Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Join us on this discovery of Scandinavia, where scenic waterways weave through iconic cities. Glide along Oslofjord, traverse the enchanting canals of Copenhagen, and enjoy the beauty of Gothenburg’s archipelago. Immerse yourself in the Scandinavian way of life by partaking in various cultural experiences. Participate in fika, Sweden’s coffee break tradition, bask in the warmth of hygge in Denmark, delight your senses with aquavit tastings, explore Norway’s outdoor havens, and discover artistic wonders. We’ve also timed your visit to Oslo to coincide with Norway National Day so you can join in the celebrations of this annual event. Trace the legacy of Scandinavian rulers, from Danish royalty to the Vikings.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Scenic Scandinavian Waterways
This cruise has been designed to showcase some of Scandinavia's most spectacular waterways. As Balmoral sails along the picturesque Oslosfjord, you will be treated to sights of rugged coastlines, forested hills and tranquil islands. During our call into Copenhagen, you can discover the city’s canals, known as ‘the Venice of the North’. Lined with colourful buildings, historic landmarks and bustling waterfront cafés, they provide access to Copenhagen’s vibrant neighbourhoods including the historic Nyhavn waterfront. Meanwhile, in Gothenburg, you can explore the unique network of canals that weave their way through the city. The main canal, Göta älv River, runs through the heart of Gothenburg, and is lined with vibrant cultural attractions, famous historical buildings such as the Gothenburg Opera House, and waterfront promenades.
Experience the Scandinavian Lifestyle
Throughout this cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to embrace and experience the Scandinavian lifestyle. In Copenhagen, you can experience the Danish concept of Hygge. A fundamental part of Danish culture, it encapsulates a concept of warmth, simplicity and cosiness for shared contentment and joy and a mindset that encourages slowing down and embracing the present moment. During our time in Oslo, you can experience the Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv, which emphasises outdoor living and engagement with nature as a means to promote physical and mental wellbeing, while our call into Gothenburg will allow you to join in the Fika culture. A Swedish coffee break tradition which is a significant part of daily life here, it involves taking a break with coffee and pastries to socialise and relax.
Join in the Festivities of Norway’s National Day
Norway National Day, known locally as Syttende Mai, is the country’s most significant national holiday, commemorating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, marking the establishment of Norway as an independent country. Held every year on the 17th May, the day is marked by vibrant festivals, parades, concerts and cultural events across the country. Norwegian flags decorate the streets and locals don traditional Norwegian attire, including bunads. We have planned our call into Oslo to coincide with this holiday, with an overnight stay to allow you to join in with the festivities.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
Alongside comfortable cabin accommodation, and peace of mind perks such as our Satisfaction Guarantee and all UK port taxes and fees being covered, your cruise price includes all of the following:
Full board dining
- Five course à la carte dinners
- Daily casual dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
Leisure
- Evening shows
- Live music, dancing & dance classes
- Enrichment lectures and expert talks
- A variety of on-board activities
- Swimming pools & jacuzzis
- Fitness centre & classes
Freedom Fares also include
- Free shuttle service (for ports over one mile from the ship)
- Guided ‘social strolls’ ashore in selected destinations
- Selected drinks with lunch and dinner
- Gratuities
- Pre-book fitness classes
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 peaceful scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Your Cruise, Your Way
Whether you prefer a peaceful spot with a good book or a full day of activities and entertainment, life on board offers plenty of choice, all in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
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 be 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.
When you cruise with Fred. Olsen, why not let our preferred luggage handling service provider take care of your luggage? Baggex will collect them from your home before you leave, and securely deliver them directly to your cabin on board. They'll do the same on the way home, too.
14 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
Scenic Waterways & Cities of Scandinavia
May 14
Departure: late afternoonNewcastle
United Kingdom
1 Day Sailing
Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.
May 16
Arrival: early morning - Departure: early morningCruising by the Olsen Family Home
Norway
On the shores of the Oslofjord, situated amongst the picturesque scenery of Hvitsten, lies Lysedal Mansion, the historic home of the Olsen family. The inner part of the fjord is lined with dense forests and is well known for the small group of islands that lie close to Oslo, whose beaches are hugely popular with locals. Oslofjord is a haven for birdwatchers, and various species can be seen resting on the shores or flying high above the fjord.
May 16
Arrival: late morning - Departure: late morningCruising Oslofjord
Norway
The Olsen family home in Hvitsten is located on the shores of Oslofjord, with the impressive Lysedal Mansion overlooking the waters. The inner part of the fjord is lined with dense forests, and is well known for the small group of islands that lie close to Oslo, whose beaches are hugely popular with locals. Oslofjord is also a haven for birdwatchers, and various species can be seen resting on the shores or flying high above the fjord.
May 16 - 17
Arrival: early afternoon - Departure: early eveningOslo
Norway
Norway’s capital city, Oslo has been an important maritime destination for centuries, and is home to many maritime-related companies, including ship-owners and brokers. Surrounded by mountains and the impressive Oslofjord, where Fred. Olsen originated in 1848 in the small town of Hvitsen, located on its shores. The city has many cultural and historical structures; including the impressive Vigeland Park, and is also home to the National Gallery, where Edvard Munch’s The Scream is hung.
Overnight port
May 18 - 19
Arrival: late afternoon - Departure: early eveningCopenhagen
Denmark
Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its monarchy dating back as far as the 8th century, and home to the impressive Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace and Christianborg Palace. The Danish crown jewels are housed at Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The diminutive Little Mermaid Statue, based on Hans Chrisitan Andersen’s 1836 story, sits on the shoreline looking for her prince; while the Nyhavn District reveals canals lined with historic wooden ships and brightly coloured townhouses.
Overnight port
May 20
Arrival: early morning - Departure: late nightGothenburg
Sweden
Located on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a compact and accessible city, with wide streets and canals. Originally influenced by the Dutch, the city was constructed with a network of canals, similar to those in Amsterdam, and trams are a major mode of transport for locals. The world-renowned Trädgårdsföreningen, Garden Society of Gothenburg, features 19th century pristine lawns, flower beds and woodlands, and is one of Europe's best-kept parks.
May 21
Arrival: early morning - Departure: late afternoonSkagen
Denmark
Denmark’s northernmost town, Skagen has the largest fishing harbour in the country, framed by fishmongers and restaurants. The town itself has charming streets filled with traditional architecture, dating back many centuries and the Natural History Museum which offers information on the town’s culture and history, and home to masterpieces by the Skagen painters 19th century artists’ colony. Close to the town is the fascinating Skagen’s Vippefyr, a navigation light system constructed in the 16th century to guide passing ships.
1 Day Sailing
May 23
Arrival: early morning