16 Aug 2023
Rosyth
9 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
On this journey to Scandinavia, we will visit destinations known for their links to the Vikings, allowing you to retrace the history of this legendary era. Many Viking-themed attractions await your discovery, including the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum, the burial ground at Lindholm Høje, and Stavanger’s three swords monument. Balmoral will cruise along Oslofjord, passing the Olsen family home in Hvitsten, before reaching Oslo, gateway to a number of Viking museums and burial grounds. Other scenic cruising highlights include the size-restricted Fedafjord, Norway’s narrow southern fjords, and a sailing past Lindisfarne (Holy Island), the first place the Vikings raided in Britain.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Cruising by the Olsen family home
One of the highlights on this cruise is a Scenic Discovery past the Olsen family home in Hvitsten. The village grew in the 19th century as it was used as a winter harbour by shipowners. The striking wooden church was given to the village by Bolette Olsen – Fred. Olsen’s mother – in 1903; and it is her that our flagship Bolette is named after. Many ship figureheads stand in the gardens here, having been used on Fred. Olsen ships in the 20th century.
Viking history
Just outside Aalborg, one of Scandinavia’s best preserved Viking sites of Lindholm Hoje is an extensive burial location with tombs of Vikings dating back as far as the Nordic Iron Age. The area is marked by stone circles covering an entire hillside, where a total of 682 graves were found when it was excavated, and nearby also lies the remains of a Viking village.
Ivar Hellberg
On this cruise, you’ll be joined by guest speaker Ivar Hellberg, who will talk about Viking history in the destinations being visited. Ivar is a Commando Soldier who has seen operational service in many parts of the world before retiring to become a university lecturer. He has Norwegian blood in his veins through his father, and has participated in many winter training deployments in Norway with the Royal Marines. Over the last few years Ivar has been lecturing on Norwegian History, the Vikings, polar exploration and military history.
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
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
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
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.
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.