Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Join us on this exploration of French riverside cities, where you can marvel at Bordeaux’s facades along the Garonne and soak in the allure of Honfleur’s harbour. What’s more, Balmoral will sail the picturesque River Seine into Rouen – a journey only possible on smaller ships. Indulging in Bordeaux’s famed wine and the distinct flavours of Honfleur’s calvados and camembert will delight the senses. Meanwhile, Rouen is ideally placed for tours to the French capital, where you can absorb Parisian culture with its charming cafés, boulangeries, art, and fashion. Step back in time with opportunities to discover medieval sites such as Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo and the half-timbered houses of Normandy.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Riverside Cities
On this Balmoral cruise, you'll have the opportunity to discover a collection of riverside cities that seamlessly combine captivating history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Bordeaux's elegant façades line the banks of the Garonne River, creating a picturesque backdrop to its renowned vineyards. Cruising along the Seine aboard Balmoral unveils scenes of charming French countryside adorned with quaint villages and towering church spires, while Honfleur's quaint harbour beckons with its maritime charm and colourful houses. You’ll also have the chance to join a tour to Paris, ideal for exploring the French capital’s iconic landmarks.
Discover the French Lifestyle
During our exploration of riverside cities, you’ll find ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the authentic local lifestyle. In Honfleur, savour the renowned delights of Calvados and Camembert, while Bordeaux invites you to delight in its world-famous vineyards, offering some of the world’s most exquisite tipples, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, best enjoyed on a wine tasting tour. Meanwhile, Rouen is your gateway to the French capital, where you can indulge in Parisian culture. Discover the vibrant art and fashion scene, and visit one of the many boulangeries, celebrated for their exceptional bread and pastries, a testament to Parisian culinary excellence.
Medieval History
From Balmoral, take the chance to explore the rich medieval history of France throughout your journey. Bordeaux's ancient gates offer a glimpse into its fortified history, while Honfleur's bustling harbour showcases the town's maritime spirit that defined its medieval charm. In Rouen, enjoy wandering along the cobbled streets, taking in architectural marvels such as timber-framed houses and Gothic cathedrals. You'll also have the chance to join a tour from St Malo to witness the beauty of Mont Saint Michel, a beacon of medieval architecture rising from the sea.
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.
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Jon Malits
Jon is a professional photographer with worldwide experience, he will be on hand throughout the cruise ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
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.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 11:00 20/12/2024, 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 11:00 20/12/2024, 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 £5,499 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BC)
Balcony Cabins provide plenty of indoor space and a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,999 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 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 £10,448.10 |
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Balcony Cabin (BC)
Balcony Cabins provide plenty of indoor space and a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £7,598.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,348.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,023.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 |
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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.
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
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 FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
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 be advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
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.