont
Having graduated with an honour’s degree in Geography and Geology and been to Norway many times Tony Pont is the ideal guest speaker to be delivering a talk on the Norwegian fjords, waterfalls, valleys and skerries.
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 08/12/2023, 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 08/12/2023, 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 £1,749 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £1,649 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £899 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,323.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,133.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,468.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,708.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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.
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 FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.