Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Journey among mountainous landscapes as Balmoral glides along Norway’s serene, narrow fjords. You’ll spend a day in Ulvik, reached via Ulvikafjord, and cruise the ‘Queen of the Fjords’, Hardangerfjord, with its cascading waterfalls and orchard-covered valleys. You can embrace the essence of friluftsliv – the Nordic pursuit of getting outdoors – with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, foraging and birdwatching amidst breathtaking scenery. Haugesund is ideally placed for unearthing fascinating Viking history on a visit to Avaldsnes. This pivotal hub is home to a medieval church and the iconic Haraldshaugen monument, which epitomises Norway’s Norse seafaring legacy.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Fjord Landscapes & Mountains
Balmoral will sail deep into the fjords of Norway for your Norwegian Fjords cruise, where you will see breath-taking mountainous scenery, tranquil rivers, and thunderous waterfalls, framed by verdant meadows and charming villages strewn along the shores of the calm, blue waters of Hardangerfjord. Surrounded by lush scenery and high mountains, Ulvik is renowned for its flourishing fruit orchards, while the remarkable Vøringfossen waterfall can also be reached from here. Located in the Måbødalen valley, the waterfall cascades 182 meters down sheer cliff faces, producing a breathtaking show of mist and spray that is audible and seen from a great distance.
Friluftsliv
By emulating an open-air lifestyle, the Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv represents a cultural and philosophical love for connection with nature. Engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking and fishing is common throughout the year, encouraging a positive bond with the environment. There will be many chances for you to do this on this cruise; you can go foraging with a local guide, take a rewarding hike across the fjordlands to see the views from a different angle, or take a leisurely kayak ride across the glassy waters of Hardangerfjord.
Engaging Viking History
King Harald Fairhair, who held the throne for about 60 years and is recognised as the first Viking King of Norway, was born in the village of Avaldsnes, which lies close to Haugesund. He is credited with uniting the country into a single kingdom following his victory in the Battle of Hafrsfjord, and the most significant royal seat was thought to be in Avaldsnes, where King Harald felt safest as he grew older. He is said to have been laid to rest at the Haraldshaugen Monument, which lies close to Avaldsnes Village and Karmøy Island, two historically significant and culturally rich areas of Norway. Also near Avaldsnes is the medieval church of St. Olaf's, built around 1250 and is well worth exploring.
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.
David Nikel
Having lived in Norway since 2011, David has grown his website into one of the biggest English language resources for those visiting or moving to Norway. He will be on hand throughout the cruise delivering a series of talks on all things Norwegian.
Dr. Graeme Davis
As a specialist in the language and culture of the Vikings, Graeme will be delivering a series of talks about the Vikings in Norway.
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 19:00 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 19:00 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 £1,849 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 £1,749 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £999 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £849 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,449 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 £3,508.10 |
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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 £3,318.10 |
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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 £1,698.50 |
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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 £1,560.75 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,449 |
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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.