04 Jul 2024
Rosyth
8 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
Enjoy some of Scotland’s wildest and most scenic island landscapes, which provide a haven for wildlife and boast 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 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
ORCA
Aas you cruise past some of the most scenic of Scotland’s remote isles, a team from ORCA will be on board Balmoral to assist you with spotting various species of cetaceans in the waters, including bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, and perhaps a minke whale. The islands here are also teeming with birdlife, so you may well see puffins and sea eagles perched on craggy cliff faces.
Farming traditions from Viking settlers
Unique to Scotland, crofting is an integral part of life in the Highlands and Islands, and is a practice of farming using traditional methods. Crofting is particularly important for preserving Gaelic and Nordic culture; and as part of our Signature Experiences, in Lerwick you’ll have the chance to meet a local crofter who will demonstrate sheepdog training.
Fingal’s Cave
Fingal’s Cave is widely known for its distinctive and symmetrical basalt columns, standing 69 metres out of the ocean at the Isle of Staffa. As part of our Scenic Discoveries, Balmoral will sail close by this striking landmark; where it will be possible to see native seabirds in their natural habitat; and marvel at the cave – whose acoustics are said to have inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture.
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
* Prices correct as of 03:00 05/10/2023, 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 03:00 05/10/2023, 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 £2,999 pp |
|---|
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,799 pp |
|---|
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
|---|
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,449 pp |
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Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,799 pp |
|---|
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,698.10 |
|---|
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,318.10 |
|---|
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,798.10 |
|---|
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,753.10 |
|---|
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,799 |
|---|
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
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.