Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On this rewarding journey, Balmoral will divert off the main cruising route to take you to remote Scottish isles and past some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring scenery, including the wonderfully symmetrical basalt columns of Fingal's Cave and bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr. Cruising from Southampton to Falmouth, you'll have the chance to explore the world-renowned Eden Project before journeying north, where you can discover the intriguing history of Orkney by visiting the Neolithic site of Skara Brae from the Viking town of Kirkwall and uncover Shetland's farming customs with a local crofter in Stornoway. While here, you can immerse yourself in local traditions, like enjoying a performance of Ceilidh dancing and learning some steps, sampling locally produced fudge and cheeses, or visiting a whisky distillery. Representatives from wildlife charity ORCA will be on hand to help you search for seabirds and marine life from Balmoral, including puffins and dolphins.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Scotland's scenic isles
This Balmoral cruise to the Scottish isles will give you plenty of opportunities to explore scenic islands and rugged coastlines. Balmoral will divert away from the usual sailing routes to bring you closer to Bac Màr, also known as Dutchman's Cap because of its ruggedly unusual shape, and Fingal's Cave on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa, whose awe-inspiring hexagonal basalt columns were shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Orkney's sea stacks of the Old Man of Hoy and the Needle rise majestically from the sea, while the craggy cliffs and unspoiled beaches draw attention to the Isle of Lewis and Harris' spectacular shoreline and are best witnessed from the decks of your ship.
Traditions of the Scottish Isles
Deeply ingrained in the fabric of island life, the traditions of the Scottish Isles reflect a rich cultural heritage and a close bond with land and sea. Experience stories of folkloric finfolk, selkies, and sea spirits, participate in Ceilidh dancing in Stornoway, and discover how the traditional Gaelic language is preserved in the Western Isles, while Kirkwall is home to the Highland Park Distillery, where you'll have the chance to sample locally produced whiskies. During your visit to the Orkney Islands, be sure to try local delicacies like Orkney cheese on oatcakes or a Pattie supper, made from a secret recipe of mince and potatoes, rolled together, battered, and deep-fried.
Whales, dolphins & seabirds
The islands of Scotland are home to a rich diversity of seabirds and marine life, including playful dolphins and minke whales, while migrating birds such as guillemots, shags, and fulmars soar overhead and puffins make their homes amongst the rocky outcrops and cliffs. You'll be joined on board Balmoral by representatives from wildlife charity ORCA, who will be available to help you spot various marine and birdlife and will also hold talks on the significance of their work.
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.
Traditional Gaelic Songs & Stories
Experience life in the Outer Hebrides. Visit An Taigh Cèilidh to enjoy performances by local musicians before proceeding to Stornoway seafront to gain an insight into the town’s culture and history.
££££
Stornoway
Culture & Crofting Traditions of Lewis
Journey to North Lewis to discover the local culture and history of crofting. The local museum houses two exhibition galleries and a local history archive, and reflects various aspects of island life including crofting, fishing and local industries.
££££
Stornoway
Orkney's Wartime History
Together with a specialist Wartime Guide, embark on a tour of Orkney and visit historic sites such as Stromness, Ness Battery, Scapa Flow and the beautiful hand-painted Italian chapel built by Prisoners of War.
££££
Kirkwall
Orkney's Wartime History
Together with a specialist Wartime Guide, embark on a tour of Orkney and visit historic sites such as Stromness, Ness Battery, Scapa Flow and the beautiful hand-painted Italian chapel built by Prisoners of War.
££££
Kirkwall
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.
Dr. Andrew Tibbs
Dr Andrew Tibbs, expert in Scottish history and archaeology, will be joining us to talk about the history of the destinations we will be visiting, including the fascinating site of Skara Brae.
Dr. Anne Frater
Dr. Anne Frater will be joining us for our sailing to the Scottish Isles to provide an insight into the local way of life of the Isle of Lewis.
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 23:00 18/12/2024, 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 23:00 18/12/2024, 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 £2,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,299 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £999 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,558.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,368.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,248.50 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,898.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 |
|---|
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.