Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Your cruise aboard Balmoral has been crafted by our team of journey planners to exhibit our homeland at the best time. During Spring, the snow-capped peaks of the mountains are melting and waterfalls start to flow down ruggedly dramatic cliff faces. Discover the serene beauty of Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, while Hardangerfjord is lined with picturesque villages and orchards. Eye-catching Pulpit Rock stands tall over Lysefjord, offering outstanding panoramic views of the surrounding fjord landscapes. Immerse yourself in the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking on the crystal-clear fjord waters, or hiking through lush forests and along fjords to enjoy time in nature. You will also have chances to discover rich Viking history through archaeological sites and landmarks such as Hove Church in Vik, and the Haraldshaugen Monument in Haugesund.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Norway's Fjord Landscapes
Your Balmoral cruise to Norway has been designed to showcase the very best of the fjords and mountain scenery that this spectacular country has to offer. As this cruise is in Spring, the snow-capped peaks and waterfalls are thawing, and picturesque villages line the edges of Hardangerfjord. Waterfalls begin to flow down steep, rugged cliff faces into deep blue fjord waters, such as Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord; while towering cliffs create a mesmerising backdrop in Lysefjord, home to Preikstolen - Pulpit Rock, which juts out over the water's edge from a great height, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Langfoss Waterfall flows gracefully into Akrafjorden, while your Captain will divert Balmoral into Maurangerfjord for you to witness the magnificent Fureberg Waterfall and Voringfoss, located near to Hardangerfjord, will enchant you with its remarkable course over craggy cliffs into the deep fjord below.
Friluftlsliv
The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv - embracing outdoor living, embodies a deep connection with nature and spending time outside, whatever the weather. Join us on a tour from Eidfjord, and go kayaking on the beautiful Hardangerfjord, where you'll glide through crystal-clear calm waters, surrounded by steep mountains; or experience hiking Norway's breathtaking landscapes, through lush forests and stopping at local farms where you'll witness how farming practices foster a symbiotic relationship with the country's environment. There will also be opportunities to try your hand at fishing in tranquil lakes or exhilarating fast-flowing rivers.
Norwegian Viking History
The history of Norway is characterised by the seafaring legacy of Vikings in the country. Each destination on this Balmoral cruise bears a unique marker of their influence on the region, through cultural landmarks and immersive experiences. In Stavanger, the Sverd I Fjell monument marks the battle of Hafrsfjord when Norway was united into one kingdom, where the three swords symbolise peace, unity and freedom. Take time to learn more about Haugesund - once a bustling centre of Viking activity, which can be explored further at the Karmsund Folk Museum and the Haraldshaugen Monument. Through these monuments, museums and archaeological sites, you'll discover how the seafaring exploits and trading networks left a Viking legacy that is still evident in Norway today.
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.
Homeland of the Viking Kings
Embark on a historical journey at Avaldsnes, once the realm of King Harald Hårfagre. Begin at the Nordvegen History Centre for an immersive tale of Avaldsnes' royal origins narrated by Harald himself. Then, visit Olavskirken, constructed in 1250 AD during Norway's zenith, housing the iconic Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle monument.
££££
Haugesund
Norwegian Nature Centre & Vøringsfossen Waterfall
Experience the Hardangervidda National Park whilst learning about its climate through interactive displays and exhibitions at the Norwegian Natura Centre. Continue to Hardangervidda mountain plateau to view the beautiful Vøringsfossen.
££££
Eidfjord
Hike to Hæreid
Discover historical replicas, listen to Viking music and enjoy a guided walk to the Iron Age Burial Site. Surrounded by a unique cultural landscape, your guide will take you back in time and tell you more about Eidfjord as a power centre throughout the Iron Age.
££££
Eidfjord
Boat Trip to Lysefjord
Enjoy a scenic tour of the Stavanger Archipelago and Lysefjord. Cutting deep into Rogaland County, Lysefjord offers views of mountain farms, islands, waterfalls and Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock.
££££
Stavanger
On the Trail of the Vikings
Immerse yourself in Norway’s Viking history with visits to Viking House, The Swords in Rock Monument and the Doom Stones.
££££
Stavanger
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.
Andy Hunting
Published photographer, Andy Hunting will be joining us on this sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
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.
Steve St. Peter
Steve moved from Los Angeles to Oslo, Norway and produced some of Norway's first TV ads, beginning a successful career spanning over three decades. He will be on hand during your cruise to share his first-hand knowledge of Norwegian way of life and insider experiences creating Nordic advertisements.
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 17:00 25/12/2024, 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 17:00 25/12/2024, 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 £3,109 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,909 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 £1,309 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 £1,009 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,809 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 £5,898.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,518.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,268.25 |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,908.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,809 |
|---|
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.