Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise to showcase the rivers and cities of France and Portugal. From navigating the picturesque Seine – restricted to smaller ships like Balmoral – and the Garonne to meandering along the Douro on a tour and marvelling at views of Lisbon from the Tagus, scenic waterways await in abundance. Immerse yourself in local life, savouring pastéis de nata and riding the iconic trams in Lisbon, and delving into Parisian culture from Rouen. A rich history of port and fine-wine production can be uncovered in Porto and Bordeaux. The latter invites exploration of wineries, wine museums, and the picturesque Saint-Émilion village nestled in the heart of the wine region.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Scenic Riverside Cities
This cruise has been hand-crafted to take in the very best rivers and cities of France and Portugal. As we sail into Lisbon, you can soak in views from the River Tagus, including the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge and Belém Tower, while Matosinhos is your gateway to the city of Porto and the Douro River. Surrounded by terraced vineyards, charming villages and historic landmarks, it winds its way through Portugal’s wine country, providing a picturesque journey. Balmoral will also divert into the scenic Gironde and Garonne rivers as she heads towards Bordeaux before cruising along the beautiful River Seine to reach Rouen. Flowing through the French countryside, soak in views of rolling valleys, historic bridges and quaint villages from the decks of Balmoral.
Experience Local Life
Throughout the cruise, you will have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in local life. Sample locally-produced camembert or Calvados in Honfleur, enjoy local treats such as sardines and Pasteis de nata in Lisbon, indulge in a wine tasting in the wine region of Bordeaux, and taste locally-produced Port in Porto. In Lisbon, you can hop onto one of the iconic trams and explore the city like a local, while Rouen is your gateway to France's capital city, Paris. Immerse yourself in the Parisian culture for the day, with a visit to a local boulangerie to sample carefully crafted pastries or discover the café culture. An integral part of the city’s lifestyle, Paris is home to several iconic cafés, each with its own unique charm and character.
Uncover the Art of Wine & Brandy Production
On this cruise, you can uncover the art of wine and brandy production, with calls into Bordeaux, and Porto serving as gateways to the iconic Brandy, Bordeaux Wine and Port regions respectively. From Bordeaux, you can explore the vineyards, wine museums and UNESCO Saint-Émilion village located in the heart of the wine region or discover the production methods involved in Port Wine from Matosinhos. Only wines produced in the Douro Valley can be labelled as Port, with Porto serving as the main hub for the ageing, blending and export of the sweet wine.
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.
Andy Gray
Photographer Andrew Gray will be joining us on your cruise to help you capture your own spectacular images of the destinations we will see on this special sailing.
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 £4,499 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 £4,299 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 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 £8,548.10 |
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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 £8,168.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £4,198.25 |
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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 £3,760.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 |
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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.