Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This cruise aboard Balmoral has been designed to showcase the lush, green rainforests of Central America and the tropical islands of the Caribbean. Explore the Costa Rican rainforests of Veragua and Cahuita National Park, where you will have the chance to go in search of local wildlife, such as sloths, raccoons and capuchin monkeys; or venture into the Belize jungle in search of majestic manatees on a tour from Balmoral. Immerse yourself in the Caribbean way of life by eating jerk chicken and listening to reggae music in Jamaica, sample delicious Colombian coffee and empanadas in Cartagena de Indias, and go snorkelling in Tortola and Mexico. In Belize, you will have opportunities to unearth Mayan history at Altun Ha or explore crystal caves, while in Cartagena you can discover the colonial old town.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Verdant Rainforests
Your cruise aboard Balmoral has been designed to give you the opportunity to explore tropical Caribbean islands and the lush rainforests of Central America. In Costa Rica, the Veragua Rainforest offers captivating views of Talamanca Range mountains from an aerial tram through the forest canopy, and is home to a large number of frog and butterfly species. In Cahuita National Park, you can spot colourful toucans, sloths, raccoons, howler and capuchin monkeys. The creeks and jungle in Belize offer a haven to the elusive manatee - or sea cow, as the shy and gentle creatures slowly meander through the shallow waters looking for food, which you can go in search of on a special tour from Balmoral. Sage Mountain in Tortola is filled with an abundance of trees and plants, including guavaberry and scattered white cedar, and mahogany trees.
Embracing Nature
In Central America, many local communities share a profound connection with nature, weaving sustainable practices and environmental care into their daily lives, using their deep knowledge of traditional practices. Here, families use agricultural processes like milpa to protect their ecosytems, and tend gardens that blend crops like maize, beans and cacao with native plants and trees, thus preserving the forests. In Jamaica, you can savour the distinct, rich flavours of Blue Mountain coffee at Craighton Estate Coffee Farm, where each cup is brewed to perfection. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how this world-renowned coffee is cultivated, an art passed down through generations. Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, nestled between lush rainforests and sweeping coastal plains, banana plantations flourish, and with fertile soils, plentiful rainfall, and warm, steady temperatures, this tropical paradise offers the perfect conditions for banana cultivation. Explore these plantations on tour from Balmoral, where you'll uncover the delicate balance between agricultural production and sustainable practices.
Central American legacies and influences
This cruise offers you the chance to discover more about native legacies and colonial influences in Central America. From Belize, join us on a visit to Altun Ha, also known as Rockstone Water, an important archaeological site in Mayan culture, or explore crystal caves used as ceremonial chambers by the ancient Mayans. Cartagena is bursting with Spanish colonial history, as is the Dominican Republic, where the first Spanish colony was founded in the New World by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage back to the island in 1493.
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.
Emerald Jewellery Workshop
Tour Cartagena’s San Felipe Fortress, visit the Emerald Museum, then create jewellery with Colombian emeralds at the Caribbean School of Jewellery before returning to the pier.
££££
Cartagena de Indias
Lucha Libre Meet & Greet
Experience the thrill of Mexico’s lucha libre, where colourful masked fighters battle as rudos and técnicos in exciting matches. Your guide will take you to a live show at Barriecito ring, where you can meet the luchadores and enjoy a special surprise.
££££
Cozumel
Community Baboon Sanctuary
Learn how to help protect one of the last healthy Black Howler Monkey populations while supporting biodiversity and local communities. Take a scenic drive to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, founded in 1985 by Dr. Robert Horwich and local families.
££££
Belize City
Blue Mountain Coffee Experience with Lunch
Explore Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, known as "coffee heaven," and experience its stunning landscapes—waterfalls, streams, and vibrant wildflowers—on a rare, scenic journey through the island's rural beauty.
££££
Port Royal
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.
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.
Roger Lee
Experienced photographer, Roger will be joining us throughout our sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
Tracy Foster
Horticulturalist and botanical guide Tracy Foster will be joining us to talk about the gardens you will see along your cruise, including the plants and flowers of the Caribbean and Central America.
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 13:00 21/11/2024, 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 13:00 21/11/2024, 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
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £10,899 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £11,499 pp |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £10,499 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £10,799 pp |
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £3,999 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £4,999 pp |
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £2,999 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,999 pp |
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Saver Fare | From £7,399 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £7,999 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 £20,648.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £21,848.10 |
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £19,918.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £20,518.10 |
360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £6,698.50 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £8,698.50 |
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £5,598.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £7,598.10 |
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Saver Fare | from £7,399 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £7,999 |
360°
Cruise Offers
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.