Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a journey through the ‘Land of Fire and Ice,’ a name bestowed upon Iceland for its contrasting geological marvels. You can observe the power and beauty of waterfalls like Dynjandi, Goðafoss and Gullfoss, witness the erupting Strokkur Geyser, and explore the remarkable Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel. Balmoral will also cruise past the unusually shaped peaks of Hornbjarg. Engage in Icelandic culture through horse riding, hiking, folklore, and bathing in geothermal hot springs. There’s also the chance to go whale watching from Akureyri, an area renowned for humpback sightings. Delve into Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy, understanding how they harness power from their natural landscapes.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore the Land of Fire & Ice
Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ thanks to its remarkable geological contrasts. Located on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the country experiences frequent volcanic activity, with active volcanoes, lava fields, geysers and hot springs dotted across the landscape. The juxtaposition of this fiery activity with icy glaciers, towering ice caps and ice caves creates a striking contrast. Our journey planners have planned this itinerary to allow you to explore the geological marvel that is Iceland. From Reykjavík, you can explore sites such as the iconic Golden Circle, comprised of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, or explore Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel. Meanwhile, Akureyri and Ísafjörður are your gateways to the Godafoss and Dynjandi waterfalls respectively.
Discover Icelandic Identity
The Icelandic way of life is characterised by a deep-rooted connection to nature and a strong sense of community. Icelanders cherish their stunning natural landscapes and frequently engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking and horseback riding, to connect to the environment. They also take pride in their rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in literature, music and art inspired by Norse mythology and sagas. We have planned calls into ports of call which will allow you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Icelandic way of life. In Akureyri, you can enjoy a scenic horseback ride while our call into Reykjavík will find you perfectly placed to relax in the calming waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
Enjoy Whale Watching
The waters surrounding northern Iceland are rich in marine life, making them ideal habitats for various species of whale. A volcanic fissure on the ocean floor allows heat to filter up from the deep, attracting zooplankton and krill – the primary food sources for whales. On board, we will be joined by Ocean Conservationist ORCA who will be leading whale watching sessions out on deck and helping you to identify any marine life you may see, while our call into Akureyri affords the opportunity to join a whale watching tour with a local Marine Biologist.
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. Graeme Chesters
Dr. Chesters is an award-winning photographer who will be joining us throughout your cruise, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
Dr. Tony Pont
Having graduated with an honors degree in Geography and Geology, Tony Pont will be joining you to deliver a series of insightful talks about the geology of Iceland.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine 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 £3,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,888.10 |
|---|
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 £2,798.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 |
|---|
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.