Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a voyage to Northern Norway, timed to give you the opportunity to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights. Known as the Aurora Borealis, this cosmic display sees the night skies painted with colourful ribbons of light. The Arctic’s fascinating way of life can be experienced through thrilling activities like husky sledding, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling across the serene winter landscapes, or engaging with the indigenous Sámi people to gain an insight into their age-old traditions, from reindeer herding to the cosy embrace of lavvu tents. Deepen your understanding of the Aurora Borealis by exploring the science and unravelling the mysteries behind this celestial spectacle.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Seek out the Northern Lights
This itinerary has been handcrafted to visit Northern Norway at the best possible time to seek out the elusive Aurora Borealis. Thanks to the long, dark nights during the winter months here, the colourful Aurora can often be seen dancing across the clear night sky. We have included calls into Tromsø, also known as the gateway to the Arctic, and Alta to afford you plenty of opportunities to seek out the mesmerising lights ashore, while the decks of Balmoral provide the perfect setting to witness them at sea, should they decide to make an appearance.
Discover the Arctic Way of Life
Discover the fascinating Arctic way of life on this cruise, with the chance to meet with the local Sámi people and discover their rich culture, listening to their age-old traditions and stories in a cosy lavvu tent. You can also enjoy thrilling activities such as snowmobiling across sweeping winter backdrops, embark on an exhilarating snowshoe hike across the vast Arctic landscape, or enjoy dog sledding with a group of happy huskies, weaving your way across the snowy Norwegian countryside.
Learn About the Science Behind the Aurora Borealis
While you go in search of the elusive Northern Lights, you will also be perfectly placed to delve into the science and history of this natural phenomenon. Mother Nature’s inimitable light show takes place when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating the vivid green, red, blue and purple hues you can see in the polar skies. Throughout your cruise, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover the science behind the lights, including their formation and 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.
Dr. Peter Walmsley
Peter, a passionate amateur travel photographer and winner in a category of the International Travel Photographer of the Year competition in 2021, will be accompanying us on this voyage. He will be on hand to help capture unforgettable moments of our cruise destinations, including the potential spectacle of the Northern Lights.
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.
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 £3,399 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 £3,199 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 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 £6,458.10 |
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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 £6,078.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £3,148.25 |
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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 £2,798.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 |
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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.