Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This Northern Norway cruise adventure has been planned to give you the opportunity to witness the enchanting Northern Lights, a mesmerising display of colourful ribbons dancing across the night sky. Beyond this celestial spectacle, known as the Aurora Borealis, immerse yourself in the local culture with thrilling activities like husky sledding, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling through pristine wintery landscapes. You can also connect with the indigenous Sámi community, delving into their traditions and way of life, from reindeer herding to the warmth of lavvu tents. Furthermore, seize the chance to delve into the science behind the Aurora Borealis, unravelling the mysteries of this otherworldly phenomenon.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Seek Out the Elusive Northern Lights
Our Journey Planners have planned this itinerary to visit Northern Norway at the perfect time to seek out the elusive Northern Lights. Clear, dark skies are essential for viewing the lights, and Northern Norway’s long, dark winter nights provide the perfect setting for the lights to dance across the sky. With calls into destinations that lie deep within the Arctic Circle, such as Tromsø and Narvik, you will be perfectly placed to go in search of the mysterious Aurora Borealis, while on board, you can take advantage of clear, dark skies with little light pollution as you wait for the lights to make an appearance.
Experience the Arctic Way of Life
Throughout your Balmoral cruise, you will be perfectly placed to experience the Arctic way of life. In Tromsø, known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, you can embark on a cross-country dog sled with local huskies while Narvik affords the chance to meet with the local Sámi community and experience their rich culture, characterised by their unique language, traditional clothing, music, folklore, and livelihoods such as reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting.
Discover the Science behind the Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a mesmerising celestial display which illuminate the polar skies with vibrant hues of green, purple, blue and red. This spectacular phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, with oxygen creating the green and red hues and nitrogen creating blue and purple tones. Throughout your cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to delve further into the science behind the Aurora Borealis, discovering more about their history and their formation.
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.
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 Chris Laurel on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
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 16:00 25/12/2024, 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 16:00 25/12/2024, 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 £3,299 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 £3,099 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 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 £6,258.10 |
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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 £5,878.10 |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,948.25 |
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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 £2,598.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 |
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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.