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Wildlife & Traditions of the Scottish Isles

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Old Man of Storr rock formation on Isle of Skye, Scotland Old Man of Storr rock formation on Isle of Skye, Scotland

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.

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Highlights

Whale Tail as seen from deck

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.

Sheep dog

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.

Guests looking out from deck to Fingal's cave

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.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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

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

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 £2,999 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 £3,999 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £5,199 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 £4,199 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 £3,199 pp
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Cruise Offers

Enjoy FREE drinks   Saver Fare
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.

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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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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