12 Jun 2024
Newcastle
14 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way 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
The world’s northernmost permanent settlement
Home to 2, 400 residents from 53 different countries, Longyearbyen is located in true Arctic wilderness. The town has a rich history of explorers who set off to reach the North Pole, as it is situated about 800 miles south of its notoriously harsh environment; and there is a museum dedicated to the stories of the many expeditions. Locals must, by law, ensure they carry a firearm with them to protect themselves against polar bears, although it is to scare them, as it is an offence to kill polar bears due to their endangered species status.
Sámi Culture
In the far north of Norway, the ancient culture of the Sámi people prospers, where they live alongside the modern world. While the 80, 000 Sámi people are spread over four Northern European countries, over half of their total population live in Norway. Traditionally, most Sámi people supported themselves through fishing, livestock farming, and hunting, along the coast, on the fjords and alongside the large rivers farther inland. Today, a large proportion live outside the traditional Sámi areas and earn their living in the modern service sectors. The reindeer plays a vital role in Sámi culture, together with colourful traditional costumes and Joik folk music.
Ocean Wildlife Encounters
Join a team from Ocean Wildlife Encounters on board Balmoral, as they offer guests assistance with spotting many cetacean species. The waters surrounding Tromso in particular, are filled with whales during the summer months, and this cruise has been scheduled for this time to enable possible sightings of these majestic creatures, along with experiencing the surreal phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. The whales coming to this area for the herring-rich seas are mainly orca and humpbacks as their main priority is to feed, although some may travel south to breed.
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 02:00 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 02:00 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 £5,299 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 £4,899 pp |
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Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 pp |
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Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 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 £6,499 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 £10,068.10 |
|---|
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £9,308.10 |
|---|
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,648.10 |
|---|
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,748.10 |
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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 £6,499 |
|---|
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.