
Introduction
Balmoral is named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, and the Scottish theme runs throughout the main dining venues – the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey – where guests can enjoy tantalising menus prepared by our expert chefs.
Featuring 710 well-appointed rooms and suites and a selection of comfortable lounges, bars and inviting public areas, Balmoral provides guests with ample space in which to relax and share a memorable cruise experience with hundreds, not thousands, of fellow travellers. And, as our guests have come to expect, there is always an array of superb entertainment on offer throughout the day, from lectures and hobby classes to live cabaret and comedians, ensuring you can make the most of your time on board.
Balmoral is small enough to navigate size-restricted waterways such as the Kiel Canal, providing fantastic scenic cruising opportunities, and retains the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere that the Fred. Olsen fleet is renowned for.
Fred. Olsen's new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), the latest addition to our fleet of smaller ships. Now standing by to take you even closer.
These exciting crafts take guests away from the tourist trails to see the natural wonders, stunning beaches, spectacular coastlines and much more - in a way few∘ others get to enjoy. An unmissable, immersive journey of exploration.
RIB experiences are available in selected ports and areas of scenic cruising in some of the world's most beautiful regions. These include Norway, Iceland Greenland, Denmark, Sweden, The Maldives, Monaco, France, Estonia and the U.K.
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.
In the heart of the ship, a member of staff is on hand 24 hours a day to deal with any query you may have.
When it comes to evenings onboard your cruise ship, dressing for dinner is traditional. Generally the style is smart casual, with gentlemen wearing a jacket/or shirt and tie and ladies smartly dressed. Chino type trousers∘ or smart dark jeans are acceptable, but no trainers.
During the day the restaurants require cruise guests to adhere to an appropriate dress code, i.e. no swimwear.
Individual needs are as catered for as possible. So, vegetarian, low fat, dairy-free, lactose-free and gluten-free food are all on the menu.
Please make any special requests when you make your cruise∘ booking, and Fred. Olsen will do their best to source exact products, or provide certain foods, such as diabetic desserts. They may not be able to source specific brands given our location or the availability at local ports.
Electronic cigarettes, not emitting a vapour may be used in cabins or on cabin balconies but, are not permitted in any non-smoking public area. They can easily be mistaken for a real cigarette and result in potential∘ confrontation and necessitate staff intervention.
Electronic cigarettes emitting any vapour, even if only a water vapour, may only be smoked in designated external smoking areas.
Upgrade to the special All Inclusive Package and you can relax, knowing almost everything is covered. You'll enjoy selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks all day.
Fred. Olsen welcomes all guests relying on wheelchairs∘ for mobility onboard cruise ships, but they do ask that you advise them of your mobility needs at the time of booking in order to meet their health & safety requirements.
At Fred. Olsen we are committed to reducing the impact we have on the environment around us.
With our ships sailing to the four corners of the earth, we want to minimise the impact we make on all the beautiful places we visit∘ and ensure that they are protected for future generations. As a company, we strive to comply with all environmental requirements and take steps to exceed them whenever possible.
Continuing our ongoing efforts to help alleviate plastic pollution and its global environmental impact, single use plastic water bottles∘ are no longer available to purchase throughout our fleet, for guests or crew, and glass carafes, which are replenished daily, are in use in all cabins.
Guests can bring their own refillable water bottles, or purchase on board in the ship's Port Shop; these can be filled in any of our bars, and we are in the process of installing water stations across the fleet.
Little changes can make a big difference
✔ We have removed all single-use coffee cups, plastic cutlery and plastic straws
✔ Plastic jam and butter portions have been replaced with refillable options
✔ New linen bags have replaced plastic laundry bags
✔ The consumption of cling film in The Galley has been reduced
✔ Ropes are now used to secure items during rough seas rather than plastic
✔ Wooden pencils are provided in cabins, instead of plastic pens
✔ All printed marketing communication is on responsibly sourced FSC approved paper
Refill your water bottle!
We are excited to be supporting the Refill Campaign, run by environmental campaigning organisation City to Sea, to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastic water bottles on the environment, and encourage people to use refillable water bottles instead.
A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and it’s predicted that figure will rise by another 20% by 2021.
Find out more about how you could save money, stay hydrated and help prevent plastic pollution at source with Refill.
Download the Refill app to find your nearest station today and become a 'Refill Champion'.
Fuel
Fred. Olsen comply with all international policies∘ and take steps to exceed them whenever possible.
Our ocean-going ships use a mix of Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO) and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). As we approach port of calls and sail through special emission control areas, the LSFO – which has a sulphur content of just 0.1% – is used. Outside of these areas, we switch to the use of HFO, which contains a sulphur content of 1-2%. Both fuels are currently below the existing global sulphur limit.
From 1st January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50%. We have already started to take steps to switch our ships to lower emission fuel where possible.
Waste Recycling
All waste created on board is taken to a dedicated waste and recycling sorting area on the vessel.
It is then separated into glass, metal cans, paper/cardboard, plastic, food waste and general waste. Once sorted, these materials∘ are compacted and stored ready to be offloaded at the next available port. Cooking oil is also offloaded in port, so that it can be repurposed.
Food waste is, on some occasions, pulped and then discharged into the sea in accordance with Marpol regulations, as food waste can be eaten by fish. In addition, some items are incinerated∘ on board, again in accordance with all environmental and safety regulations.
This suite is approximately 430 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 11.
This suite has a sitting room, balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service∘ and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
This room grade benefits from the Suite Dreams package - please see Suite Dreams Terms and Conditions.
This suite is approximately 390 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10.
This suite has a bedroom with a large double bed and a sitting∘ area, a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
This room grade benefits from the Suite Dreams package - please see Suite Dreams Terms and Conditions.
This suite is approximately 275 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10 & Bridge Deck 9.
This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
This room grade benefits from the Suite Dreams package - please see Suite Dreams Terms and Conditions.
This suite is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10, Bridge Deck 9 and Lido Deck 8.
This suite has a bedroom with a sitting area and a balcony. There is an en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
Please note, rooms 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are equipped for use by disabled passengers.
These cabins are approximately 190 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9.
Slightly larger than a BC grade, these cabins have a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies.
This cabin is approximately 180 square feet in size, and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9.
It has a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies.
This cabin is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8.
It has a picture window, bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Around 165 square feet in size, these rooms are located on the Lido Deck 8 and Main Deck 6. Fitted with everything you need for your stay, there’s a picture window too.
The bathroom has bath and/or shower, there’s a TV, mini fridge, hairdryer and safe.
*Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido Deck are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted window.
Located on Atlantic Deck 5. Around 165 square feet, with a picture window; and have a bathroom with a shower or bath.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
These cabins are approximately 165 square feet in size, and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5 and Coral Deck 4.
They have a picture window and a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
This cabin is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4.
It has a picture window and a bathroom with shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
This cabin is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4.
It has a picture window and a bathroom with a shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please note that some of the K grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Ocean View cabin.
Our Superior Interior Rooms are approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9.
These rooms have a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please note, rooms 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck have been adapted for use by disabled passengers.
This cabin is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Atlantic Deck 5.
It has a bathroom with shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
These cabins are approximately 130 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Marina Deck 3.
They have a bathroom with shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
This suite is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9.
This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower.
All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Smoking is permitted on room balconies.
*Please note that some of the JB grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Balcony Suites.
This cabin is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8.
It has a picture window, a bathroom with bath and/or shower.
Facilities include air conditioning, a TV, mini fridge, telephone, safe and hairdryer.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please note cabins 8061 and 8072 have a small balcony.
This cabin is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4.
It has a picture window and a bathroom with a shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
Please note that some of the K grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Ocean View cabin.
This cabin is approximately 140 square feet in size and can be found on Marina Deck 3.
It has a porthole and a bathroom with shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
This cabin is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9.
It has a bath and/or shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
This cabin is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Atlantic Deck 5.
It has a bathroom with shower.
All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).
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.
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 Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring ashore, or while away some time at sea. Take a seat at the bar and chat with the friendly staff and your fellow guests, or perhaps grab a table and appreciate the talent of the resident musicians with a glass of your favourite drink in hand. A newly installed, 75 inch widescreen TV - complete with immersive Bose surround sound system - shows various channels, keeping you up to date with news, sports and maybe a few of your favourite programmes, too.
Located on Lido Deck 8, the Lido Bar overlooks the aft pool on Lounge Deck 7 and offers superb, unspoilt views from the stern of the ship whether you’re at sea or docked alongside in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
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.
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.
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.
Life on the ocean waves doesn’t mean having to sacrifice the regular ‘caffeine fix’ at your favourite coffee shop. The Bookmark Café serves a selection of delicious
speciality coffees – espresso, cappuccino, mocha, iced lattes and more – along with quality tea blends.
Enjoy a quiet moment with a good book or share the experience with good conversation. You’re sure to be tempted by our heavenly fresh chocolates too. From pralines to Champagne truffles, these melt-in-the-mouth treats are too good to miss.