Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This cruise has been specially timed to visit the Netherlands during the colourful tulip season. From Rotterdam, you can see these iconic flowers in bloom at Keukenhof Gardens or at a tulip farm accompanied by a local tulip grower who can share an insight into how they’re grown. Only smaller ships like Balmoral are able to dock in Antwerp, where you will be within walking distance of the city centre, offering you the chance to explore its famous diamond district and sample treats synonymous with Belgium, such as velvety, rich chocolate and flavoursome beer; glide along the canals of Rotterdam and Hamburg; or explore the cities' charming streets by bicycle. Home to one of the world’s most influential music scenes, Hamburg is where the Beatles began their career, which you can discover more about with a local Beatles enthusiast.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Uncover horticultural highlights
Your Balmoral cruise offers you the chance to discover a diverse range of horticultural delights in each of the cities you are visiting, each uniquely different. In Hamburg, you are perfectly placed to wander through the tree-lined paths of Planten un Blomen park with its tranquil ponds and vibrant flower displays, while the renowned Keukenhof Gardens can be explored on a tour from Rotterdam. As you will be visiting in tulip season, you will be dazzled by the simply stunning array of over seven million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in the most beautiful spring garden in the world. Meanwhile, Antwerp's Plantentuin is a small, green oasis situated in the middle of the city, whose botanical garden is home to an eclectic collection of plants from around the world.
Discover life in the Lowlands
Life in the Lowlands offers a delightful fusion of different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. As you glide serenely along the historic canals of Rotterdam and Hamburg, revel in the scenic views on your alternative way to explore these fine cities, or join the locals and cycle through charming streets before stopping for well-earned refreshments. Hamburg has a long history of brewing that dates back over a thousand years, when local monasteries were the exclusive purveyors of beer, but is now enjoyed in lively pubs across the region with a range of classic lagers and unique craft beers. No visit to the Lowlands would be complete without indulging in the rich, velvety taste of Belgian chocolate in Antwerp, famous for its enticing tiny chocolatiers lining the quaint streets and the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum.
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.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you to see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Hamburg Miniature Train Wonderland
Explore Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, the world's largest model railway exhibition, featuring intricately detailed landscapes and dynamic scenes. Marvel at miniature cities, realistic trains, and stunning dioramas depicting global destinations. With captivating lighting and moving elements, this attraction offers a mesmerizing and immersive experience for all ages.
££££
Hamburg
Cycle Hamburg
Explore Hamburg's highlights by bike, visiting the Landing Bridges, Alster Lake, Jungfernstieg, the Neo-Renaissance Town Hall, and St. Michael's Church. Continue along the River Elbe to see the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district and modern HafenCity, home to the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall.
££££
Hamburg
Tulip Farm & Keukenhof Festival
Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colour at the famous Dutch Tulip Farm, De Tulperig, and enjoy a visit to Keukenhof, the largest flower garden in the world.
££££
Rotterdam
Brussels & Belgian Chocolates
Experience Brussels' rich history and vibrant culture, with a blend of iconic landmarks, charming old town streets, and a hands-on chocolate workshop.
££££
Antwerp
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.
Matthias Nijs
Matthias grew up in a small Belgian village and, as an expert on Belgian life and culture, will be joining us to offer a unique and insightful perspective on living in Belgium and its neighbouring countries.
Patricia Fox
Patricia is an award-winning garden designer, lecturer, writer, and coach with nearly two decades of experience in the landscape industry, who will be on board to deliver an engaging talk on the tulips in Keukenhof.
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 £2,499 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,149 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 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 £4,748.10 |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,178.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,010.75 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,835.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 |
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360°
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.