Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On this exploration of Scandinavia, Balmoral will navigate scenic waterways such as the majestic Oslofjord, adorned with rugged cliffs and serene islands, and the Kiel Canal – restricted to smaller ships. You’ll also have chances to explore Copenhagen’s canals and the Gothenburg Archipelago. Immerse yourself in diverse Scandinavian lifestyles, including Norway’s outdoor living concept, friluftsliv, and the cosy embrace of hygge in Denmark. You can indulge in local delights, too, from the Viking elixir aquavit to Swedish smörgåsbord feasts. Your journey unfolds amidst regal backdrops, featuring Oslo’s Royal Palace and the Akershus Fortress, and the opulent castles and palaces scattered across Copenhagen.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Scenic Waterways
This cruise has been planned to showcase picturesque waterways in Scandinavian cities. After departing the vibrant Norwegian capital of Oslo, Balmoral will navigate the majestic Oslofjord, where rugged cliffs frame serene waters adorned with picturesque islands. In Copenhagen, you can admire the city’s vibrant historic streets as you weave along the canals on a boat tour. Gothenburg is also ideal for exploring via the water, inviting exploration via its intricate network of canals that wind beneath low bridges and alongside age-old landmarks. The Swedish capital is also your gateway to the Gothenburg Archipelago, a mesmerising collection of over 20,000 islands, islets and skerries along the west coast.
Scandinavian Way of Life
The Scandinavian lifestyle embraces nature, food, and moments of warmth and togetherness. Friluftsliv, the art of outdoor living, is deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture. In contrast, fika culture celebrates the Swedish tradition of coffee breaks, providing opportunities for socialising over a beverage and pastry. Finding a healthy balance between work and home life is highly valued, and the Danish word "hygge" perfectly captures this concept. It's generally understood to mean feeling cosy and appreciating the simple pleasures in life, spending time with loved ones, finding comfort under a blanket and having stimulating conversations. There are many culinary delights to enjoy, too, from the Danish open-faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød and the quintessential Scandinavian feast, smörgåsbord, to aquavit, a traditional spirit infused with herbs and spices, which you can sample on board Balmoral as we make our own brand.
Nordic Royalty
Scandinavian royalty embodies a rich tapestry of history and grandeur. In Norway, the Royal Palace in Oslo serves as the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. The formidable Akershus Fortress, dating back to the Medieval era, is shrouded in history and regal legacy. Copenhagen’s Amalienborg Palace stands as the majestic home of the Danish royal family, while Rosenborg Castle and Fredensborg Palace, nestled amidst picturesque gardens, offer captivating glimpses into Denmark's storied past and architectural opulence.
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.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you to see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Forest Hike
Enjoy a tram ride up to Frognerseteren, where you can enjoy a walk through the forest. Arriving at Base Camp, enjoy some time to relax by the fire before snowshoeing into the beautiful forest of Nordmarka.
££££
Oslo
Scenic Oslofjord Cruise by Electrical Boat
Explore Oslofjord aboard an electric boat, and admire the Akershus Fortress, Opera House, Munch Museum and Barcode District. Continue past islands dotted with colourful houses, towering fjords and surrounding hills. Sail along Bygdøy to see the Fram and Kon-Tiki Museum whilst listening to commentary about Oslo’s nature and landscapes.
££££
Oslo
Scenic Gothenburg & Canal Cruise
See the highlights of Gothenburg including City Hall, Court House and Stock Exchange, before enjoying a canal cruise.
££££
Gothenburg
Haga & Fika
Uncover Gothenburg's history at the Gustav Adolf Square, admire the Opera House and explore Klippan, learning about the old working quarters of Majorna and Masthugget. See the Poseidon statue and the Romantic-style Masthugg Church that dates back to 1914 before exploring the Haga District, renowned for its wooden houses and cosy cafés.
££££
Gothenburg
Royal Copenhagen
Discover Royal Copenhagen, with visits to Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace. You will also pass by Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Theatre, Town Hall and Tivoli Gardens, and the Little Mermaid Statue.
££££
Copenhagen
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.
John Chaplin
John is Chairman of the Anglo-Swedish Society and has spent the last 30 years living in Sweden. Throughout the cruise, John will be sharing his experiences of Swedish living and will discuss the hidden gems of Gothenburg.
Paul Howard
Photographer Paul Howard will be joining us throughout our sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
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 02:00 31/12/2024, 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 02:00 31/12/2024, 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 £3,319 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,019 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,319 pp |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,119 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,919 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,298.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,728.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,288.25 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,113.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,919 |
|---|
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.