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.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
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
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 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 & 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
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.
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.
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 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
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £879 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £2,658.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,468.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,278.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,670.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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.
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 FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.