05 Jun 2024
Newcastle
7 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This cruise has been designed to showcase the highlights of the fjords in spring, when nature awakens and the waterfalls are at their strongest due to melting mountain ice. Balmoral will divert away from the direct routes to show you the sprawling Fureberg Waterfall. There will also be chances to see the Langfoss and Vøringfoss waterfalls when ashore. Delve into Norway’s Viking heritage and visit the site of Haugesund’s national monument, said to be the burial place of King Harald Fairhair, while the islands of Giske – the birthplace of Chief Rollo – and Godøy can be visited on a tour from Ålesund. In Olden, you can enjoy a hike to the Briksdal Glacier accompanied by a knowledgeable local expert.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Fjord Scenery
This Balmoral cruise has been timed for you to see the beauty of Norway's waterfalls at their most powerful. Regarded as one of the ten most beautiful waterfalls in the world, Langfoss is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery as it cascades into the fjord below. Close to the picturesque village of Eidfjord, Voringfoss Waterfall plunges almost 500 feet from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau into the valley below. The spectacular mountainous fjords of Hardangerfjord and Nordfjord are best seen from the water, so do join us on an exhilarating RIB tour, or a serene kayaking adventure. The beautiful lake of Lovatnet is best discovered from the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest cable cars in the world.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Scenic Discoveries
Friluftsliv
The wonderful Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv is about connecting with nature and spending time outdoors without disturbing it. With this in mind, your cruise aboard Balmoral has been designed by our journey planners for you to embrace this fully, by enjoying time in Norway's natural playground. Join us as we hike to Aksla from Alesund, for outstanding panoramic views of the archipelago and the rugged peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps; or discover how to catch your own crayfish from Olden, cooked over an open fire and enjoyed with with bread and wine. You'll be joined on board by former UK foreign officer worker at the Oslo embassy, David Blunt, who will be speaking about the Norwegian way of life.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights
Viking History
Haugesund is located within one of Norway’s most important areas for cultural history. King Harald Hårfagre – also known as Harald Fairhair - Norway’s first Viking King, is said to have been buried at the Haraldshaugen Monument. Learn about how he helped to unite Norway into one nation after winning the battle of Hafrsjord, and how Avaldsnes became the first royal seat for the country. You'll be joined on board by medievalist expert, Sarah Rees Jones, who will speak about the Vikings in the regions visited on the cruise, including a talk on Harald Fairhair.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights
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.
Homeland of the Viking King
Embark on a historical journey at Avaldsnes, once the realm of King Harald Hårfagre. Begin at the Nordvegen History Centre for an immersive tale of Avaldsnes' royal origins narrated by Harald himself. Then, visit Olavskirken, constructed in 1250 AD during Norway's zenith, housing the iconic Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle monument.
££££
Haugesund
Åkrafjorden
Begin your journey with a picturesque drive through majestic mountains and verdant landscapes to Åkrafjorden. Glide along the fjord on a scenic boat cruise to a quaint restaurant for a delectable lunch of local delicacies. Then, marvel at Langfossen, listed by CNN among the world's top ten waterfalls, before concluding your tour at Haraldshaugen, Norway’s National Monument, honoring the Battle of Hafrsfjord.
££££
Haugesund
Norwegian Nature Centre & Vøringsfossen Waterfall
Experience the Hardangervidda National Park whilst learning about its climate and environment through interactive displays and exhibitions at the Norwegian Natura Centre. Continue to Hardangervidda mountain plateau to view the beautiful Vøringsfossen.
££££
Eidfjord
Eidfjord Kayaking
Enjoy the unique opportunity to view Eidfjord and the surrounding landscape from a unique perspective on this tour. During your time on the water, you can learn about the creation of the fjord landscape from your instructor whilst gliding across the glassy waters.
££££
Eidfjord
Orchards Walk & Cider Tasting
At the Alvavoll Fruit & Cider Farm, enjoy a guided tour through the orchards filled with apples, pears, plums and cherries as you learn the secret behind the unique taste of the fruit and cider that is produced here before enjoying a tasting.
££££
Eidfjord
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
Lovatnet Lake Cruise with Loen Skylift
Travel to Loen to enjoy a peaceful cruise on the waters of Lovatnet Lake. Take in the views of Ravnefjellet, as your vessel makes its way to Sande. Drive to the cable car base station. Take an approximate eight-minute cable car ride to the top of Mount Hoven. Enjoy refreshments before taking the cable car back down.
££££
Olden
Briksdal Glacier National Park
Enjoy a hike to the Briksdal Glacier. The track crosses the river and ascends above a waterfall, where you can observe the glacier, in all its glory. Take in views of the ice from across a glacial lake before returning to the start point at the Briksdal Inn, via the same route to enjoy some refreshments.
££££
Olden
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 Blunt
David splits his time between Norway and the UK, having been involved with Norway for more than 40 years. He will be on board to provide an insight into Norwegian culture.
Sarah Rees Jones
Sarah, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History at the University of York, will be on board to deliver an engaging talk about the Rulers of the Viking World, Harald Fairhair and Rollo.
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 13:00 20/04/2024, 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 13:00 20/04/2024, 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 £3,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 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 £1,549 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 £1,299 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,458.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,548.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,448.25 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 |
|---|
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.