Discovering Castles, Palaces and Cultural Landmarks of Northern Europe

10 nights from £999pp departing Friday 19th Aug 2022

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	19th19	AugAug	202222	Rosyth, Scotland, embark on the Balmoral		Late PM
Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Brontë once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built—like Rome—on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capitalcity, frowning down on Princes Street’s glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city’s famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century. Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags, like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character—after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph. Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city’s wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh’s growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world’s most beguiling cities. Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities. Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets—peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson—and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth—a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.
	20th20	AugAug	202222	At Sea
	21st21	AugAug	202222	Fredericia, Denmark	Early PM	Late PM
A warm welcome by locals can always be expected at this Danish port, and after a short stroll on the beach, a dip in the sea, and a bicycle ride around the city’s historic old town and fortress why not travel the 37 miles/60 kilometres to Odense to the birthplace of Denmark’s great children’s author, Hans Christian Andersen. Visit Andersen’s childhood home to (re)discover the works of this emblematic writer. The adjacent museum is particularly interesting as it allows a full exploration of Andersen’s creative talents and gives an idea of his enormous imagination – which was not just limited to the fairy tales that are so loved by children the world over. Do look out for the paper cuttings, which are superb in their delicacy and handling.
	22nd22	AugAug	202222	At Sea
	23rd23	AugAug	202222	Klaipeda, Lithuania	Early AM	Late PM
	24th24	AugAug	202222	Gdansk, Poland	Early AM	Late PM
	25th25	AugAug	202222	Sassnitz, Germany	Early AM	Late PM
	26th26	AugAug	202222	Szczecin, Poland	Early AM	Late Night
	27th27	AugAug	202222	At Sea	Early PM	Late Night
	28th28	AugAug	202222	At Sea
	29th29	AugAug	202222	Rosyth, Scotland, disembark the Balmoral	Early AM
Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Brontë once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built—like Rome—on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capitalcity, frowning down on Princes Street’s glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city’s famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century. Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags, like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character—after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph. Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city’s wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh’s growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world’s most beguiling cities. Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities. Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets—peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson—and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth—a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.

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

	10 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		£1,399pp
M	Single Interior Room	£3,279pp
N	Single Interior Room	£3,149pp
I	Interior Room	£1,399pp
H	Interior Room	£1,449pp
G	Superior Interior	£1,549pp

Oceanview staterooms from		£999pp
J	Superior Single	£4,999pp
K	Single Ocean View	£4,239pp
L	Single Ocean View
OS	Ocean View Room	£1,199pp
F	Ocean View Room	£1,649pp
E	Ocean View Room	£1,749pp
D	Ocean View Room	£1,799pp
SOS	Superior Ocean View	£1,499pp
C	Superior Ocean View
B	Superior Ocean View	£1,999pp
BD	Superior Ocean View
A	Superior Ocean View	£2,359pp
LLH	Two Bedded Room	£999pp

Balcony staterooms from		£4,199pp
JB	Single Balcony Suite
BC	Balcony Room	£4,199pp
BA	Superior Balcony

Suite staterooms from		£3,899pp
BJ	Balcony Junior Suite	£4,399pp
BJD	Balcony Junior Suite
SS	Superior Suite	£3,899pp
MS	Marquee Suite	£5,799pp
PS	Premier Suite	£6,499pp
OW	Owner's Suite