Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This six-night British Bank Holiday sailing will guide you through some of Norway's most stunning fjordland scenery. Smaller-sized Balmoral will traverse a series of majestic fjords including Langsfjord & Eresfjord, Nordfjord, Innvkfjord and Hjørundfjorden. Be sure to be on deck as these serene waters carve their way through rugged terrain flanked by towering mountains and sheer cliff faces - such as the iconic Trollveggen - whose sheer vastness commands attention. Embrace the Norwegian philosophy of outdoor living and get closer to the fjords via boat or kayak. Or perhaps hike the verdant valleys and mountainous scenery for unparalleled views.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Exploring the fjord landscapes
Your Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard Balmoral will enable you to delve into the core of our homeland, and as you sail along size-restricted fjords, only accessible by smaller cruise ships, you'll have the chance to experience their beauty firsthand. As Balmoral navigates along Langsfjord and Eresfjord, nestled between majestic peaks and lush green landscapes, you'll witness cascading waterfalls and tiny fjord-side villages, while the beautiful town of Olden, framed by aqua waters and meadows, is home to Briksdal Glacier, its icy expanse glistening in the summer sun. Trollveggen, Europe's tallest, vertically overhanging rockface, stands guard as a testament to Mother Nature's grandeur. You'll also have the chance to marvel at the serene waters and sights of Nordfjord and Innvikfjord from the decks of Balmoral.
Immerse yourself in Friluftsliv
The Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv means to spend time outdoors, whatever the weather, participating in activities that will give you a sense of well-being. This Balmoral cruise offers a multitude of opportunities in which to experience Friluftsliv, such as kayaking on the serene waters of Nordfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and tumbling waterfalls, or exploring Olden by e-Bike with a friendly local guide. Also in Olden, take the opportunity to enjoy a thrilling RIB boat ride to catch your own crayfish, or enjoy bird-watching on a more sedate boat cruise from Alesund to go in search of puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills. Alesund is also home to Mount Aksla, where the views from the peak over the Sunnmøre Alps are breath-taking. You'll be joined on this cruise by Norwegian Kjersti Farrier, who will speak about the way of life in Norway.
Modern engineering and ancient landscapes
Norwegians had to be inventive when it came to scaling the landscapes of the fjords, and so the Troll's Path - Trollstigen - was devised. This marvel of road engineering cuts a winding path between Åndalsnes and Valldal, through unforgiving mountains with hairpin bends and stunning views over sheer steep cliffs. Meanwhile, take the Rauma Railway through scenic valleys and mountains, such as the Trollveggen cliff and the Romsdalen valley, or enjoy a ride on the Loen Skylift in Olden to the peak of Mount Hoven, where you'll discover perfect hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views of the Nordfjord countryside, before journeying on to the emerald green waters of Lovatnet Lake.
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.
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
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
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
Rauma Railway
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.
££££
Åndalsnes
Trollstigen & Trollveggen
Head into the majestic Romsdal Mountains to view one of the most difficult rock climbs in the world - Trollveggen, before zigzagging up to viewing platforms perched high in the mountains to hover 200m above the Trollstigen Road.
££££
Åndalsnes
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
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.
Andy Los
Geologist Andy is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, he will be joining us to deliver insighful talks relating to the fjords and geological history of Norway.
Kjersti Farrier
Kjersti, who was born in Norway, will be joining us to share some insight into Norwegian culture and way of life.
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 01:00 25/04/2024, 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 01:00 25/04/2024, 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 £2,299 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 £2,099 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,199 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 £999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 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 £4,368.10 |
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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 £3,988.10 |
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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 £2,023.50 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,898.10 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 |
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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.