Named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, Balmoral is small compared to other cruise ships and features just 710 guest cabins. Thanks to her smaller size, she is able to navigate some of Europe's most picturesque waterways, including the Kiel Canal and River Seine, and retains the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere that the Fred. Olsen fleet is renowned for.

Guests on board have plenty of space in which to relax, in elegant and comfortable lounges, bars and public areas, including a Speciality Dining restaurant, the Marquee Bar with its comfortable rattan sofas and beautiful open promenade. Boasting two separate swimming pool decks, Balmoral is perfect for scenic cruising.

The Spey and Avon restaurants at the top of ship offer spectacular views out to sea while you dine and the Observatory Lounge comes to life at sunset. With her beautiful classic ship style, you will be proud to dock each day and step off your ship, Balmoral.

Gratuities for our dedicated service team are not included in the cost of your holiday. While tipping is entirely at your discretion, we pride ourselves on the service offered to our guests, and are confident that you’ll wish to reward staff on board for the attention you receive.

Typically, gratuities are charged at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over. This amount is split equally between your stewardess and restaurant waiter, and will be automatically added to your on board account. While very much appreciated, these gratuities are voluntary, and therefore can be adjusted or removed completely at Guest Services on board the ship if you wish; and you are welcome to tip personally if you prefer.

For your convenience, you can also pre-pay gratuities before your cruise. We'll check with you at the time of booking if you’d like to pay prior to your cruise.

Pre-payment can be made anytime up to 5 days before departure by simply calling our Guest Services team on 0800 0355 145 or e-mail guest.services@fredolsen.co.uk

Our Guest Services team are available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

SUITES

Offered with our compliments on all our Suites, our Suite Dreams package includes benefits, extras and little luxuries that make your time on board even more special.

SUITE DREAMS PACKAGE

With our compliments on selected Suite grades.

✔ A welcome bottle of sparkling wine

✔ Fruit basket (topped up on request throughout your cruise)

✔ Flowers or plant in your Suite

✔ Bathrobe and slippers

✔ Luxury towels

✔ Free pressing service for formal wear

✔ Binoculars in your Suite

✔ World atlas and country guide for your reference

✔ Afternoon canapé service

✔ Daily newsletter, featuring national and international news

✔ Pair of compact umbrellas for use ashore

✔ Laundry service discount vouchers

✔ Carafe of water, replenished daily

*Facilities (including cabin layout) vary by Suite type; please check when making your booking. Suite Dreams benefits are available on all cruises of three nights and above duration. Suite Dreams benefits apply to guests staying in all Suite grades.

Whether you're visiting far-flung destinations on an epic Grand Voyage or taking a relaxing short trip to European cities, dining on board Balmoral is always a highlight of any cruise. With six fantastic dining venues to choose from, you'll always find there's a tempting selection of dishes, all perfectly prepared by our expert chefs.

Take a seat in the beautiful Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants∘ to start the day with a breakfast cooked just the way you like it, or indulge with a mouthwatering five-course á la carte dinner∘ every evening; and help yourself to the tempting buffet at the Palms Café. For an extra special treat, The Grill offers cooked-to-order steaks and seafood; while al fresco dining at its finest can be enjoyed at the newly installed The Poolside.

Fred. Olsen’s team of talented chefs are passionate about creating great food. Their vibrant choice of dishes means you can enjoy everything from British favourites to exciting new tastes from around the world and specialities from the destinations you are visiting.

On board bakers and pastry chefs ensure freshly made breads, pastries, cakes and biscuits are available each day.

Sommeliers are on hand to help you choose the perfect wine or champagne to accompany their meal and they love to create signature cocktails from the regions being visited.

Main restaurants:

The elegant main restaurants are at the heart of the Fred. Olsen dining experience and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Every evening, enjoy a delicious five-course à la carte menu. Changing daily, guests will find options including steaks, seafood, freshly made soups, pasta and salads. They also feature regional dishes, so you will have the chance to experiment with local cuisines alongside their usual favourites.

For a more relaxed experience, guests can visit the buffet restaurant where they will find a delicious choice of freshly prepared options each day.

Speciality restaurants:

Colours & Tastes – Fred. Olsen’s Colours & Tastes restaurant features a tempting variety of Asian Fusion dishes, from spiced grilled meats and seafood to gyozas, dim sum and sushi. Located on board Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral.

Vasco - Named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, Vasco offers a fresh and modern take on Indian cuisine. The menu is inspired by their chefs from Goa and focuses on the unique culinary traditions of this area – a place where the tastes of Europe first met the tropical warmth and spices of western India. Located on board Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral.

A Fred. Olsen cruise is about making the most of your time away from it all. This is why we provide a variety of experiences, events and classes for our guests, to ensure that every day enjoyed on board our smaller ships is as rewarding, varied and memorable as possible.

Activities vary from cruise to cruise, and are highlighted each day in your copy of The Daily Times. They could include insightful lectures from expert guest speakers; engaging arts and crafts sessions, such as watercolour tutorials; dancing and singing lessons; and much more.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Lots of our guests like to use their sea days or longer voyages to try their hand at something they haven't done before, so we host sociable activities like learning to play the ukulele or singing in a choir. Or you can refine your craft skills, practice your watercolours and learn some photography skills in our new Olsen Art Studio.

Entertainment on board Balmoral is varied with large selection of lounges, each with their own atmosphere. From live comedians∘ to card rooms, you're bound to find something to entertain yourself whilst on board, whether you're looking to have some fun, or just relax for a bit.

ALL INCLUSIVE DRINKS UPGRADE

For many guests, the time spent sailing the world’s waterways on board one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller, more intimate cruise ships is the time to indulge and make the most of a well-earned escape away from it all. With this is mind, Fred. Olsen’s All Inclusive Drinks Upgrade is another service offered to ensure your holiday is relaxing and enjoyable.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

Night time entertainment is a high point of any Fred. Olsen cruise. When the lights go down, we’ll treat you to a selection of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire stand-up comedy. Just relax, sit back and enjoy the fabulous acts with your favourite tipple or cocktail.

Following the show, you can stroll under the stars on deck, or dance the night away to tunes performed by your ship's resident band. And with our fabulous Dance Hosts, no-one goes too long without a dance partner.

DINING AND DRINKS

Dining on board a Fred. Olsen ship is a real pleasure. Enjoy a cocktail in one of our stylish bars, with new found friends; before heading to dinner for a delicious five-course meal crafted by our talented on board chefs, who pay attention to every detail, and served by your knowledgeable and friendly waiter. With wine pairing suggestions made by our sommelier, your taste buds will be tantalised as you sail serenely to your next exciting destination.

Cruising with Fred. Olsen is about being able to rest, relax and leave all the cares and stresses of life at home behind, and on board Balmoral it's easy to take your mind off it all. You'll find there's plenty of ways to unwind, from simply talking a sunrise stroll along the promenade to visiting the Atlantis Spa for an indulgent treatment accompanied by beautiful scenic views. With fantastic∘ fitness facilities on board too, you don't have to stray too far from your healthy lifestyle while on holiday either. 

Children of 6 months and over are very welcome on our ships. On peak-time holiday cruises, our Little Skippers Club keeps kids between 5 and 11 years old entertained with a variety of fun activities. They will enjoy arts and crafts, discos, treasure hunts and loads more, all run by our friendly team of hosts and hostesses*.

A list of the day's events are included in the Little Skippers Club's mini-version of the Daily Times, which also shows the separate pool times for kids. Activities also stretch across the evenings, to suit the individual needs of families on board. Please note: our Little Skippers Club also welcomes children under 5, however parents must provide supervision at all times. The club operates subject to minimum numbers being achieved.

**Please note we will not be operating any Little Skippers clubs aboard our Welcome Back sailings this summer. This is because cruising restart guidelines require all guests, including children, to remain in their household or dining bubbles on board.