Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Intricate architecture will unfold as you cruise through the Mediterranean, from the Alcazar and Plaza de España in Seville to Barcelona’s impressive Sagrada Familia and the colourful mosaics of Park Güell. Meanwhile, Istanbul’s grandeur is revealed through the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The Dalmatian Coast, with its mountains, bays and islands, presents chances to see the scenic sights of Lake Bled, the Bay of Kotor, the Krka Waterfalls and the picturesque Makarska Riviera. Greece enchants with iconic views of Santorini’s blue-domed, whitewashed buildings and Zakynthos’s stunning coastline, featuring beautiful white cliffs, turquoise waters and countryside adorned with olive trees. Meanwhile, the charming, pastel-hued towns of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, seemingly teetering on the cliff edge, are a delight to explore. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean way of life, from Ibiza’s Bohemian spirit to la dolce vita in Italy and the vibrant Spanish culture known as La Vida Española. Indulge in rich culinary traditions, savouring Spanish tapas and paella, Turkish meze, fresh pasta, pesto, pizza, and lemons in Italy, and Greek delights like moussaka and souvlaki. You can also experience local music and dance, uncover beautiful gardens in Amalfi, and witness the mesmerising Ibizan sunset. Throughout your journey, uncover the rich tapestry of ancient Roman and Greek history, enriching your exploration of the Mediterranean further.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Islands, Bays, Mountains and Coastal villages
Your cruise aboard Balmoral will take you to a multitude of remarkable bays, islands and villages perched on coastal cliffs in the Mediterranean. From La Spezia, explore Cinque Terre with its tiny cobblestone alleys, quaint piazzas and views of pastel-colored buildings that cling to the terraced slopes. Balmoral will also sail along the scenic Amalfi Coast, characterised by its dramatic cliffs and vibrant villages clinging to the rugged cliffs above the ultramarine waters. You can take in the wild beauty of Mount Biokovo in Croatia as you cruise past the spectacular limestone cliffs covered in luxurious flora. The seaside jewel of Split is tucked away alongside the glistening Adriatic Sea and features winding alleyways, picturesque squares, and vibrant marketplaces. Sail along the Bay of Kotor's fjord-like waters, surrounded by rocky shorelines, small villages and towering peaks, before exploring the spectacular vistas, untamed scenery and towering mountains of iconic Greek Islands.
The Mediterranean way of life
Life in the Mediterranean is based on a variety of cultures. In Italy, experience 'La Dolce Vita' - translating as 'the sweet life', embodies a lifestyle and cultural ethos that places a strong focus on leisure, enjoyment, and living in the now. With this in mind, take the opportunity to enjoy pizza in Naples and freshly made Limoncello in Sorrento on your Balmoral cruise. Salerno serves as your gateway to the quaint hilltop village of Ravello, which is renowned for its enchanted villas and exquisite gardens. In Croatia, discover how the combination of flavours from the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe is an essential part of the nation's cultural identity. Take time to sample locally produced olive oil, explore the colourful fish market and konobas and appreciate the city's rich cultural past through traditional folk dance and music. In Greece, savour authentic Greek cuisine in a local taverna, including moussaka and souvlaki, and sample Kalamata olives; or enjoy Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine with a distinct and refreshing flavour. You'll also have opportunities to experience Turkish and Iberian cultures and cuisines when on this epic cruise.
Discover inspirational artists and uncover Ancient history
On this Balmoral cruise, you'll be able to learn why Ibiza's varied landscape, immaculate beaches, exciting nightlife, and rich cultural heritage attract artists. The cosmopolitan community, bohemian history, spiritual atmosphere, and mesmerising sunsets of Ibiza all serve as inspirational creations that capture the island's distinct fusion of nature and culture. Discover the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, a futuristic complex created by Santiago Calatrava that blends futuristic architecture with a scientific and cultural institution. There will also be many opportunities to learn more about the lives of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Ancient Greece and its mythology, are a complex tapestry of tales and legends that explored themes of love, treachery, bravery, and the conflict between gods and mortals. The Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Ancient Agora are just a few of the archaeological monuments that can be visited from Piraeus. Agios Nikolaos is the starting point for accessing the Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minona palace close to Heraklion.
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.
Go Stargazing
Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.
Heather Hope
Animated public speaker and travel writer Heather has travelled the world, gaining a deep understanding of the history and challenges people face everyday. During your cruise, she will share true stories and teach you about the history, culture and economics of this fascinating region.
Richard Lovelock
As we explore the Mediterranean together, wildlife photographer, Richard Lovelock, will be joining us on board hosting a series of insightful talks and to help you practice your photography skills out on deck.
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 £15,999 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 £14,799 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £8,299 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £12,499 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 £30,398.10 |
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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 £28,118.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £13,693.35 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £13,123.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £12,499 |
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360°
Cruise Offers
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.