Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a uniquely timed journey crafted by our team to unveil the winter weather-sprinkled Norwegian Fjords. What’s more, we’ve arranged for your call into Lerwick to coincide with Up Helly Aa, a Viking-themed festival complete with a torch-lit procession and the ceremonial burning of a replica Viking ship. Balmoral will glide along Nordfjord and Åkrafjord, showcasing winter-clad landscapes, including the partially frozen Langfoss Waterfall. Engage in seasonal pursuits like snow-shoe hiking and ice fishing, immersing yourself in the enchanting surroundings of snow and frost. Or perhaps explore Viking history at landmarks such as the Swords in Stone monument and the ancient settlement of Jarlshof.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Breathtaking Mountainous Landscapes
Throughout this cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to discover the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of Norway in winter. As you glide along serene narrow waterways, you can take in sights of tall, steely grey, snow-capped mountains and vast winter landscapes. From Stavanger, you are perfectly placed to embark on a boat trip down the stunning Lysefjord, known for its towering granite cliffs and dramatic scenery. Balmoral will also navigate the Åkrafjord, sailing past Langfoss waterfall. As the flow of water here is typically consistently strong, the waterfall rarely freezes, although you may see intricate ice formations around the surrounding edges and rocks.
Experience Friluftsliv
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian concept that translates to "open-air living". It embodies a cultural appreciation for outdoor activities and connection with nature. Friluftsliv emphasises spending time outdoors in all seasons, whether hiking, camping, skiing, or simply enjoying the surrounding natural environment. It promotes physical activity, mental well-being, and a sense of harmony with nature, reflecting Norway's deep respect for the outdoors and its importance in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Throughout this cruise, you can experience this for yourself, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in this Norwegian idea in our different ports of call.
Join in the Festivities of Up Helly Aa
We have planned this itinerary to include an extended call into Lerwick to allow you to join in with the festivities of the annual Up Helly Aa festival. This traditional fire festival has roots in ancient Norse traditions and celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage. Organised by local communities, it is led by a squad of Viking warriors known as the Jarl Squad, with the leader, known as the Guizer Jarl, representing a different character from Norse mythology or history. One of Europe’s largest fire festivals, it involves various events and culminates in the burning of a replica Viking longship.
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.
Don Wales
Professional freelance photographer, Don will be joining us throughout our sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
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.
Jeanette Yuile
Jeanette boasts over 40 years of Upstream Oil and Gas experience, and as a local Norwegian, she splits her time between Norway and the UK. During your cruise, Jeanette will be hosting a series of talks on Norway’s culture and way of life.
Susan Cohen
An author and creative director, Susan specialises in the Vikings and will be on hand to deliver insightful talks on Viking history in the destinations visited throughout 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 17:00 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 17:00 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 £2,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,118.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,738.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,423.25 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,248.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 |
|---|
360°
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.