12 Jun 2024
Newcastle
14 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On this exploration of the isolated lands of Spitsbergen, you can witness nature in all its forms, from the surreal phenomenon that is the Midnight Sun to elusive marine life, which you can search for from the comfort of Balmoral with the help of conservationists from wildlife charity OWE, the Ocean Wildlife Encounters group. Experience what life was like in remote Longyearbyen, donning your own miner's helmet as you explore a disused mine, fully immersing yourself in the town's past. Elsewhere you can uncover local Sámi culture and visit the 'Gateway to the Arctic', Tromsø. Marvel at remarkable scenery as Balmoral cruises past Torghatten – a mountain with a hole through its centre, the Seven Sisters mountains, and Tempelfjorden's Temple Mountain.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Remote Arctic Landscapes
Our Journey Planners have designed this itinerary to offer you the chance to discover remote Arctic landscapes. Nestled deep within the Arctic Circle on the isolated island of Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen is your gateway to the Arctic wilderness. Balmoral will also sail along Templefjorden, a stunning fjord surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, which is home to the Tunabreen Glacier. Many other Scenic Discoveries await, including the imposing Seven Sisters Mountain Range and Torghatten, the hat-shaped mountain with a distinctive hole in its centre. You will be joined on board by Earth Science Communicator, Isaac Kenyon, who will provide fascinating commentary to accompany the magnificent sights you will see.
Experience the Phenomenon of the Midnight Sun
We have hand-crafted this special itinerary to give you the chance to experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. During the summer months in the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets, thanks to the Earth’s tilt, and this unique Arctic experience transforms the polar environment, with the sun’s golden glow illuminating the rugged mountains, glaciers and fjords and offering extended daylight hours, perfect for exploration ashore. Balmoral will enjoy an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, where you will have the chance to experience a thrilling midnight sun hike. The Midnight Sun in Svalbard offers a snapshot of the resilience of life in the Arctic and is an enchanting spectacle to witness, so do join us out on the decks of Balmoral to experience this surreal natural wonder. You will be joined on board Balmoral by photographer Graeme Chester, who will provide advice on the best way to take pictures of the Midnight Sun, having exhibited his work in Longyearbyen.
Uncover Arctic Summer Wildlife
During the summer months in Northern Norway, the region is home to an abundance of vibrant wildlife. The fjords teem with life as seabird colonies thrive, while the coastal areas attract a rich variety of marine life, such as seals and humpback or beluga whales, and migratory birds, such as the Arctic Tern and Guillemots, fill the skies. Along the coast, massive walrus haul-outs offer a glimpse into the lives of these tusked giants as they bask in the midnight sun. We've timed this cruise for you to have the best possible chance of witnessing Arctic wildlife at its peak, where the Arctic's inhabitants bask in the brief summer abundance. Ocean Wildlife Encounters will also be joining us on board, leading wildlife-watching sessions out on deck to help you get a glimpse of some of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
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.
Life of a Miner
Embark on a journey through time in Longyearbyen's coal mining history with a tour of Gruve 3. Equipped with traditional miner gear, explore the machinery and tunnels, including a replica mining shaft. Experience the eerie darkness of the mine as you switch off your headlamp, feeling the weight of history.
££££
Longyearbyen
Husky Wagon Ride
Journey in a dog-drawn wagon, traversing the coastal landscape, keeping an eye out for seals, Svalbard reindeer, and migratory bird flocks. Along the way, discover historical sites and the local flora and fauna. Revel in the fresh sea breeze and captivating views of the Isfjord before bidding farewell to your newfound four-legged companions and returning to your awaiting ship.
££££
Longyearbyen
Walrus Safari
Embark on a voyage to encounter the Arctic's cherished walruses. Glide across the Isfjord to Borebukta on a silent hybrid boat, preserving the tranquil surroundings. Witness stunning vistas of towering mountains and vast glaciers before observing walruses basking in the sun and feasting on clams. Look out for nesting Atlantic puffins and marvel at the breathtaking Bore Glacier, possibly witnessing majestic calving moments.
££££
Longyearbyen
Mikkelgammen Sámi Camp
Embark on a journey to Northern Norway to explore the ancestral lands of the Sámi people. Journey to the renowned Sámi restaurant, Mikkelgammen, where captivating tales of indigenous culture and religion await. Upon arrival, meet your hosts Mikkel and Solveig, before indulging in authentic delicacies such as dried reindeer meat, cloudberry jam and smoked salmon. After, venture to the nearby Salen Mountain viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic vistas.
££££
Hammerfest
Husky Hike
Drive to the outskirts of town to gain an insight into the Siberian husky breed and the unique lifestyle of polar dogs. After selecting your hiking companions, embark on your scenic journey. Throughout your hike, your guide will tell tales of Finnmark, shedding light on the surrounding area and share insights into the intricacies of living with and training a pack of Siberian huskies.
££££
Hammerfest
Tromsø City & Cable Car
Begin with a tour of the city centre and visit the Arctic Cathedral before heading to the Fjellheisen cable car. Enjoy a ride to the Storsteinen viewpoint, 1,377ft above sea level, and take in the spectacular views of Tromsø and the surrounding landscape.
££££
Tromsø
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.
David Nikel
Having lived in Norway since 2011, David has grown his website into one of the biggest language resources for those visiting or moving to Norway. He will be on hand throughout the cruise delivering a series of talks on all things Norwegian.
Isaac Kenyon
Geoscientist, Isaac Kenyon, is passionate about adventure travel and the great outdoors. Isaac will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and wilderness of the destinations we will be visiting.
OWE (Ocean Wildlife Encounters)
Ocean Wildlife Encounters (OWE) are a group of highly experienced wildlife speakers. Join them for an insightful talk or out on deck to search the seas for wildlife.
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 08:00 20/04/2024, 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 08:00 20/04/2024, 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 £5,599 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,099 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,799 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £10,638.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £9,688.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £3,749 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £3,299 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
|---|
360°
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.