Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has designed this summer cruise to reveal the breathtaking beauty of Scotland’s landscapes, from the serene lochs of Hourn and Broom to the diverse vistas of the Small Isles. Your Balmoral cruise also takes in captivating sites like the Old Man of Hoy sea stacks, bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr and the hexagonal basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave. Experience Gaelic culture with Ceilidh dancing, Harris Tweed, Orkney fudge, Scottish whisky, and folklore tales. There will also be chances to spot local wildlife, including birds, whales, porpoises and seals, and uncover legendary landmarks steeped in history, such as the ancient settlement of Jarlshof.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Scenic lochs and isles
As Balmoral cruises close to Fingal's Cave, which legend says is the adjacent stretch of road to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, you will be able to see its recognisable and symmetrical basalt columns rising metres above the ocean. A variety of local seabirds congregate here, such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, as do seabird colonies on the cliffs of Sumburgh Head, especially during the nesting season, where there is also a historic lighthouse with a unique tower. Balmoral will divert away from the usual route to take you close to the Small Isles and Bac Mor, also known as Dutchman's Cap due to its unusual shape. There will also be opportunities for you to enjoy scenic cruising of Loch Broom, and past the intriguing sea stacks of the Old Man of Hoy and The Needle.
Experience The Sottish Way of Life
Experience the authentic lifestyle of Scotland's islands and discover the Gaelic culture that extends throughout this fascinating area. Join us on a tour to take part in singing a Gaelic song, listen to music and stories from local musicians, tour a Shetland croft and learn about the daily life of the crofter and his sheepdogs, or spend time with charming miniature Shetland ponies. In Orkney, enjoy tasting cheese and fudge made on the islands, or visit a Highland Park Distillery to try a dram of the local whisky, and no visit to the islands of Scotland would be complete without participating in a Ceilidh dance.
Discover Legendary Landmarks
Many of the landmarks on the isles of Scotland have tales of folklore regarding their origin, such as Fingal's Cave, said to have been constructed by the legendary giant Finn McCool to hide from his arch nemesis Benandonner, while in Stornoway you can find the intriguing Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, which is thought to have been constructed by the Picts. From Kirkwall, visit the well-preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, and the Ness of Brodgar, which all offer insights into the lives and rituals of its ancient inhabitants over 5,000 years ago.
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.
Fiona Duff
Passionate photographer, Fiona Duff will be joining us throughout our sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
Ian Roberts
Ian was born in the Highlands of Scotland and will be joining us on this cruise to provide a valuable insight into the Scottish way of life, and cover the legendary landmarks you will encounter on this cruise including Fingal's Cave.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
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 £3,199 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 £2,999 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 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 £6,078.10 |
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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 £5,698.10 |
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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 £2,698.50 |
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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 £2,448.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 |
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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.