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Springtime Gardens of Europe

L2611

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Keukenhof gardens, Amsterdam Keukenhof gardens, Amsterdam, Netherlands
23 Apr 2026
Newcastle
7 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Join us for this springtime escape, where vibrant gardens come to life. You’ll have chances to visit the enchanting Monet’s Garden, and the Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens – awash with colourful tulips at this time of year. Relishing treats like Belgian beer and Dutch stroopwafels, and embracing the Netherlands’ cycling culture by exploring on two wheels, are great ways to immerse yourself in the local lifestyles. We’ve also timed your visit to Rotterdam to coincide with King’s Day, a lively national holiday featuring street markets, music, and festivities to honour the reigning monarch. You can uncover symbols of wealth and opulence, too, from artistic masterpieces to the exquisite allure of Belgian chocolate.

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Highlights

Explore Blooming Springtime Gardens

We have perfectly timed this Balmoral cruise to allow you to explore vibrant springtime gardens when the flowers are in full bloom. From Rotterdam, explore Keukenhof, often referred to as ‘the Garden of Europe’ and one of the largest flower gardens in the world, painstakingly designed to showcase millions of flowering spring bulbs in a vibrant and colourful display. In Zeebrugge, you are perfectly placed to explore Meise Botanic Gardens, one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, home to an extensive collection of plants, while Honfleur is your gateway to Monet’s Garden, carefully curated by the famous Impressionist painter to serve as both a source of inspiration and as a personal sanctuary too. Tulips bloom in a dazzling array of colours, with daffodils, irises and blossom trees also bursting into life, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Cycling in Bruges

Immerse Yourself in Local Life  

The Flemish way of life is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where cultural heritage, culinary delights and a zest for life come together to create a unique experience. It boasts a rich artistic heritage, with Bruges serving as a centre for medieval and Renaissance art and culture. Flemish cuisine is celebrated for its hearty and flavoursome dishes which incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Exploring on two wheels is also deeply ingrained in both the Flemish and Dutch cultures, with both countries boasting an extensive cycling network which criss-crosses the picturesque landscapes. Throughout this cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local life, from sampling stroopwafels in Rotterdam to trying exquisite Belgian chocolates in Bruges.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Belgian Chocolates

Discover a Rich Flemish Culture 

During our call into Zeebrugge, discover the history of Belgian chocolate, famous for its royal associations, exceptional quality and artisanal craftmanship. Belgian chocolatiers are celebrated for their dedication to using only the finest ingredients and traditional production methods to produce delectable chocolate treats. One of the hallmarks of Belgian chocolate is the smooth and creamy consistency, achieved through a meticulous process and by using only the highest quality cocoa beans. Throughout the cruise, you will also find art galleries showcasing renowned pieces by famous artists such as Monet and Van Gogh, embodying a rich cultural heritage and artistic expression.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

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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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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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 04:00 04/05/2024, 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 04:00 04/05/2024, 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 £2,199 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 £2,399 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 £2,799 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 £3,199 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £3,899 pp
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Cruise Offers

FREE On Board Spend   Freedom Fare

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.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • 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.

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