31 Aug 2023
Newcastle
11 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
You can enjoy a combination of culture and scenery from both land and sea on this in-depth discovery of Sweden. Thanks to Balmoral’s smaller size, you will get to cruise the fjords of western Sweden, dock within one mile of the centre of Trelleborg, and berth closer to the city of Gothenburg than larger ships. After an extended stay in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, home to royal palaces and a historic old town (Gamla Stan), Balmoral will sail between the rocky, tree-topped islands and islets of the Stockholm Archipelago. Meanwhile, the UNESCO-listed town of Visby on the island of Gotland is like a living museum, renowned for its well-preserved medieval city walls.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Reaching parts of Sweden that others can’t
This cruise on board Balmoral is not your average cruise to Scandinavia. Due to her smaller size, she can cruise into the fjords of western Sweden up to Byfjord, and will also dock in Lysekil – originally a small fishing village, at the mouth of the fjords. The surrounding areas are full of culture, history and dense green forests. Balmoral will also meander through the islands and islets of the Stockholm archipelago as she makes her way into the city, where we recommend exploring medieval Gamle Stan and the many Royal Palaces.
The walled city of Visby
Lying around 60 miles off the eastern shores of Sweden is Gotland, one of the country’s picturesque islands of the Stockholm archipelago. Visby is the largest island on Gotland and features some of Sweden’s best preserved medieval centres, protected by thick fortified stone walls, and full of cobbled streets and hidden alleyways. The former harbour of Almedalen is now a lush urban park, as it became too shallow for many ships to dock; and is overlooked by Kruttornet – the oldest tower within the city walls, dating back to the 1100’s.
The medieval centre of Stockholm
Gamla Stan is the original city centre of Stockholm, dating back to the 13th century, and has a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways begging to be explored. The main square here is Stortorget, from which the baroque style Royal Palace can be found, and where changing of the guard takes place daily. The palace is the King’s official residence and is also home to three museums steeped in stately history, making it a unique combination of royal residence and a cultural and historical structure.
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
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.
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.