Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has planned this cruise adventure to visit northern Norway during the magical Northern Lights season. You will have the opportunity to spot this natural phenomenon of dancing lights from both the comfort of Balmoral and ashore in Alta during an extended stay. As well as experiencing crossing the Arctic Circle, you will be able to witness remote coastal scenery as you pass the Seven Sisters mountain range and sail through the Tjeldsundet Strait – this scenic shortcut is only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral. Spending time with a Sámi community in the remote Arctic wilderness and visiting a husky yard are great ways to learn about local culture and traditions. Astronomers from Go Stargazing will join you on this cruise to assist you with discovering different constellations from Balmoral's decks, holding informative sessions to learn more about the night sky.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The Dancing Northern Lights
Northern Norway is one of the very best places in the world to see the magical Northern Lights as they dance across the night skies. On this Balmoral cruise, you'll have the opportunity to spend time ashore on an extended stay in Alta, where you can go in search of the Aurora Borealis with local experts who will be able to tell you the very best way to spot the streaks of green and pink as they dart across the sky. Our planners have also included a call into Tromsø, known as the gateway to the Arctic, to offer you plenty of opportunities to further search out the mesmerising lights ashore, while the beautifully wide, open decks of Balmoral also provide ideal viewing positions for you to see the Northern Lights when at sea.
Enjoy frilutfsliv in winter
Even in the depths of winter, the people of Norway embrace being outdoors as much as possible, participating in various activities that convey the concept of friluftsliv, meaning 'outdoor life', by connecting with nature in all seasons. You can immerse yourself in this wonderful way of life by spending time with the local Sámi people in Alta and Tromsø, where you can visit a lavvu tent to hear stories from reindeer herders, learning about their traditions and culture, and help feed the animals, visit the beautiful husky dogs to discover more of how they were trained for Norway's famous dog-sled races, or enjoy a hike with a local expert, so that you return to Balmoral feeling re-energised and refreshed.
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 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.
The Atlantic Ocean Road with an Expert
Once voted Norway's Engineering Feat of the Century, the Atlantic Ocean Road has spectacular coastal scenery, culture and history at every turn. Enjoy a drive along this famous road before meeting a retired employee from the project to gain a deeper understanding of this impressive structure.
££££
Molde
Visit the Huskies
Enjoy a special meeting with around 40 happy huskies and learn about Finnmarksløpet, Europe’s longest dog sled race, at an anstonishing 745 miles long.
££££
Alta
Aurora Photo Safari
As you seek out the elusive Northern Lights, your experienced local guides will explain the history and science behind the Aurora, helping you to capture photographs of them should they make an appearance.
££££
Alta
Tromsø City & Cable Car
Begin with a tour of the city centre and visit the Arctic Cathedral before heading to the Fjellheisen cable car. Enjoy a ride to the Storsteinen viewpoint, 1,377ft above sea level, and take in the spectacular views of Tromsø and the surrounding landscape.
££££
Tromsø
Hjørundfjord Cruise
The Hjørundfjord cuts through some of the wildest mountain ranges in Norway, known as the Sunnmøre Alps. From the comfort of a vintage boat, admire views of mountains and fjords at their most spectacular.
££££
Ålesund
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.
David Nikel
Having lived in Norway since 2011, David has grown his website into one of the biggest language resources for those visiting or moving to Norway. He will be on hand throughout the cruise delivering a series of talks on all things Norwegian.
Dr. Param Sandhu
Photographer Dr Param Sandhu will be joining us on this sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by, including the possibility of capturing the mesmerising Northern Lights.
Sophie Carroll - Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find them out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
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 07:00 08/05/2024, 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 07:00 08/05/2024, 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 £3,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,899 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 £1,499 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 £1,299 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,899 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 £5,878.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,498.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,598.25 |
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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 £2,423.25 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £1,899 |
|---|
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 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.