30 Oct 2023
Southampton
15 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
The converging of the Fred. Olsen fleet in Funchal is set to be the undoubted highlight on this island-hopping adventure, with a memorable day of celebrations planned for guests and crews. Visiting four Canary Islands presents chances to enjoy an array of experiences. You could opt to explore Mount Teide in Tenerife; discover the volcanic peaks and dense forests of La Palma; relax on the golden dunes of Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria; and savour the verdant vistas of La Gomera, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Uncovering the Olsen family’s links to these islands makes for an insightful experience too, be it at the Hotel Jardin Tecina or the mystical Pyramids of Güímar.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Volcanic Landscapes
This cruise aboard Balmoral will offer guests the chance to visit all of the volcanic islands of the Canaries, and Madeira too. In Tenerife, enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Teide, where the views over the rugged terrain show not only the crater of the island, but others in the archipelago too. La Palma is home to Caldera de Taburiente National Park – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where the volcanic crater is nestled within dense Canarian pine wood trees and criss-crossed by deep ravines. Pináculo Belvedere, located on the garden island of Madeira, stands at around 283 metres above sea level. This belvedere offers wonderful views over Funchal, with Cabo Girao in the distance. You’ll be joined on board by geologists Cally Oldershaw and Ben Church, who will talk in detail about the volcanic islands of the Canaries.
The Canarian Way of Life
Learn more about the Canarian way of life and experience how islanders live in these volcanic lands. As part of our Signature Experiences, take a tour to see how the famous spicy red pepper Mojo Picón sauce is made using local ingredients and processes, and enjoy preparing and tasting it yourself. The unique whistling language known as Silbo Gomero is used in La Gomera, and was historically used by locals to communicate across the deep ravines and valleys all over the island. Take the time to visit a local community where they’ll explain its history and will demonstrate this fascinating protected whistled conversation – which has become compulsory in La Gomera’s schools, so it can be preserved for the future.
Trade and Produce
Balmoral will take guests to parts of the Canaries to learn more about Fred. Olsen’s links to Tenerife, and trading over the years. In Tenerife, visit the island’s oldest banana plantation and discover how it was transformed into being the first plantation in the area to produce bananas entirely ecologically; and you’ll also have the chance to taste the organic fruit. In La Gomera, the beautiful gardens and hotel at Le Jardin Tecina are owned by the Olsen family – home to a thriving variety of tropical flowers and plants from all over the world, such as Vietnam and Japan – which sit happily alongside several species of native flora. Fred. Olsen is the largest employer on the island, and set up the fast ferry service to connect all the Canary Islands. You’ll be joined on this cruise by Clive Harvey, a maritime speaker with vast knowledge on the history of Fred. Olsen; as you'll have the pleasure of seeing both Bolette and Borealis in Funchal when you're there too.
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 23:00 28/09/2023, 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 23:00 28/09/2023, 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
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £4,099 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,499 pp |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £3,799 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,199 pp |
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £2,499 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 pp |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £1,499 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,899 pp |
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £8,599 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £8,998 |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £7,999 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £8,398 |
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £5,399 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £5,798 |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £3,399 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,798 |
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 |
|---|
360°
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.