Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
The benefits of Balmoral’s smaller size come to the fore on this cruise, as you dock in Bordeaux and sail along the River Seine to Rouen, both of which aren’t possible on larger vessels. You will have the chance to view impressive architecture throughout, from Spain’s contemporary Guggenheim Museum to France’s beautiful medieval buildings. Traditional food and drink can be enjoyed in their place of origin, including tasty pintxos in Bilbao and creamy Camembert and Calvados in Honfleur. Visiting a local vineyard in Bordeaux, where the owners will guide you through a winemaking and tasting session, makes for a rewarding experience, too. Meanwhile, join us on deck to savour picturesque countryside views as Balmoral sails along the River Seine.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore iconic French & Spanish River Cities
On this Balmoral cruise, you will have a number of opportunities to explore some of France and Spain's most iconic riverside cities, including Rouen and Honfleur, nestled on the banks of the picturesque River Seine. Located at the confluence of the Gironde and Garonne rivers, Bordeaux offers an air of elegance with its neoclassical architecture, world-renowned vineyards, and flourishing food culture, while the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a masterpiece of modern architecture and Basque culture and showcases contemporary art against the backdrop of industrial history.
Discover the French and Basque way of life
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to fully experience the local way of life as we explore these French and Spanish riverside cities. In Bordeaux, visit world-class vineyards that produce some of the most prestigious Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sémillon wines, or indulge in speciality cheeses like creamy Brie, Camembert, or a tangy Roquefort spread on thickly sliced warm bread. Meanwhile, in the Basque Country, daily life is based around pintxos bars offering an array of flavoursome small bites, like Gilda (pepper, an anchovy fillet, and olive on a skewer, served on crispy bread) or Boquerones (fresh or marinated anchovies wrapped around green olives), accompanied by a warming Rioja wine or a refreshing Basque cider. You might want to try learning some of the Euskara language, a native dialect of the Basque Country, regarded as the oldest language still in use in Europe.
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.
Bilbao & Basque Pintxos
Explore the Basque country's vibrant tapas, pintxos, through a unique tour starting with a panoramic drive of Bilbao, leading to its colourful old quarter, the Seven Streets. Discover traditional Basque architecture on a walking tour, then enjoy pintxos in a local bar.
££££
Getxo (Bilbao)
Panoramic Tour & The Guggenheim
Journey through Bilbao, passing the Ensanche Area and the bridges over the Nervión River and enjoy views of Bilbao from Artxanda Mountain before visiting the Guggenheim Museum.
££££
Getxo (Bilbao)
La Rioja Vineyards
Discover the region of La Rioja, renowned for its vineyards and high-quality wines, with visits to the Bodegas Campillo winery, Laguardia and the winery of Eguren Ugarte.
££££
Getxo (Bilbao)
The Médoc Vineyards
Discover Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this tour highlighting its famed vineyards. Travel the Quai des Chartrons before exploring the Médoc region along the scenic Route des Châteaux. Enjoy a guided visit of a prestigious wine château, learning about winemaking techniques and sampling exquisite Bordeaux wine.
££££
Bordeaux
Château Carbonnieux
Visit Château Carbonnieux, a vineyard operational since the 13th century by Benedictine monks. Tour the historic wine cellars, admire the owner's classic car collection, and conclude with a tasting session that unveils the secrets of their renowned red and white wines.
££££
Bordeaux
Saint-Émilion Village & Vineyard By Little Train
Begin exploring Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Merlot grape cultivation. Enjoy a vineyard tour via traditional open-air train and a guided walking tour of the village's upper part, ending with free time to explore.
££££
Bordeaux
Paris in a Day with Seine River Cruise
Enjoy a scenic drive through Paris to see the city's highlights, before an idyllic boat cruise on the River Seine with a delicious lunch.
££££
Rouen
Historical City of Rouen
Discover Rouen's highlights on this scenic walking tour. Pass iconic sights such as the beautiful Saint-Maclou Church and visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen before spending some free time at Place du Vieux Marché.
££££
Rouen
Monet’s Garden & Giverny
Enjoy a visit to the house and gardens of Monet, one of the most famous painters in the world. Explore his iconic pink and green house and the Japanese gardens which served as inspiration for multiple pieces of his work.
££££
Honfleur
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.
John Francis
John is an accredited Arts Society speaker who will be joining us to deliver a series of engaging talks on the art and architecture you will experience in each of the destinations you will be visiting.
Rosalind Cooper
Rosalind began her wine career as a lecturer and a tour guide, since then she has been an editor of Decanter magazine. She will be joining us to deliver a series of talks about the wines from the regions you will be visiting during your cruise.
Sue Wilmot
Sue, a former resident of France for seven years, brings her fluency in French and deep cultural insights, acquired through extensive travel, particularly in Bordeaux, to share anecdotes and conduct French language workshops, enriching our onboard experience.
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 £3,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £7,598.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £7,028.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,973.25 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,623.25 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 |
|---|
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.