Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have crafted your cruise to coincide with Christmas Markets in two European cities, which are reached via historically important rivers. You can soak up the cosy atmosphere while browsing the stalls for traditional handicrafts and sipping on warming mulled wine. In Antwerp, there will be chances to view art nouveau architecture, unearth the works of Rembrandt, sample Belgian chocolate and explore the diamond district – the largest of its kind in the world. Rouen’s medieval streets, half-timbered buildings and links to Joan of Arc are yours to discover before Balmoral sails the picturesque River Seine via the French countryside – a journey only possible on smaller ships.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Charming Old Towns
The medieval towns of Rouen and Antwerp boast appealing old towns of cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Wander through Rouen's picturesque alleys, lined with timbered houses dating back for centuries, and marvel at the gothic cathedral, which inspired Monet's series of famous paintings. You're perfectly placed here to take a day trip to Paris to explore this iconic city with its maze of streets and famous landmarks. The vibrant city of Antwerp is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture and its diamond district, which is said to be one of the largest in the world. Elegant houses and bustling markets line the streets where the masterpiece of architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the centre.
Christmas Festivities
This Balmoral cruise has been perfectly timed for guests to experience vibrant festive Markets in France and Belgium, where you'll have the opportunity to browse rows of stalls offering handcrafted gifts, delicious wintertime treats, framed by intricate light displays. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season as you wander through charming streets adorned with festive decorations, sampling delicious Belgian chocolate and beer, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your celebrations ashore.
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. Thom Gorst
Architect, historian and teacher of art and architecture, Thom Gorst, will be speaking about the architecture in Antwerp and Rouen.
Gary Miles
Gary has a degree in Modern history and is passionate about European history. He will be joining us on this cruise to talk about significant historical events in the French and Belgian destinations we will be visiting.
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 19:00 23/11/2024, 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 19:00 23/11/2024, 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 £1,349 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 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 £1,199 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,449 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 £649 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £899 pp |
360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | From £449 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £699 pp |
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Saver Fare | From £1,199 pp |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 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 £2,538.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £3,038.10 |
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 £2,253.10 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £2,753.10 |
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 £998.50 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,498.50 |
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
Solo traveller offer available
| Saver Fare | from £723.25 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,223.25 |
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Saver Fare | from £1,199 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 |
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.