Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a winter sun discovery of the Canary Islands, an archipelago bursting with vast natural landscapes. In Tenerife, savour views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, while in La Gomera, you can explore the remarkable laurisilva forests. You can also see the Cabo Girão sea cliff in Madeira and the volcanic vistas of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. Sip Malvasía wine in Lanzarote, sample traditional wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauce, and relax on the beaches as you fully immerse yourself in Canarian daily life. There’s also the chance to go in search of marine life in the waters surrounding La Gomera and Tenerife. Elsewhere, you’ll have opportunities to uncover the Olsen family’s historic links with the islands.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Vast Natural Landscapes
This itinerary has been planned to take in some of the vast natural landscapes that can be found on the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz is your gateway to Mount Teide, an iconic volcano which is situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the summit, reached by cable car, you can soak in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and neighbouring islands. From San Sebastian, you are perfectly placed to explore the laurisilva forests, an example of ancient subtropical cloud forests, while Arrecife allows for exploration of Timanfaya National Park. Nicknamed the ‘Fire Mountains’, the park was created by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century and showcases a surreal landscape of lava fields, craters and volcanic cones.
Immerse Yourself in the Canarian Way of Life
The Canarian way of life reflects a unique blend of cultural influences, embracing a relaxed and laidback lifestyle which is influenced by the pleasant subtropical climate and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. While in San Sebastian, you can enjoy a demonstration of the ancient Silbo whistling language, a remarkable form of communication which is native to La Gomera, or discover traditional Canarian music and dance, such as Isa and Folías. Meanwhile, throughout the cruise you will be perfectly placed to sample local delicacies such as papas arrugadas and mojo sauce, sip Malvasía wine at a volcanic vineyard, or embrace the beach culture, relaxing on the shores of local beaches and enjoying time on the water.
Spot Dolphins in their Natural Habitat
The waters surrounding the Canary Islands are known for their richness and biodiversity, creating favourable habitats for dolphins. The islands have also implemented several conservation measures over the years to protect marine life and help maintain healthy dolphin populations. From several ports of call, you can embark on a dolphin watching tour, seeking out these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Other species, such as pilot whales and orcas may also be seen.
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.
Dr. Joshua Kelly
Assistant Professor of Geology Dr. Joshua Kelly, will be joining us on this sailing to deliver a series talks on the vast natural landscapes we will be visting on this cruise.
Go Stargazing
Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.
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 £3,499 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 £3,299 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 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 £6,648.10 |
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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 £6,268.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £3,498.25 |
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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 £3,148.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
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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.