Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This five-night cruise has been planned to offer you a taste of the fjords over the spring Bank Holiday weekend. The panoramic views from the summit of Mount Aksla are well worth the climb when in Alesund. The quaint village of Olden is ideally placed for visiting the Briksdal Glacier. On a tour with a local expert, you can gain an insight into how the shape of this natural wonder has changed over the years. Balmoral will sail along the picturesque Nordfjord, which stretches from mainland Norway's westernmost point to the magnificent Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest inland glacier.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Fjord Scenery
Nordfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in Norway, and Balmoral will journey along this spectacular waterway, from the entrance at the ocean which is relatively flat; to the untamed landscapes of soaring cliffs and tiny villages. The deeper into the fjord you travel, the more aquamarine the waters become, reflecting the idyllic scenery even further. Lysefjord is home to soaring Preikestolen – Pulpit Rock – which stands 604 metres above sea level, and is a haven for seasoned hikers. Seeing it from sea level is equally as magnificent as your gaze will wander up the seemingly endless steep cliff-face. You’ll be joined on this cruise by Dr Param Sandhu, who will talk about his photography of the fjords in Norway, and will assist guests with taking photos out on deck.
Norwegian way of life
Accompanied by a guide, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, before taking the Funicular Railway to the summit of Mount Fløyen, which offers spectacular views across ‘the city of seven mountains’, and the striking fjords below. Seeing Bergen on a hike, walking along tree-lined paths into valleys and up mountainsides, listening to stories of Norwegian farming life, offers a truly immersive Norwegian experience of outdoor life; which aligns with the Norwegian tradition of ‘Friluftsliv’, enjoying the close relationship with nature and prioritising spending time outside.
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.
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
Hike to Mount Aksla
Embark on a hike to Mount Aksla for stunning views of Ålesund's archipelago, town center, and the Sunnmøre Alps. Start from the quayside, passing through town to reach the hiking path. Pause at the Rundskue Lookout Tower, then rest at Fjellstua Viewpoint, admiring Ålesund's Art Nouveau architecture before descending.
££££
Ålesund
Rauma Railway & Troll Mountains
Journey through the Romsdalen Valley on the Rauma Railway, admiring towering mountains, plummeting waterfalls and sights such as the Kylingbru Bridge, Trollveggen Cliff and the emerald green Rauma River.
££££
Ålesund
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
Kayak on the Nordfjord
Experience the magnificent water on the Nordfjord, surrounded by steep mountains, cascading waterfalls and
fascinating glaciers on this kayaking adventure. As you glide across the pristine waters, your guide will share stories of the Vikings and teach you all about the valley’s dramatic history and the life of those who lived here.
££££
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
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.
Dorothy Satterfield
As a geologist with 27 years’ experience of teaching and leading Master's programmes, Dorothy will be joining us, along with her husband Roger, to discuss the origins of the Fjords.
Dr. Param Sandhu
Dr. Param Sandhu will be on board to share his tips on taking the best photo possible for our scenic adventure
Roger Suthren
Geologist, Roger has experience of geological fieldwork in various parts of the world including Norway. He will be joining us along with his wife, Dorothy to talk about the origins of the Norwegian fjords.
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 19:00 24/04/2024, 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 19:00 24/04/2024, 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 £1,799 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £899 pp |
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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 £849 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 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 £3,418.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,228.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,573.25 |
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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 £1,485.75 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 |
|---|
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.