Fred. Olsen Balmoral
Receive a Warm Welcome On Board Fred. Olsen Balmoral
As the longest-serving ship in its fleet, Fred. Olsen Balmoral is a classic cruise ship known for its intimate charm, timeless style and warm atmosphere. Named after the Scottish royal residence, it utilises its compact size to offer a refined cruising experience in which personal service, scenic exploration and traditional values take centre stage.
Perfectly sized for smaller port destinations and closer coastal cruising, Fred. Olsen Balmoral cruises are your ticket to discovering the world at a gentler pace. Whether you’re sailing through the fjords, the Baltics or beyond, savour every moment with this exceptional ship.
Inside Balmoral – Ship Overview, Innovation & Features
Balmoral is the flagship of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, timeless design and destination-led itineraries. With a guest capacity of just over 1,300, Balmoral is a smaller ship that offers an intimate, friendly cruising experience evoking the golden age of ocean travel.
Originally launched in 1988 and refurbished after joining the Fred. Olsen fleet in 2008, this ship is the perfect choice for guests who appreciate a traditional ambience, attentive service and the ability to access ports less visited by larger ships.
British Hospitality Anywhere in the World
If you value thoughtful itineraries, attentive British hospitality, and a relaxed on board pace, Balmoral may be your ideal cruise ship. Across its five restaurants, seven bars and two pools, guests can get that classic cruising feel with modern comforts and personalised service.
Balmoral is perfect for those who prefer peaceful days at sea, curated excursions and social settings without the crowds. Its smaller size allows it to navigate into smaller ports, giving guests access to more unique and culturally rich destinations. Its décor, lounges, and entertainment venues are designed to create a home-from-home experience at sea.
Accommodation to Suit Every Need
Throughout Fred. At Olsen Balmoral, each stateroom is equipped to ensure every guest feels comfortable, regardless of their needs. Across its mix of interior, ocean-view and balcony cabins, guests will find lovely furnishings, an en-suite bathroom, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a flat-screen TV and ample luggage storage.
Ocean-view cabins are popular for their natural light and sea views, while balcony cabins offer fresh air and a quiet outdoor space. Suites excel thanks to their additional space, luxury amenities, and priority services, making them ideal for longer voyages or guests who prefer added comfort.
Rooms That Offer Something More
If guests want their cabin to be more than somewhere to return to each evening, the Fred. Olsen Balmoral ship has so many options for guests to find their perfect match. Balcony staterooms offer the luxury of private outdoor space and large windows for scenic cruising and quiet relaxation.
For those seeking extra indulgence, Balmoral’s range of suites offers premium bedding, enhanced in-room amenities and exclusive benefits such as early boarding, complimentary welcome packages and access to a dedicated concierge.
Balmoral Destinations & Itineraries
Mediterranean
For those craving the sunshine, Fred. Olsen Balmoral offers voyages to sun-soaked destinations across the Mediterranean. Enjoy a balance of historic city ports and scenic cruising as you explore Spain, Italy, France, Croatia and more.
Norwegian Fjords
Balmoral regularly explores the dramatic Norwegian Fjords, venturing along stunning coastlines and further north into the Arctic Circle. Sailing between highlights like Ålesund, Kristiansund and Tromsø, you get the chance to witness the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights.
Northern Europe
When you choose a Fred. Olsen Balmoral cruise to Northern Europe, get ready to savour the flavours and historic landmarks of some of Europe’s most iconic cities. Explore Copenhagen on foot and tuck into a delicious smørrebrød before delving into the medieval history of Oslo.
Dining on Balmoral
International Dining Made Simple
Dive into classic British and international cuisine across Balmoral’s main restaurants, the Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon. Guests can choose from fixed or flexible dining times to suit their schedules, and for a more casual option, the Palms Café offers a buffet throughout the day.
Find Your Next Favourite Dish
Whatever guests are craving, Balmoral’s restaurant selection offers the right menu and ambience, including The Grill, which offers al fresco dining with a focus on grilled meats and seafood. Special themed evenings, such as seafood nights and regional-cuisine menus, also provide additional culinary variety.
Social Bars and Lounges
Fred. Olsen Balmoral has so many popular social spots to enjoy an evening, including the Observatory Lounge, with its panoramic views and cocktails, and the Morning Light Pub, perfect for enjoying live sports and ales. The Bookmark Café is ideal for coffee, cakes and reading, and for nightly shows, there’s nowhere better than the Neptune Lounge.
Entertainment & Activities on Balmoral
Entertainment Every Evening
Whether you’re looking for live music, cabaret performances, comedy or guest entertainers, Fred. Olsen Balmoral has something for everyone. Taking place in the Neptune Lounge and other venues, the ship’s entertainment programme is packed, offering dance nights, themed parties and quizzes to suit different tastes.
Enriching Days at Sea
Cruising is a mind-expanding experience, and Balmoral offers enrichment lectures, crafts, painting workshops, bridge tournaments and dance lessons to do just that. The ship also features a well-stocked library and games room for quieter moments, bringing guests together.
Take it Easy at the Spa
Discover the Atlantis Spa and choose from a menu of massages, facials and hair treatments to unwind and forget everyday stresses. Alongside a thermal suite, guests can stay active in the fitness centre or unwind on the open promenade deck with traditional deck games.
Fred. Olsen Balmoral - Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Balmoral is ideal for solo travellers, featuring a range of solo cabins and organised meet-ups to bring like-minded individual travellers together.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase with various data package options. Fred. Olsen offers packages of 1-14+ days, allowing guests to pay for the time they need to browse, email and stream.
Yes, Fred. Olsen offers drinks packages covering a range of beverages, including wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. Premium Drinks Packages cover premium wines, spirits and cocktails, as well as discounts on wine bottles, whiskies and champagne.
Yes, Balmoral offers accessible staterooms and public facilities. Accessible cabins feature roll-in showers and wider doorways. We recommend that guests notify the cruise line at the time of booking to ensure availability.
Fred. Olsen includes accommodation, meals in main dining venues, entertainment and most on board activities with the base cruise fare. Speciality dining, drinks, excursions and spa services incur an extra cost.
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is encouraged. Smart-casual dress is expected in the evenings, with formal nights featured during longer sailings. Guests will be informed in advance of any dress requirements for their cruise.
Ship facts
Balmoral
Entertainment
Entertainment
Lido Lounge
Entertainment
Observatory Bar
Activities
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Spey Restaurant
Food & Drink
Vasco
Food & Drink
Colours & Tastes
Body & Soul
Body & Soul
Body & Soul
The Spa
