Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This cruise has been timed by our journey planners to visit the Norwegian Fjords in late spring when the waterfalls are at their most powerful. You can see the tumbling falls of Langfoss from Haugesund, or visit Hardangerfjord, while Balmoral will take you on a scenic diversion past the sprawling Fureberg Waterfall. You'll enjoy hours of scenic cruising, through narrow waterways of Akrafjord and Hardangerfjord, by towering cliffs, remote villages and cascading waterfalls. Experience the Norwegian concept of outdoor living - Friluftsliv - and enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, hiking or kayaking on the serene waters, which are all available on tours from Balmoral.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Dramatic fjords & tumbling waterfalls
There will be an abundance of waterfalls for you to witness on this cruise as your visit has been timed for when they are at their most powerful. Balmoral will divert into the vast Maurangerfjord, taking guests as close as possible to the remarkable Fureberg Waterfall, one of Norway’s widest waterfalls, so you can experience its sights and sounds as it cascades down the mountainside, under the road and into the fjord. You'll also have the chance to see Voringfoss Waterfall from Haugesund and the glistening green waters of Lovatnet Lake from Olden, on tours from Balmoral. Our on board team will provide knowledgeable scenic commentary on the fjords, mountains and waterfalls that you sail past.
Friluftsliv
The Norwegians have a concept known as Friluftsliv, which is a love of outdoor living and spending time in nature, whatever the weather. Join us on a selection of tours where you can choose to go on nature hikes, take an exhilarating RIB ride to catch your own crayfish, or enjoy kayaking on the peaceful Nordfjord. When on board Balmoral, be sure to try our very own brand of Aquavit, made on board. You'll be joined on this cruise by British ex-pat David Nikel, who will talk about the Norwegian way of life, how it differs in the fjordland areas, and how different it is to life in the UK.
Lakes and Glaciers
This cruise offers you the opportunity to experience the beauty of Norway's lakes and glaciers at the right time of the year. From Olden, join us on a tour to Briksdal Glacier, accompanied by Briksdal Glacier expert Per Helge, who will accompany you on your walk to his favourite viewpoint. As you cross the river and ascend above a waterfall, you will be able to glimpse the Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the mighty Jostedal Glacier, from across a glacial lake. The beautifully still, green waters of Lovatnet Lake, framed by towering cliff faces, is home to peaceful villages and farms and lush green forests, begging to be explored. Close by is the Loen Skylift, a cable car to the peak of Mount Hoven, offering panoramic views across the fjord.
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.
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
Kayak Experience
Enjoy the unique opportunity to view Ulvik and the surrounding landscape from a unique perspective. As you glide across the glassy waters, you can learn about the history of the fjordlands including how locals lived, how nature was used in everyday life, and the creation of the fjord landscape.
££££
Ulvik
Syse Fruit Farm
Visit Syse Gard, a traditional family-run farm situated beside the Hardangerford. Gain an insight into the daily life and history on the farm, explore the orchard and sample produce such as apple juice, cider, and dried meats.
££££
Ulvik
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
Kjenndalen Glacier & Lovatnet Lake
Travel through the wild, winding roads of the Kjenndalen Valley and view the magnificent Kjenndalen Glacier, Next, you will enjoy some refreshments at the Kjenndalen Mountain Lodge before enjoying a tranquil cruise on Lovatnet Lake.
££££
Olden
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
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
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
Having lived in Norway since 2011, David has grown his website into one of the biggest 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.
Tom Rowsell
Historian and media producer, Tom Rowsell who studied the religion of the Vikings for his Master’s at UCL will be delivering engaging talks about Viking history in Norway.
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 £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°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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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 £1,599 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 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 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,698.50 |
|---|
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,798.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 |
|---|
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.