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Scandinavian Easter City Break

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View of Oslo town hall, Norway View of Oslo town hall, Norway

28 Mar 2024

Newcastle

5 nights

Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

Visiting two Scandinavian cities over Easter weekend, this fivenight springtime sailing is the perfect taster cruise. Before reaching Oslo, Balmoral will take you on a scenic journey along Oslofjord, past the Olsen family home in Hvitsten. The Norwegian capital is packed with things to see and do, from museums and Viking burial grounds to artistic wonders such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Munch Museum. There’s also a chance to visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower to discover more about Norway’s national sport. Balmoral’s smaller size makes it possible to dock in central Gothenburg, where the city’s parks and gardens make for a rewarding stroll.

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Highlights

Canal in Gothenburg, Sweden

Exploring Cities on the Water

On this cruise, make time to explore Oslo, capital of Norway, situated at the head of Oslofjord, and Gothenburg, best known for its Dutch-style canals. Gothenburg is your gateway for the opportunity to get out on the water and explore the surrounding islands of the city. Enjoy a scenic cruise to the island of Marstand, before sailing around Älvsborg Castle situated at the entrance of Gothenburg port. Join guest speaker, John Chaplin who has spent 19 years living in Gothenburg as he explains his time in the city and answers any questions you may have about this canal city.

Gotheburg archipelago

Become Immersed in the Scandinavian Way of Life

Immerse yourself in the Scandinavian way of life during your cruise, whether that be through enjoying Fika in Gothenburg or hiking through Frognerseteren Forest to reach the Lavvo Tent Base Camp when docked in Oslo. In Gothenburg you are perfectly placed to sail around the archipelago and learn how to pull crab cages out of the water and fish for mackerel. You will be jonied by guest speaker John Chaplin, chairman of the British Club and Anglo-Swedish Society in Gothenburg, who will hold an insightful 'An Audience With' session, enabling you to learn about the Swedish way of life.

Oslofjord, Norway

Fred. Olsen History

Fred Olsen’s history with Oslo dates back to 1848, when three brothers started a shipping company in the small town of Hvitsten. As we depart from Newcastle and make our way to Oslo, you can enjoy scenic cruise commentary as we sail through Oslofjord, past one of the Olsen family homes, Lysedal Mansion in Hvitsten. When docked in Oslo, you will have the unique opportunity to explore Hvitsten and enjoy an Easter Concert in Hvitsten Church, gifted to the community by Bolette Olsen in 1903.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Map Image

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
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

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.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Our Signature Tours

At each port of call, we have carefully researched and hand-selected some wonderful tour options for you, designed to help you see the real destination and not just the tourist hotspots.

Below, you will find some examples of the kind of tours which could be available on your itinerary. Your Shore Tours will be available to book around 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.

Forest Hike

Forest Hike

Enjoy a tram ride up to Frognerseteren, where you can enjoy a walk through the forest. Arriving at Base Camp, enjoy some time to relax by the fire before snowshoeing into the beautiful forest of Nordmarka.

££££

Oslo

Fortresses of Gothenburg

Fortresses around Gothenburg with Scenic Cruise

Travel to Bohus Fortress for a scenic cruise to Marstand Island for views of the archipelago, and Carlstens Fästning Fortress.

££££

Gothenburg

Scenic Gothenburg and Canal Cruise

Scenic Gothenburg & Canal Cruise

See the highlights of Gothenburg including City Hall, Court House and Stock Exchange, before enjoying a canal cruise.

££££

Gothenburg

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.

John Chaplin
Gothenburg Ex-pat

John Chaplin

John is Chairman of the Anglo-Swedish Society and has spent the last 30 years living in Sweden. Throughout the cruise, John will be sharing his experiences of Swedish living and will discuss the hidden gems of Gothenburg.

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Dr Stephen Musgrave
Vikings

Dr. Stephen Musgrave

Maritime speaker and former Merchant Navy officer, Stephen Musgrave will be onboard to deliver engaging talks on the Vikings of Sweden and Norway and how they became known as intrepid explorers.

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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.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 21:00 08/12/2023, 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 21:00 08/12/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £1,399 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £1,999 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £2,799 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £2,099 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £1,499 pp
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Cruise Offers

FREE drinks or FREE on board spend   Freedom Fare

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

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.

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