Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Discover some of Scotland’s wildest and most scenic island landscapes, which provide a haven for wildlife and boasts a long and fascinating history. Balmoral is small enough to dock in Lerwick and will divert away from the main coastal routes to take you on a scenic cruise past remarkable sites, from the Small Isles archipelago to the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave. You can enjoy birdwatching as you sail past Sumburgh Head, and search for whales from your ship with the help of wildlife charity ORCA. Ashore, you can marvel at the Isle of Skye’s scenery, including the Old Man of Storr; learn about Shetland’s local farming traditions; visit the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae in Orkney; and discover Harris’s Gaelic culture.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover the Rugged Landscapes of the Scottish Isles
We have designed this cruise to offer you the opportunity to discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles. Many scenic cruise highlights await, including the dramatic rock formations and basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa and the bonnet shaped Bac Mòr, known as Dutchman’s Cap. Balmoral will also divert away from the main costal routes to take you past remarkable sights such as the Orkney sea stacks and the Small Isles archipelago. Meanwhile, ashore, the Old Man of Storr awaits exploration on the Isle of Skye.
Experience the Local Way of Life
As we explore the scenic Scottish Isles together, you can take the chance to immerse yourself in the traditional ways of island life. In Stornoway, you can discover the history of Gaelic language and traditions, including how the language is being kept alive in the local area whilst enjoying a showcase of local Gaelic singing, or join a local Crofter who will share traditions of the crofting community. There is also the opportunity to sample locally-produced whisky with a visit to the Isle of Harris distillery.
Spot Dolphins, Whales & Seabirds
During this cruise, you will have the best possible chance of spotting the remarkable wildlife which resides in and around the Scottish Isles. Ocean conservationists, ORCA will be on board, leading wildlife spotting sessions out on deck and delivering a series of talks on the wildlife that can be found in this region. While ashore, you will have the opportunity to visit Sumburgh Head, a designated nature reserve that provides a habitat for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
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.
Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs & Lighthouse
Embark on a scenic drive across Shetland to Sumburgh Head, where a local expert offers a guided tour. Explore the RSPB Nature Reserve, observing nesting seabirds like guillemots and fulmars, and keep an eye out for passing cetaceans. Visit the Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre to delve into the area's history and natural heritage.
££££
Lerwick
Western Shetland - Meet the Locals
Delve into the significance of Shetland's fishing industry with insights from a local fisherman. Journey through Tingwall Valley, encountering Shetland ponies and learning from a breeder. Explore Girlsta and Weisdale before visiting the Shetland Jewellery Workshop to witness craftsmanship and perhaps acquire a unique piece.
££££
Lerwick
Crofting Shetland
Enjoy working sheepdog demonstrations, a talk on their training, and see some iconic Shetland ponies and sheep with local crofter, David Murray.
££££
Lerwick
Orkney's Wartime History
Together with a specialist Wartime Guide, embark on a tour of Orkney and visit historic sites such as Stromness, Ness Battery, Scapa Flow and the beautiful hand-painted Italian chapel built by Prisoners of War.
££££
Kirkwall
Skara Brae & Skaill House
This exploration of Skara Brae village will shed light on prehistoric life as your tour guide leads you through the remains of eight dwellings built during the Stone Age and the manor of Skaill House
££££
Kirkwall
Scapa Distillery Experience with Royal Oak Gardens Walk
Visit Scapa Distillery to learn about the distilling processes and the history of Scapa Flow. Then, visit The Noust to sample whiskies whilst soaking in the surrounding views of Scapa Flow, and conclude with a stroll along the sandy bay of Scapa and visit the Royal Oak Gardens.
££££
Kirkwall
Northern Scenic Drive
Journey to Kilt Rock, a 200ft-high cliff with a waterfall, before passing Staffin, en route to Kilmuir Settlement to explore the Skye Museum of Island Life, whilst listening to the myths and legends of Skye along the way.
££££
Portree Isle of Skye
The Croft - Island at the Edge
Visit a local croft where you can admire the sheep, listen to their breeding process and learn about the history of the croft. Try your hand at spinning wool wihlst learning about the wool process, before concluding with refreshmentst.
££££
Portree Isle of Skye
Cultural Heritage of the Outer Hebrides
Experience life in the Outer Hebrides. Visit An Taigh Cèilidh to enjoy performances by local musicians before proceeding to Stornoway seafront to gain an insight into the town’s culture and history.
££££
Stornoway
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.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Tom Rowsell
Historian and media producer, Tom Rowsell will be speaking about the Viking settlers of the Orkney and Shetland Islands as well as the Stone Age Innovation in Orkney.
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 15:00 25/04/2024, 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 15:00 25/04/2024, 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 £3,799 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £7,218.10 |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,838.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,698.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,798.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 |
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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.