07 Sep 2024
Newcastle
7 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise to show you Norway’s awe-inspiring natural surroundings as summer turns to autumn, a time of year that’s renowned for the fruit harvest. Ulvik is ideally placed for sampling the local seasonal produce, from apple juice to cider and brandy, while a scenic cruise along Hardangerfjord will showcase orchard-covered valleys and mountains. Balmoral will also sail the picturesque Nordfjord, passing Hornelen – Europe’s highest sea cliff. There will be opportunities to admire the remarkable landscapes ashore too, during a visit to the Briksdal Glacier, accompanied by a local geologist, or in Haugesund while visiting the Haraldshaugen Monument, situated just north of the town centre.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Mountains and Fjord landscapes
On this Balmoral cruise, you'll have the opportunity to explore the captivating natural wonders of the Norwegian Fjords. Views of spectacular glaciers, towering mountains, and the deep blue waters of the fjords can be seen from the decks of Balmoral as we cruise Hardangerfjord, Lysefjord, and Nordfjord. Mount Hornelen, which according to legend, King Olav Tryggvason climbed up the steep rock face of, and the dramatic overhang of Pulpit Rock (Preikstolen) are not to be missed, while the glaciers of Briksdal and Kjenndal adorn the landscape with their hues of icy blue. The waterfalls of Voringfoss and Langfoss cascade into the fjords below, framed by autumn shades of red and gold, creating picturesque scenes.
Immerse yourself in friluftsliv
Your Norwegian Fjords cruise will give you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the concept of friluftsliv; and embrace spending time outdoors, connecting with nature. Join us on hikes along trails that meander through majestic forests, deep valleys, and alongside jewel-like fjords, such as in Ulvik where you'll be joined by a qualified survival instructor who will share survival tips and teach you about the surrounding nature en route to a viewpoint with spectacular viewpoints of the Osafjord; or hike to Pulpit Rock and experience a variety of natural landscapes as you journey to the top of the world-famous landmark. From Olden, try your hand at catching your own crayfish in Nordfjord before cooking it on an open fire.
Fruit Harvest Season
The Hardangerfjord region is known as “Norway’s Orchard," and during autumn, it comes alive with vibrant colours as the surrounding forests turn into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Explore the quaint villages and orchards that dot the landscape, and experience the blend of traditional farming methods and modern techniques used for cultivating the region's ripe fruits of apples, cherries, plums and pears. The apple juices and ciders produced here are said to be some of the most exclusive in the world, so join us on a tour to a local farm to gain insight into daily life, sample the delicious liquid gold and mouth-watering fruits.
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.
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
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
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
Boat Trip to Lysefjord
Enjoy a scenic tour of the Stavanger Archipelago and Lysefjord. Cutting deep into Rogaland County, Lysefjord offers views of mountain farms, islands, waterfalls and Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock.
££££
Stavanger
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.
Kjersti Farrier
Kjersti, who was born in Norway, will be joining us to share some insight into Norwegian culture and way of life.
Professor James Floyd
Geologist James Floyd will be joining us on this sailing to deliver a series of engaging talks about 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 00:00 19/04/2024, 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 00:00 19/04/2024, 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 £2,749 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 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 £1,099 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,899 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,223.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,938.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,273.25 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,088.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,899 |
|---|
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.