Journeys designed to reach places and experiences better suited to smaller ships.
Carefully curated for our smaller ships, these cruises allow you to dock in the heart of cities such as Bordeaux and Antwerp, and sail along size-restricted waterways including the River Seine bringing you closer to the destinations you visit.
Sailing to ports only smaller ships can reach
Belgium, France & River Seine - L2803
6 Feb 2028 | 7 nights | portsmouth
Designed to take full advantage of Balmoral’s smaller size, this cruise brings you closer to the distinctive sights, flavours and character of Belgium and France, including places beyond the reach of many larger ships.[ReadMoreMob] Balmoral can dock in the heart of Antwerp, where an extended stay gives you time to explore its historic centre – just a short walk from your ship – and sample its celebrated chocolates and beers. Scenic cruising along the River Seine then leads to Rouen – a journey reserved for smaller ships – where another extended stay allows for deeper discovery or even a tour to Paris. Your final call in Honfleur offers a taste of Normandy, with its picturesque harbour and specialities including Camembert and Calvados.
Springtime Charms of France - L2807
27 April 2028 | 7 nights | Portsmouth
Embrace the extra days of the Bank Holiday weekend with an escape to France, where Balmoral’s smaller size allows her to dock in the heart of Bordeaux.[ReadMoreMob] Timed to coincide with the seasonal opening of the region’s vineyards, it’s an ideal opportunity to discover one of the world’s most renowned wine-producing areas, with an extended stay allowing for unhurried exploration of the city and its surrounding countryside. You’ll also visit St. Peter Port, where pretty harbourside scenes and winding lanes reveal the unique character of Guernsey, and Honfleur, whose picturesque harbour and historic streets provide a fitting setting in which to savour Normandy’s culinary heritage, including local specialities such as Camembert and Calvados.
Scenery & Wildlife of Scotland & Ireland - T2811
2 May 2028 | 8 nights | Newcastle
This journey is shaped around the wild scenery and wildlife of Scotland and Ireland, with days at sea just as rewarding as your calls ashore. Bolette follows remote coastlines and island shores that can be difficult to experience in one trip, sailing past Fingal’s Cave, Lunga and Kilt Rock, and into peaceful Loch Torridon.[ReadMoreMob] The timing also brings opportunities to look for puffins, dolphins and perhaps whales in the surrounding waters, while visits to Lewis and Shetland offer a closer connection to Scotland’s island landscapes. Across the Irish Sea, the scenery continues along the Wild Atlantic Way, including views of the Slieve League Cliffs, with time in Belfast offering the chance to visit the Giant’s Causeway.
Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean & Adriatic - L2806
3 April 2028 | 24 nights | portsmouth
See more of Europe and the Mediterranean on this sailing, visiting ten countries in one journey while only needing to unpack once.[ReadMoreMob] Alongside celebrated sights such as the Rock of Gibraltar and Valletta's Grand Harbour, there are opportunities to discover places further off the usual tourist trail, including Albania and a maiden call to Igoumenitsa, gateway to the remarkable monasteries of Meteora. Scenic cruising adds another dimension, with views of the Bay of Kotor, St Anthony Channel, Vulcano Island and a scenic sail into Mahon, Menorca, all best enjoyed from the deck. Balmoral's smaller size allows her to call into Šibenik and dock alongside in Kotor, Trapani and Mahon, bringing you closer to each of these destinations.
Islands of the Azores & Madeira - L2809
13 May 2028 | 14 nights | portsmouth
This cruise brings together the volcanic landscapes and distinctive character of the Azores with Madeira and mainland Portugal, including three very different Azorean islands – only one of which is accessible by direct flight from the UK.[ReadMoreMob] In Terceira and São Miguel, discover crater lakes, volcanic scenery and waters renowned for whale sightings, while Horta on Faial – where only smaller ships can dock – reveals a less-visited side of the archipelago, with its colourful marina and views towards Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. Madeira, Lisbon and Matosinhos offer a taste of Portuguese culture, whether enjoying grilled sardines and pastéis de nata, listening to evocative Fado music or sampling Port wine.
Why This Collection?
Some ports are off limits to bigger ships
Antwerp, Bordeaux and Trapani – each one reachable on our smaller ships.
Docked in the heart, not on the edge of cities
While bigger ships dock at industrial alternatives outside the city, ours can sail centrally in to places like Antwerp and Bordeaux, putting you within walking distance from the moment you step ashore.
Small enough not to overwhelm
With fewer guests on board, you can step ashore and start exploring sooner, while helping to ensure destinations are enjoyed more thoughtfully, creating a more authentic experience.
Every sailing timed on purpose
Seasonal opening of Bordeaux’s vineyards, Netherlands tulips in bloom or puffins and whales in Scotland’s waters, each of these sailings is timed for a reason and not just to fit the calendar.
All small ship adventure sailings
All small ship adventure sailings
Sorted by departure date. Every sailing reaches a port, dock or community a larger ship couldn't.
| Code | Departs | Nights | Port | The story point | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L2803 | 7 Feb 2028 | 7 | Portsmouth | Central docking in Antwerp and Rouen, Valentine's weekend in Paris | View → |
| L2806 | 3 Apr 2028 | 24 | Portsmouth | Small-ship ports Koper, Trapani, Sibenik and Mahon | View → |
| L2807 | 27 April 2028 | 7 | Portsmouth | Sails the Gironde into central Bordeaux, timed for vineyard season | View → |
| L2809 | 13 May 2028 | 14 | Portsmouth | Horta and three distinct Azorean islands | View → |
| S2808 | 27 May 2028 | 5 | Liverpool | Ullapool and remote isles, peak puffin and whale season | View → |