Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
We’ve timed this winter adventure to give you the chance to capture the elusive Aurora Borealis – ethereal ribbons of light that dance across the skies – both ashore and from the comfort of Balmoral. With extended stays in Alta and Tromsø, you can discover rich Arctic culture as you connect with a local Sámi community, listening to their fascinating stories in a traditional lavvu tent. There will also be opportunities to explore picturesque landscapes, often blanketed in snow at this time of year, by embarking on a snowshoe hike or a thrilling husky sled or snowmobile ride. Delve into the science behind the mesmerising Northern Lights, unlocking the secrets of this celestial spectacle.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Seek out the Northern Lights
This itinerary has been crafted to allow you the best possible chance of seeking out the elusive Northern Lights at the best time to see them. The dark and long nights in Arctic Norway allow plenty of opportunity to seek out Mother Nature’s spectacular light show during the winter months, both ashore and from the decks of Balmoral. With extended stays in both Alta and Tromsø, you can embark on shore tours to go in search of the dancing lights, with experienced local guides on hand to take you to the best spots with the highest probability of witnessing this incredible phenomenon.
Experience Local Arctic Life
Discover the rich Arctic culture on this cruise, with calls into destinations which will allow you to experience the Arctic way of life. Connect with local Sámi communities, discovering age-old traditions as you sit by a fire in a lavvu, a traditional Sámi tent, and learn about their rich culture, or embark on thrilling experiences, such as husky sledding across the Arctic countryside or snowmobiling across the dark, snowy landscapes as you go in search of the elusive Aurora Borealis. The opportunity to enjoy a snowshoe hike across picturesque landscapes also awaits.
Delve into the Science Behind the Northern Lights
The elusive Northern Lights have captivated humans for thousands of years and are visible in the polar regions during the winter months. The vivid green, red, blue and purple hues are caused when charged particles, carried through space on solar winds, collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, travelling up to the magnetic poles and bursting into colourful displays. Throughout the cruise, you can discover the secrets and science behind the mesmerising lights, discovering more about why they are formed and their historical significance.
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
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. Join Jo & Pete Richardson on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
Harry Read
An award-winning nature photographer, Harry Read 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.
Kjersti Farrier
Kjersti, who was born in Norway, will be joining us to share some insight into Norwegian culture and way of life.
Mike Bowman
Geologist and honorary professor, Mike Bowman will be speaking about the geological features of Norway and what makes them so special during your cruise.
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 £4,499 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 £4,299 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 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 £8,548.10 |
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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 £8,168.10 |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £4,198.25 |
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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 £3,760.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 |
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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.