Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a five-night journey through the majestic fjordland of Norway, timed by our Journey Planners so that you can witness waterfalls at their strongest due to melting mountain ice and see the Hardanger region’s apple trees in full bloom. Mountainous landscapes and serene waterways will be unveiled as Balmoral cruises one of Norway’s longest fjords – Hardangerfjord – and makes a special diversion along Maurangerfjord to capture the sprawling Fureberg Waterfall. Elsewhere, you’ll have opportunities to explore wonders like the Nigardsbreen Glacier, Vøringfoss Waterfall and Jotunheimen National Park, and delight in outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, hiking and foraging in Ulvik.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Witness Spectacular Fjord Landscapes
Throughout this cruise, you will be perfectly placed to take in views of mountainous fjord landscapes. From the decks of Balmoral, you can witness the towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and orchards which dot the landscapes of Lustrafjord and Hardangerfjord. The village of Ulvik is surrounded by towering mountains and verdant landscapes and is known for its thriving fruit orchards. From here, you can visit the famous Vøringfossen waterfall. Situated in the Måbødalen valley, the waterfall plunges 182 metres down steep cliffs creating a stunning display of mist and spray which can be seen and heard from afar. Meanwhile, our call into Skjolden is your gateway to the Nigardsbreen Glacier, an arm of the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which is characterised by its striking blue ice, crevasses and icefalls.
Embrace the Norwegian Concept of Friluftsliv
The Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv reflects a cultural and philosophical reverence for connecting with nature by embodying an ethos of open-air living. Outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking, are frequently undertaken across all seasons, promoting a harmonious relationship with the environment. Throughout this cruise, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to experience this for yourself, with the chance to join a local guide to go foraging, embark on a rewarding hike across the fjordlands to soak in the views from another perspective, or enjoy a leisurely kayak across the glassy waters of Hardangerfjord.
Experience Spring in the Fjords
We have timed this cruise to visit Norway when the waterfalls are at their strongest. During spring, the rising temperatures melt the mountain ice which feed the rivers flowing into the fjords, increasing the power of the region’s magnificent waterfalls. As Balmoral sails along Hardangerfjord, she will make a special diversion into Maurangerfjord to allow you to witness the spectacular Furebergsfossen Waterfall. One of Norway’s tallest waterfalls, the rushing waters crash 150 metres down the rugged cliffs into the fjord below. We have also timed this cruise to visit Hardangerfjord when the apple trees blossom, covering the hillsides with delicate blooms in shades of pink and white. One of the largest fruit-growing regions in Norway, the apple orchards stretch across the slope of the fjord, with the apples harvested here used to produce a range of products, including apple juice and cider.
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.
Isaac Kenyon
Geoscientist, Isaac Kenyon, is passionate about adventure travel and the great outdoors. Isaac will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and wilderness of the destinations we will be visiting.
Jeanette Yuile
Jeanette boasts over 40 years of Upstream Oil and Gas experience, and as a local Norwegian, she splits her time between Norway and the UK. During your cruise, Jeanette will be hosting a series of talks on Norway’s culture and way of life.
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 £1,999 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 £1,799 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £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 £899 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 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 £3,798.10 |
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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 £3,418.10 |
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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 £1,723.50 |
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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 £1,660.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 |
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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.