Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has timed this cruise to coincide with the renowned fruit harvest in the Hardanger region, an area referred to as ‘The Orchard of Norway’. Revel in autumnal scenery as Balmoral sails serene waterways like Romsdalsfjord, surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls, and Hardangerfjord, home to orchard-covered valleys and mountains. In Eidfjord, you can partake in apple harvesting and savour seasonal delights such as juice, cider and brandy, while Olden invites you to hike to the Briskdal Glacier and kayak on the pristine waters of Nordfjord. Uncover some of the innovative ways of scaling the fjordland, from rail and cable car to driving via the likes of Trollstigen, with its winding roads and hairpin bends.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Exploring mountainous landscapes
Our team have expertly crafted this Norwegian Fjords cruise to showcase some of the most breathtaking fjord scenery available. Views of steely gray mountains and tumbling waterfalls can be seen from the decks of Balmoral as we cruise along Romsdalfjord, Nordfjord, Maurangerfjord and Hardangerfjord. Your Captain will divert into an arm of the Maurangerfjord to take you close to the Fureberg Waterfall as it cascades into the fjord below. Our call to Olden will guarantee that you are ideall placed to visit the mighty Briksdal Glacier, while Åndalsnes is the starting point for the twists and turns of the Trollstigen's hairpin bends.
Embrace Friluftsliv
The appreciation of being outside and in touch with nature is known as Friluftsliv, a Norwegian concept. It promotes outdoor pursuits like boating, fishing, and hiking in all seasons, which is good for one's physical and mental well-being and is regarded as a fundamental component of Norwegian identity, deeply ingrained in the nation's culture. Whether you choose to hike through the fjordlands or go fishing on a peaceful lake with a local guide, we have included stops on this itinerary that will allow you to experience this for yourself. During your autumn-time visit to Norway, join us to visit a nearby apple farm and discover how the apples are harvested and processed to make the region's traditional cider and juice and sample some of the delicious liquids.
Discover innovative ways of traversing the fjordland
The intricate landscapes of Norway combine mountainous terrain with steep, narrow fjords and coastal areas which can be subject to harsh climates, including long winters and heavy snowfall, proving difficult for engineering plans to traverse the landscape to be introduced. However, over the years, Norwegian engineers have designed innovative ways to access some of the country’s most remote areas. Throughout this Balmoral cruise, you can discover some of these engineering marvels for yourself; so in Olden, take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven, a near-vertical climb that allows access to immaculate hiking paths with outstanding views of Nordfjord's scenery. Meanwhile, Åndalsnes is your starting point for the Rauma Railway, the famed engineering feat of the Atlantic Ocean Road which connects many tiny islands, and Trollstigen, the well-known mountain pass in the Sunnmøre region.
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.
Ellie Somme
Born and raised in Åndalsnes, local Norwegian Ellie Somme will be sharing insights into Norwegian customs and culture throughout the 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 18:00 24/12/2024, 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 18:00 24/12/2024, 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 £2,829 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BC)
Balcony Cabins provide plenty of indoor space and a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,329 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,129 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,929 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 £5,368.10 |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BC)
Balcony Cabins provide plenty of indoor space and a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,748.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,258.50 |
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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 £2,133.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,929 |
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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.