Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
The benefits of Balmoral’s smaller size come to the fore on his cruise, as we dock in the riverside cities of Rouen and Bordeaux, a feat only possible on smaller ships. Enjoy the views as we glide along the scenic River Seine, flanked by picturesque countryside and quaint villages, and discover the allure of Honfleur’s pretty harbour. Rouen is your gateway to the French capital, inviting you to embrace Parisian culture such as art, fashion, cafés and boulangeries. Meanwhile, Bordeaux — a haven for wine enthusiasts, and Honfleur — offering local delights like calvados and camembert, promise culinary delights. Uncover medieval history in every corner, from half-timbered houses to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Riverside Cities
You will get the chance to explore a variety of riverbank cities that skillfully blend fascinating history, lively culture, and unspoiled beauty on this Balmoral cruise. Bordeaux's famed vineyards are set against a magnificent backdrop of graceful façades that border the banks of the Garonne River. As Balmoral cruises the Seine, vistas of picturesque French countryside with little villages, historic bridges and tall church spires are revealed, and Honfleur's picturesque harbour entices with its colourful homes and nautical flair. You will also have the opportunity to join a tour to Paris, which is a superb way to see the famous sites of the iconic French city.
Embrace the French lifestyle
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to fully experience the local way of life as we explore France's spectacular riverside cities. Take the chance to savour the well-known treats of Calvados and Camembert in Honfleur, and explore the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux, which produce some of the most magnificent wines in the world, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are best experienced on a wine tasting tour. Rouen is your gateway to the French capital of Paris, where you can experience true Parisian culture, by exploring its thriving art and fashion scene and stopping by one of the numerous boulangeries, which are renowned for their superb pastries and bread and are a symbol of the quality of French cuisine.
Uncover medieval history
Take advantage of the opportunity to discover more about France's extensive medieval past throughout this Balmoral cruise. While the busy harbour in Honfleur displays the town's seafaring spirit, which defined its medieval beauty, Bordeaux's ancient gates provide a look into its fortified history. Enjoy exploring the cobblestone alleys of Rouen and admiring its city's architectural wonders, which include Gothic cathedrals and timber-framed homes. Additionally, you can join a tour from St. Malo to see the remarkable Mont Saint. Michel, which rises majestically from the sea as a shining example of medieval architecture.
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 £4,699 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BC)
Balcony Cabins provide plenty of indoor space and a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 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 £8,928.10 |
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Balcony Cabin (BC)
Balcony Cabins provide plenty of indoor space and a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,838.10 |
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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 £3,598.50 |
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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 £3,323.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 |
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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.