Balmoral

No matter where you choose to explore, our passion for showing you the world shines through. We encourage you to head off on a journey of discovery in every destination to really get the most out of every moment of your holiday.

Taking exploration to the next level are our on board RIBs. In operation on board all our vessels, these exciting crafts offer our guests the chance to be immersed in destinations in a way few others get to enjoy.

Exploration is so much more rewarding when you can experience it from a refreshing new angle, when you are taken away from the tourist trail to see something really special. Whether you're breaking new ground by venturing even deeper into a stunning fjord, heading off on a scenic journey to an untouched beach, or sailing past an isolated spot of spectacular coastline only accessible by boat, you'll have an unmissable chance to see things on or by the ocean that regular cruise line guests never see.

The Rib Experience

Fred. Olsen’s RIBs have capacity for up to 12 guests and excursions last approximately one hour. While our RIB tours are available to all, guests must be physically able to step aboard the boat. This includes being capable of lifting their leg over the seat and sitting comfortable in their allocated seat. If you are interested in booking a RIB tour, we advise that you speak to our Destinations Team to view and trial a sample seat before you book.

When the time to join your tour arrives, it’s important to prepare properly for your adventure. The clothing you should wear will depend on your destination and the weather. If you’re exploring a colder region, such as Norway or Greenland, you will be required to wear a specially designed wind suit over light, comfortable clothing, to keep you warm and dry. In warmer climes what you wear is up to you, just please be mindful of wind temperatures. Whatever the weather, you will need to wear flat shoes and a life vest.

Once we’re happy all guests are ready to embark, you’ll be invited to step on board your RIB and join your expert driver and tour guide. When all guests are comfortable, it’s time to set-off in search of sights and highlights that many guests on ‘regular’ tours won’t uncover, negotiating spectacular waterways at high speed for an exhilarating, simply unforgettable ride. You might take in stunning natural wonders; sail breathtaking coastlines; or discover remote, hidden-away settlements – wherever you visit is sure to enthral and inspire; just don’t forget to take your camera with you! 

The Arts & Crafts Room onboard your cruise ship is the perfect space to explore your ideas and designs with arts and crafts lecturers. So, for the creatives amongst you, there will be plenty to keep you entertained throughout your cruise holiday, and perhaps leave you with your own self-crafted souvenir to take home.

We're often joined on board our ships by port experts and guest speakers to talk our guests through a range of subjects and topics, such as history, geography, aviation, wine tasting and foods of the world.

On all cruises our informative Port Talks will be available for our guests to enjoy in preparation for arrival into each port. Our knowledgable lecturers share information to help guests make the most of their time ashore, while on some sailings, there are lectures that delve deeper into specific destinations on the itinerary too.

For many of our guests, the time spent on the dance-floor is one of the highlights of their days on board our smaller ships. So its no wonder that our Dance Classes – hosted by our wonderful Entertainment teams – always prove popular.Show less

Our instructors teach a variety of dancing styles, from line dancing to ballroom and sequence dancing, helping guests to learn and perfect their steps and moves before they head for their ship's lounges in the evening to dance the night away. 

Hosted by our Sommeliers, Tasting Sessions* on board our smaller ships offer a fascinating insight into the production processes, scents and flavours of some of the world's finest tipples.Show less

The Tasting Sessions on your cruise could include opportunities to sample everything from delicious wines and Champagne to whiskey and a range of spirits, while occasionally our experts will also teach you the art of pairing food and drink to create combinations that perfectly blend the nuances of their flavour.

*To join our Tasting Sessions, there is an additional charge and this can vary on the type tastings on offer, full details can be found in your Daily Times once on board. 

Unlike other cruise companies who sail the same routes year after year, we are constantly researching and hand-crafting new itineraries. On every cruise we run a programme designed to inspire travel, where you can find out about the development of our new itineraries. Don't worry, these are not sales talks or "exit through the gift shop" ruses - just an opportunity for travel enthusiasts to daydream about what is yet to come.

With ample time and space to relax, many of our guests make the most of the opportunity to get stuck in to a good book during a cruise holiday on board one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller, friendlier ships. This is why to enhance reading enrichment further, we have introduced the Fred. Olsen Book Club on selected sailings, a chance to talk all things ‘bookish’ with like-minded people.

Hosted by the Entertainment Managers and their Team, the Book Club provides a welcoming, social space in which you can openly and informally discuss thoughts and views on bestselling lighter reads, crime-thrillers and traditional or contemporary classics. Specific categories and titles to discuss at the Book Club on each cruise are chosen in advance and listed below, allowing you time to purchase the books or download them to your kindle, and read them before you set sail. These books will also be available from your ship’s shop, should you wish to wait until you’re on board to join in the fun.

So, if you love a good book while discovering the world with Fred. Olsen, what better way to indulge your passion than joining your friends and fellow guests at the Book Club?

To enhance your Book Club experience even further, why not enjoy a delicious speciality coffee as you immerse yourself in your book with our Bookmark Bestseller card with 7 hot drinks (teas, coffees, or hot chocolates) for you to enjoy and a bag of milk or mixed truffles priced at just £25?

We look forward to welcoming you!

In addition to our Signature Experiences, for just £49pp, you can discover the secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll have special access to areas that are normally off-limits to guests, providing a unique peek into the inner workings of our vessel. You can explore the Galley to see how our chefs prepare all of our delicious dishes, learn about managing the stores and laundry facilities, see the Engine Room and the Bridge, where one of the team will talk you through how your ship navigates the world's waterways.

We have limited this tour to only 12 spaces to offer the most immersive experience possible, and it can be booked via your My Cruises account approximately 13 weeks prior to departure.

New - Our Behind the Scenes Tours!

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and discover the hidden secrets and challenges of running a cruise ship. You'll gain special access to areas usually off-limits to guests, offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of our vessel. Venture into the Galley to see how our chefs prepare your delicious meals, learn what it takes to manage the stores and laundry room, and enjoy visits to the Engine Control Room and the Bridge. Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet and speak with our dedicated crew members, gaining insights into life on board and hearing their stories first-hand. You will also receive a keepsake lanyard and a professional photo to commemorate your adventure. To ensure the most enjoyable, immersive experience, we have limited this tour to just 12 spaces.

Approx. 2 hours | £49pp

This tour is bookable in My Cruises around 13 week prior to departure.

The Olsen Art Studio on board Balmoral embodies the Olsen family's love of art, providing a spacious area filled with arts and crafts items for a range of tasks. It's a location for people who enjoy painting or drawing at home and want to improve their talents while at sea, and it's also a welcoming venue for guests who may have enjoyed art in the past but haven't had the opportunity to pursue it again.

Classes and activities led by various instructors will be held in the studio, as well as providing an open place for guests to come and work on their own unique arts and crafts projects.

With its large windows, spectacular glass roof and beautiful décor and furnishings, the Marquee Bar provides guests with the perfect place to relax or meet up with new found friends. With a selection of beers, wines and expertly-created cocktails available, it's the perfect venue for a pre or post-dinner drink, or for joining your fellow guests after enjoying a day ashore.

The Observatory has spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful lounge to enjoy a drink in as you take a seat in one of the comfortable chairs by the lounge's large windows - ideal for our Scenic Discoveries, one of our five Signature Experiences, accompanied by commentary from our on board team about the waterways you'll observe from this perfect viewpoint. Or, join us for our Ship and the Sea Experiences, as our officers host navigational chart and map reading sessions for guests. As we head into the evening, the Observatory comes to life with music and singing from our resident live bands, and you'll have the choice of a selection of champagnes, sparkling cocktails or mocktails to add an extra touch of glamour to your on board experience.

Our spacious and sociable Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and chat with our friendly staff and your fellow guests. Popular both before and after dinner, the bar has large panoramic windows overlooking the aft pool, allowing natural light to flow through; while the lounge is perfect for enjoying music from our resident musicians, or enjoying some of our fantastic Signature Experiences.

Named after one of the largest sailing ships owned by the Olsen family in 1892 and decorated to resemble a British pub, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and traditional style. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends both old and new. Featuring a well-stocked bar with a collection of beer and cider, including both British and international classics, and a selection from independent breweries close to our office in Ipswich, sip a drink and listen to our resident singers and guitarists, or take part in the popular (and competitive!) Fred. Olsen quiz.

The Oriental Room has been designed using exotic décor, elegant furnishings and with a menu of quality teas and herbal infusions, to provide an authentic taste of the Far East. Enjoy a selection of oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, as well as a few favourite blends from back home, such as Earl Grey and English Chamomile. If you prefer something cold and refreshing, the choice of tea cocktails and delicious bottled beer, including Tiger and Tsingtao, are sure to tempt too. We also offer a non-alcoholic cocktail menu, based on Sri Lankan and Chinese teas.

Join our Show Team in the Neptune Lounge as they put on memorable shows for you, along with guest comedians, singers and magicians, who’ll delight and entertain you, and do join us for our popular Captain’s Welcome and Farewell parties. During the day, the Neptune Lounge is used for our Signature Experiences, where our guest speakers will share their knowledge with you, delivering fascinating talks and activities, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the destinations you’ll be visiting. It's also the perfect place to attend our 'Audience with...'sessions, where you can learn about how much work goes into our Shows, or hear about life as a ship's Captain or officer.

Featuring plenty of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Card Room on board Balmoral provides guests with a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply a bit of fun. Bridge is always a popular pursuit on board, so you're sure to find players up for a challenge. On some cruises, Bridge tuition is on offer to help you develop your skills.

Located in the Bookmark Café on Lounge Deck, Balmoral's well-appointed library provides a wide variety of books and publications, including some large print books to delve into, accompanied by speciality coffees, teas and tempting chocolates or baked treats served close by to this quiet, comfortable space.

The shops on board Balmoral offer everything you may want or need during your time on board, whether you're treating yourself or a loved one to a holiday gift or simply needing some basic essentials. Visit the Boutique Shop for perfumes, colognes and much more at Duty Free prices, or select from our superb range of Fred. Olsen branded merchandise, including casual tshirts, jackets and gilets, tote bags and rucksacks, travel mugs for perhaps taking your coffee from the Bookmark Café ashore, or lanyards for your all-important cabin card. If you need essentials, you'll find everything from sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste to books and snacks too, and you could also bring home something special from the Jewellery Shop.

Designed in shades of lush greens and vibrant yellows, the Botanical Room aboard Balmoral offers a warm and inviting space for guests to unwind. Here, you can delve into a collection of magazines and books celebrating gardening, flowers, plant care, and the incredible diversity of flora around the world, in peaceful surroundings adorned with plush seating.

Keep fit by swimming a few lengths, or cool down after relaxing in the sunshine on deck in either of Balmoral’s large, heated saltwater pools. Located in the centre of Marquee Deck and at the stern of the ship on Lounge Deck, both pools are surrounded by open deck space and plenty of loungers, so are perfect for soaking up the sunshine or losing yourself in a good book. For blissful relaxation, head for the Jacuzzi and let the warm, bubbling water soak any cares away, while you chat with fellow guests.

Our Atlantis Spa provides soothing surroundings for our guests relaxation and enjoyment. Large picture windows are perfect for offering scenic cruising points or ocean views, so indulge in the ultimate relaxation for the mind, body and soul in our tranquil setting as our Spa team on board Balmoral pamper you. With a wide range of luxurious treatments on offer, including massages, manicures, pedicures, relaxation treatments and hairdressing; you'll leave feeling completely energised and revitalised, or feeling fabulous with a new cut or style.

The Atlantis Spa can be pre booked 13 weeks in advance, via your My Cruises account.

If you enjoy working out, Balmoral's Fitness Centre is fully equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment you'd expect to find in your gym back home, including running machines, bikes, cross trainers, weight machines and free weights. On board Balmoral and across our fleet of ships, we run a variety of complimentary yoga, pilates or stretching classes in the Fitness Centre, which are suitable for everyone from beginners to regular gym-goers, run by our fully qualified Fitness Instructors. Join us for an invigorating Walk a Mile session or a relaxing sunrise pilates or yoga class out on deck. We also have circuits, fitball or legs, bums & tums sessions. Details of classes can be found in your Daily Times each day.

Or, treat yourself to Personal Training sessions with our fully qualified, friendly trainers, where you can receive a one-to-one programme tailored just to your needs.

Stay in shape on your holiday in our fully-equipped Fitness Centres on board our ships.

Our friendly, fully-qualified fitness instructors will be on hand to assist you on the treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes and free weights.

Why not take a fitness class? Guests can enjoy our complimentary yoga, aerobics, stretch and tone or pilates classes while cruising. Or, for a more relaxing workout, enjoy the sea views with the ‘walk a mile’ group, as you stroll your ship's deck at your a leisurely pace, or swim a few lengths of the pool.

Locations of the Fitness Centres on board each ship are as follows:

Balmoral - Highland Deck 10

Details of opening hours will be in your Daily Times. The minimum age to use the Fitness Centre is 18 years.

Personal Training & Fitness Classes

This low-impact exercise emphasises the use of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and thighs to help improve flexibility, build muscular strength and enhance movement.

This class focuses on the core elements of flexibility, strength, power, and balance. You will be taken through a series of different poses to give your entire body a complete flexibility and toning workout.

This core strengthening class is designed to improve your range of motion, strength, stability co-ordination and balance. Fitball provides a thorough workout which helps to develop a stronger core, correct posture and improve body alignment.

Resistance bands are easy to use, effective and perfect for beginners. Enabling you to focus on specific areas of your body, they are great for toning and sculpting muscles. Used correctly, they are also great for a full body workout.

This series of slow and gentle, low-intensity exercises and stretches help to maintain your balance, improve flexibility and to relax and focus your mind.

This class is designed to improve the abdominal muscles which have a crucial role in posture, supporting the spine, stability and respiratory functions such as breathing.

This fun class combines a variety of techniques to offer a great low-impact cardio workout, improving the strength and movement of your muscles and joints, while promoting a healthy heart.

Legs, Bums & Tums | 30 mins
Great for building and strengthening key muscles, this class includes a combination of movements to target the lower body, shaping and toning your lower body while improving flexibility.

Please note some classes have a limited capacity and can only be booked once on board with the Reception in The Atlantis Spa.

Nutrition

Body composition analysis is a physical test that accurately measures your body fat and the amount of lean tissue you have, which includes your muscle, water, bone and organs. Accurate assessment of body composition allows you to plan sensible nutrition and exercise programmes based on your body fat and lean tissue percentage.

This is a blood test that measures IgG antibodies which may be linked to inflammatory conditions in the body, manifesting in a range of health issues. You don’t have to send off a sample and wait weeks to receive results, simply visit the Atlantis Spa for a Food Detective™ check instead. Simple, safe, accurate and fast. Food Detective™ is the world’s first test for food intolerance.

Nutrition consultation | 45 min | £26

Whilst a Fred. Olsen cruise is about relaxing and enjoying some time away from daily life, we understand that many of our guests like to continue their fitness routine even when they're on board our smaller ships.

This is why our ships feature fully-equipped Fitness Centres, and we offer a wide range of complimentary fitness classes - perfect for beginners and experience gym-goers alike - too. Guests can join our instructors for Pilates, Yoga, Fitball and much more, and all at no extra cost.

On Fred. Olsen’s peak holiday season cruises, it is our pleasure to welcome your ‘Little Skippers’ aboard Bolette, Balmoral and Borealis* and into our fun, friendly and engaging kids club.

Run by professional hosts, the Little Skippers Club is designed to ensure children aged between 5 and 11, and their parents or grandparents, get the most from their holiday. Leave your children with us and we’ll keep them entertained with a variety of creative and exciting activities and events, such as arts and crafts sessions, deck games, treasure hunts, quizzes, cookie and pizza making and much more.

All activities, plus timings for children-only pool sessions, are advertised in the Little Skippers Club’s ‘mini’ version of the Daily Times, which is provided in your cabin or available at Guest Services each day. So, you can plan your time relaxing by the pool, in your favourite bar or even the soothing Atlantis Spa, safe in the knowledge that your children are enjoying their time on board too.

*For 2025 only aboard Borealis.

Please note Little Skippers is run subject to numbers.

The 'Little Skippers Daily Times' will be available to collect from Guest Services each day and will detail a variety of fun activities for our Little Skippers! Exact activities will vary from cruise to cruise, but we've listed some example activities below:

• Treasure hunts
• Table Tennis
• Bean Bag Toss
• Dolphin Racing
• Arts & crafts
• Deck Quoits
• Silent disco
• Competitions
• Games night/Movie nights
• Cookie Baking & Decorating
• Swimming

Parents/Guardians: Under 5’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is over 18. If there are no children within 30 minutes of a session’s start time the Little Skippers Club will not run for that session.