European Christmas Markets

8 nights from £899pp departing Friday 2nd Dec 2022

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	2nd02	DecDec	202222	Southampton, England, embark on the Balmoral		Late PM
Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
	3rd03	DecDec	202222	Zeebrugge, Belgium	Early AM	Late PM
In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast. Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port. Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars. Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast. Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium. We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre.
	4th04	DecDec	202222	At Sea
	5th05	DecDec	202222	Gothenburg, Sweden	Early AM	Late Night
Don't tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden's "second city," but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler "Gothenburg") home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you'll forget, too. You'll find it's easier to ask what Göteborg hasn't got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country's best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There's plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers' houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don't forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the "Swedish Chef of the Year" competition winners were cooking in Göteborg.
	6th06	DecDec	202222	Copenhagen, Denmark	Early AM	Late Night
By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.
	7th07	DecDec	202222	At Sea	Early AM	Late Night
	8th08	DecDec	202222	Hamburg, Germany	Early AM	Late PM
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.
	9th09	DecDec	202222	At Sea
	10th10	DecDec	202222	Portsmouth, England, disembark the Balmoral	Early AM
Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unusual as most of its built-up area occupies Portsea Island, linked to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, there was no settlement on the site of Portsmouth at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town developed in medieval times and received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I; soon afterwards it became a major naval base. It has the world’s oldest dry dock, and is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an important naval base and is home to a large proportion of the British service fleet. The waterfront area is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, 560 feet high, the United Kingdom’s tallest building outside London. Other things to see in the city include the house where Charles Dickens was born, and the City Museum, which contains a permanent exhibition devoted to another famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in the town.

Balmoral

Launch Year

1987

Refit Year

2019

Tonnage

43,537

Capacity

1,325

Cabins

710

Accessible

Marquee Deck 11

Highland Deck 10

Bridge Deck 9

Lido Deck 8

Lounge Deck 7

Main Deck 6

Atlantic Deck 5

Coral Deck 4

Marina Deck 3

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Observatory Lounge

Located on Marquee Deck at the very top of Balmoral, the Observatory Lounge boasts the most spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Sit by the bar, or perhaps take a seat in one of the new, comfortable chairs by the lounge's large windows and lose yourself in the stunning sights while listening to the twinkling sounds of a grand piano.

The Observatory Lounge is also the venue for our premium Traditional Afternoon Tea service, which offers guests a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones accompanied by premium teas and unforgettable views.

Morning Light Pub

Decorated to resemble a British pub or inn, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and charming traditional style. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends both old and new.

You could enjoy a quick pint or a glass of wine at lunch before spending the afternoon ashore; stop by for a pre-dinner drink; or settle into a comfortable seat and relax long into the night while enjoying performances from live bands and comedians.

Marquee Bar

With it's large windows, spectacular glass roof and beautiful new décor and furnishings, fitted as part of Balmoral's extensive refurbishment in late 2017, the resplendent Marquee Bar provides guests with the perfect place to take a break from sunbathing on Marquee Deck.

Grab a quick bite to eat, or perhaps a refreshing glass of your favourite drink. Along with a great selection of beers, wines and expertly-created exotic cocktails, the Marquee Bar also offers you a chance to enjoy tempting tipples from our premium gin menu.

Neptune Lounge

Benefiting from refreshed carpets, curtains, décor and new, more comfortable seating, thanks to a thorough refurbishment in late 2017, the Neptune Lounge offers guests a chance to enjoy a feast of music, dance, comedy and costume in ample space, comfort and style.

As the main entertainment venue on board Balmoral, the Neptune Lounge hosts the live after dinner shows every evening. Take a seat alongside your friends, loved ones and fellow guests and experience all the 'glitz and glam' as our friendly waiters bring you drinks straight from the bar.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	8 nights aboard the Balmoral
	Evening entertainment
	Tea & coffee facilities in cabin
	Welcome and farewell cocktail parties
	Drinks packages available
	Complimentary tea & coffee during the day and early evening.
	Daily on-board activities
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Interior staterooms from		£899pp
M	Single Interior Room	£1,599pp
N	Single Interior Room	£1,499pp
I	Interior Room	£899pp
H	Interior Room	£899pp
G	Superior Interior

Oceanview staterooms from		£1,049pp
J	Superior Single
K	Single Ocean View	£1,999pp
L	Single Ocean View
F	Ocean View Room	£1,049pp
E	Ocean View Room
D	Ocean View Room	£1,299pp
C	Superior Ocean View
B	Superior Ocean View	£1,349pp
BD	Superior Ocean View
A	Superior Ocean View

Balcony staterooms
JB	Single Balcony Suite
BC	Balcony Room
BA	Superior Balcony

Suite staterooms
BJ	Balcony Junior Suite
BJD	Balcony Junior Suite
SS	Superior Suite
MS	Marquee Suite
PS	Premier Suite
OW	Owner's Suite