The Ship
The magnificent Balmoral is Fred. Olsen's newest and largest ship. With 710 luxurious staterooms, a dedicated crew of 510 and a wide selection of modern facilities, you can expect a perfect blend of world-class service and relaxation.
Named after the Royal Family's Scottish home, Balmoral oozes elegance and style. Savour a mix of fine and casual dining in the ship's variety of venues. From a cafe devoted to luxury chocolates and coffee, to a restaurant serving gourmet cuisines and fine wines. Unwind at the friendly Morning Light Pub, listen to beautiful piano music at Lido Bar, and watch live performances at Neptune Lounge. Later on, try your luck at blackjack and roulette at the casino.
Although the largest and most contemporary of Fred. Olsen's fleet, Balmoral still retains the cruise line's personal and sociable atmosphere. For an unforgettable voyage of spectacular scenery, divine dining, entertaining facilities, and uninterrupted leisure, sail on Fred. Olsen's Balmoral.
Food
Dining on Balmoral is an exciting experience. The spacious Ballindalloch Restaurant offers a tempting menu of dinners to enjoy in elegant surroundings. The Spey Restaurant and Avon Restaurant serve delicious a la carte meals with panoramic views and glasses of fine wines. Palms Cafe is the place to go for large buffets of international cuisines and a more casual atmosphere.
During warm spells, you can also savour fresh omelettes, salads, steaks, burgers, and sandwiches at The Grill — great for light breakfasts and lunches. Or if it's a calming tea, energising coffee or sweet treat you fancy; sample luxury chocolates and hot drinks from The Bookmark Cafe. You can even make the most of Balmoral's complimentary room service between 10:00 and 22:00 every day.
Drink
Enjoy a range of drinks and venues aboard Balmoral. Try cocktails in the sun at Marquee Bar, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, or head to the relaxing Lido Bar for piano music with a pint of beer or glass of wine.
Morning Light Pub is Balmoral's traditional and welcoming venue offering drinks and entertainment throughout the day. There's also Observatory Lounge which features cocktails, panoramic views, piano music, and dancing until late. For a lively night and menu of refreshments, take a seat at the glamorous Neptune Lounge. There's somewhere for everyone to enjoy aboard Balmoral.
Entertainment
You have a dazzling variety of entertainment to enjoy on board Balmoral. During the day, there are arts and crafts talks, as well as yoga, Pilates and aerobics sessions. In the evening, sit back with a drink at Neptune Lounge and be amazed by stunning cabaret acts, live music and dance shows. Enjoy stand-up comedians and a professional pianist in the bars, then head to the on-board casino for a few hands of blackjack or spin of the roulette wheel. Day or night, Balmoral can't fail to impress.
Day 1: Port of Tyne, UK
Arrive at Port of Tyne and embark on board Balmoral.
Day 3: Malmo, Sweden
Malmo is the capital of the Swedish county of Scania. This vibrant and multi-cultural metropolis combines contemporary buildings with picturesque parks, modern museums, and a tasty dining scene. The impressive Turning Torso building is a sight to behold both day and night. Stortorget Square is the heartbeat of city, while nearby Lilla Torg is the perfect spot for people-watching in a terraced cafe. Malmohus Castle, which houses Malmo Museum of Art, the Tropicarium, the Natural History Museum and the City Museum, is a must-see. Explore the historical Gamla Staden Old Town or seek the tranquillity of Riderborg's Bathing House. Cross the Orseund Bridge and you can also discover the delights of the Danish city of Copenhagen.
Day 4: Visby, Sweden
The walled town of Visby sits proudly on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its medieval trading houses, 17th and 18th-century timber buildings, and quaint cobblestoned streets. Tour the 700-year old walls that encircle the town and admire the 44 defensive towers that dot along the route. Admire the medieval ruins of St Nicolai and St Karin churches and the ancient St Mary's Cathedral. Pay a visit to the amazing exhibits at Gotlands Museum and view the 19th and 20th-century artworks at Konstmuseet Museum. Relax with a coffee as you watch the world go by in the vibrant Stora Torget main square.
Day 5 - 6: Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden's vibrant capital city, Stockholm, spans an archipelago of 14 islands on the Baltic Sea coastline. Filled with more than 40 bridges and many galleries, museums, gardens, and parks, this city is perfect for exploring.
Day 8: Gothenburg, Sweden
Today, explore Sweden's Gothenburg — often referred to as 'Little London'. A city with a popular cafe and bar culture, Gothenburg offers cosmopolitan venues with a small-town atmosphere. Enjoy its canals and wide boulevards lines with shops, bars and restaurants during your time here. Visit art gallery, Konstmuseet, and the century-old Masthugget Church before heading to the city's botanical garden — featuring the colourful Rhododendron Valley — and sampling oysters and fish platters at the seafood market.
Day 11: Port of Tyne, Newcastle
Disembark at Port of Tyne and make your way home.
