Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a captivating journey through Norway’s fjordland, offering a taste of its breathtaking landscapes in a shorter duration. We’ve timed your visit perfectly for peak waterfall strength caused by melting mountain ice, so when we take you on a diversion along Maurangerfjord, you’ll be able to capture the sprawling Fureberg Waterfall in all its glory. Balmoral will also sail the enchanting Lysefjord, restricted to smaller ships, and scenic Hardangerfjord. You can immerse yourself in friluftsliv – the Norwegian concept of embracing outdoor living for well-being – with Ulvik offering chances to enjoy kayaking, hiking and foraging. Uncover Viking history at Stavanger’s Swords in Rock monument.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Mountainous Fjord Landscapes
Our Journey Planners have hand-crafted this itinerary to showcase some of the most spectacular fjord landscapes found in Norway, affording you the opportunity to witness these from the unique perspective of the water. Balmoral will divert into the narrow waters of Lysefjord, an experience only possible on smaller ships. Surrounded by towering, steely grey mountains, Lysefjord is home to the famous Pulpit Rock, known locally as Preikestolen, one of Norway’s most iconic natural landmarks. This cliff plateau stands approximately 604 metres above sea level and is characterised by its flat, almost square-shaped surface. We will also sail along Hardangerfjord, one of the most picturesque fjords, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and verdant valleys dotted with fruit orchards and charming villages.
Experience the Norwegian Concept of Friluftsliv
This Norwegian concept embodies the ethos of 'open-air living' and 'outdoor life,' and reflects a cultural and philosophical reverence for connecting with nature. It emphasises engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and various pursuits across all seasons, promoting holistic well-being and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Friluftsliv is ingrained in Norwegian culture and is cherished for its ability to nurture physical health, mental vitality, and a profound appreciation for the natural world. In Ulvik, you can experience this for yourself, with opportunities to join an experienced local guide on a foraging expedition, kayak across the glassy waters of Hardangerfjord or embark on a hike across the fjordlands.
Witness Thundering Waterfalls
We have perfectly timed this cruise to allow you to witness the magnificent Norwegian waterfalls when they are at their strongest. At this time of year, the rising temperatures melt the mountain ice which feeds the rivers that flow into the fjords, enhancing the power of the region’s spectacular waterfalls. Balmoral will sail along the scenic Maurangerfjord, home to the magnificent Furebergsfossen Waterfall. Cascading dramatically down the rugged cliffs of the Furebergsfjellet mountain into the fjord below, it is one of Norway’s tallest waterfalls, standing at approximately 150 metres.
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.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
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.
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 12:00 26/12/2024, 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 12:00 26/12/2024, 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 £1,749 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 £1,549 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £899 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £749 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,249 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 £3,318.10 |
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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 £2,938.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,473.50 |
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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 £1,385.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,249 |
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360°
Cruise Offers
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.